ADULT STS LESSON 191 STEPHEN’S DEFENCE AND MARTYRDOM
MEMORY VERSE:
“And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60).
TEXT:
Acts 7:1–60
The text presents us with a new dimension in the persecution of the early Church. Here, we have a record of the first disciple who sealed his testimony of Jesus with his life as his persecutors raised the tempo of persecution from ordinary assault to death by stoning. As a matter of fact, persecution is the lot of all true Christians all over the world (2 Timothy 3:12).
Stephen’s life was the first to attract the dastardly act of martyrdom in the early Church. The way he died reveals that he was full of grace, not only to live for Christ but also to die for His testimony. We must note however, that martyrdom in itself is meaningless if the believer’s life is not Christ-centred, virtuous, righteous and holy.
On his part, Stephen led a life that pleased God as the Scripture affirms that he was “full of faith and power”. Thus, it was his Christlike life of faith and power that brought him to limelight for service in the early Church. Every believer needs to learn that genuine salvation and consistent holy living precede service in God’s vineyard.
Salvation comes through faith in the atoning work of Christ at Calvary. And everyone who exercises faith in Christ for salvation and receives Him as Saviour and Lord will have the initial deposit of God’s power in his or her life (Ephesians 2:8,9; John 1:12). Believers need the experiences of sanctification and Holy Ghost baptism to be full of faith and power.
Though full of power, Stephen was also humble. It takes one who possesses the virtue of humility to accept responsibility to do a menial job or render supportive service in the church. Faith, the spiritual eye that sees God and enlists His support through prayer, is indispensable in the lives of believers who seek to be as useful in the kingdom of God as Stephen.
Like many Christian servants would have done now, Stephen did not complain of being under-utilised. Rather, he was faithful in carrying out the task assigned to him wholeheartedly while at the same time developing himself to be able to excel in the preaching ministry. It is no wonder then that he “did great wonders and miracles among the people”.
His life challenges every believer to the primacy of commitment to the Great Commission regardless of other assignments or opposition we face.
SCRIPTURES’ TESTIMONY ABOUT STEPHEN
(Acts 7:1–50; Genesis 37:18–20,27,28; 41:25–44; Exodus 2:11–14; Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 66:1)
“Then said the high priest, Are these things so?” (Acts 7:1).
Stephen was brought before the council and accused of blasphemy against God, Moses, the Law and the temple. This was clearly a chance for Stephen to defend himself. But his response was rather a testimony of the faithfulness of God to His promises all through the history of the nation.
He traced the history of Israel in a scriptural, interesting manner to the audience. His testimony also showed the unfaithfulness of the people in spite of all the opportunities they had. Finally, it proved to be an indictment of his accusers for failing to be faithful to the sacred institutions they profess to defend.
Stephen gave a summary of the history of Israel beginning from the call of Abraham to the time of Christ. While tracing this history, he affirmed his faith in the only true God who has been in control of the destiny of Israel. He showed them convincingly that he believed the same God they believed, the God of Israel.
His defence proved that he was more conversant with the Greek version of the Old Testament. Notwithstanding, his response adequately provided convicting reply to the charges made against him.
Citing Joseph and Moses as God’s agents of deliverance at different times, he showed that their earlier rejection by the people did not prevent His programme. The point is, Christ became the Messiah, Redeemer and Saviour of all, though rejected and crucified out of envy by the Jews (Matthew 1:21; Psalms 2:1–12; 118:22,23; Acts 5:29–31).
Second, he tried to correct the wrong notions the Jews had about the temple (Acts 7:33; Exodus 3:5). This implies that God cannot be limited to residing in any temple. In any case, while Solomon’s temple remained, God rejected the Israelites and they were taken into captivity because of idolatry, among other sins (Amos 5:25–27).
By these references, Stephen proved that the temple was neither a necessary requirement nor a guarantee of the true worship of God. This also agrees with the words of the Lord Jesus Christ that:
“…ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father… and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:21–24).
Third, Stephen showed how Moses’ ministry prescribed obedience to Christ. He delivered Israel with great power, signs and wonders in Egypt, the Red Sea and in the wilderness. He later prophesied of another leader who must be obeyed:
“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken” (Deuteronomy 18:15).
No other person matched Moses on all counts. While Moses wrought physical deliverance for Israel, Jesus is the Captain of our salvation (Matthew 1:21). Christ is the expected Prophet that Moses prophesied about.
Fourth, he traced the lingering national history of rebellion against the Law and the Prophets (Acts 7:40). Even after settling in Canaan, possession of the law did not prevent rebellion (Acts 7:48; 1 Kings 18:17–22).
Fifth, he showed that the Jewish generation of his time was no better than their fathers, as they too had betrayed and murdered Christ. Stephen was so full of the Scriptures, an indictment to believers who do not read and study the Bible.
STEPHEN’S TESTIMONY AGAINST THE PERSECUTORS
(Acts 7:51–53; Exodus 33:2–5; Psalm 106:43; Isaiah 63:10; Jeremiah 19:15; John 7:19)
“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye” (verse 51).
Stephen indicted the whole nation for rejecting God and His Law. They were stiff-necked, disobedient, shallow in their respect for God’s Law, and depraved in heart like their forefathers. He charged them with betraying and murdering “the Just One”.
Prejudice and external religion have a binding effect on the human mind. Those who reject Christ cannot escape judgment except they repent. Stephen answered the false accusations and presented Christ as Saviour, which should be the ultimate goal of gospel ministry.
STEPHEN’S TRIUMPH OVER HIS ACCUSERS
(Acts 7:54–60; 1 Chronicles 28:20; Luke 23:34; 1 Peter 2:21–23; 4:12–16)
Stephen’s accusers were convicted but chose violence over repentance. While being stoned, Stephen was granted a vision of the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.
Jesus standing signifies divine recognition, honour, and acceptance of Stephen’s faithful service. Stephen prayed for his persecutors and died victoriously, overcoming hatred with love.
For him, death had no sting and the grave no victory (1 Corinthians 15:55–57). His life and death challenge believers to overcome evil with good.
QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW
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What can we learn from the life of Stephen?
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Why are the virtues of humility and faithfulness important in Christian service?
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Identify the salient points in the testimony of Stephen.
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Why is hardness of heart dangerous?
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What is the significance of Stephen’s last vision?
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What should the believer’s attitude be towards persecutors?
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Why is the death of the righteous viewed as triumphant?
