In this installment, we will cover the trial of Stephen. This trial begins in chapter 6 and carries over into chapter 7. Keep in mind that the chapters and verses in the Bible were added later to make it easier to reference. Sometimes these chapters can be a hinderance to studying a topic thoroughly. When studying your Bible, be aware of this fact and do not let arbitrary chapter breaks and verse splits stop you from reading an entire thought or account of an event.  

False Accusations  

The conclusion of the Acts 6 should be taken as a warning to those who powerfully pursue the work of God. We read that Stephen was accused of blasphemy in verse 11. It appears that these accusations were levied against Stephen because they could not answer what he had to say (see Acts 6:9-10). These men were disputing with Stephen about the things of God and most likely were trying to discredit him but failed. Jesus promised this when preparing His disciples before His crucifixion in Luke 21:14-15. 

Rather than accept the truth coming out of Stephen’s mouth, these men decided to accuse him of blasphemy. They stirred up the people, elders, and scribes against Stephen to bring him to trial (Acts 6:12) which was a forerunner of Jesus’ prophecy in Luke 21:12. If you are preaching the same gospel as Jesus Christ, then you can expect to be accused of blasphemy. Jesus was accused of the same thing (Matt. 26:59-65).  

Remember that the majority of the world preaches about another Jesus different from what the Holy Bible teaches. The majority of “Christian” denominations barely mention the coming kingdom of God and the requirements for entry. Very few teach what the apostles taught about being the sons of God. If you teach what the Word of God actually teaches, you will be considered a heretic and blasphemer because the true message of Jesus Christ is offensive to the world (see John 17 and Matt. 28:19-20). Jesus’ message of access to eternal life included commands that described a complete overhaul of human character. This message is seldomly preached. Yes, many preach about the obvious sins such homosexuality, fornication, and murder, but they do not preach (in its entirety) what Jesus commanded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. 

Indeed, the good news is that you can be reconciled to God the Father through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ His Son. This good news includes the admonition to repent, that is change how you think, how your feel, and how you behave and bring your character in alignment with the character of God the Father (Matt. 5:48). Those who do not conform to the character of God, will not enter into His kingdom. The majority of ministries proclaim the greatness of God, but refuse to proclaim that Jesus came to show us how to be like the Father. ALL of Jesus’ teachings about moral character had to do with being like our Father in heaven. See Matt. 5:44-45; Matt. 6:14-15; Luke 6:36 as a few examples.  

Again, the true gospel is offensive to those who want a Savior but do not want to do what He says. Jesus came to show us how we must live. He delivered us the words He received from the Father (John 12:48-50). Jesus brought us the words of eternal life that we must live by. If we truly believe Him, then we will live by His commands and teach others to observe them. Faith without works is dead, but if you are faithful, you will be labelled as a religious extremist, a legalist, or a heretic. Be of good cheer and keep Matt 5:12 in your heart!!! 

Stephen taught the real gospel (as we will see in the verses to come) and those who took offense to this message gathered false witnesses against him (Acts 6:13-14). The truth is that these men did not keep the customs delivered through Moses neither did they understand them. If they did, they would not have stirred others up to bare false witness which is explicitly against the law. These men took offense to the true gospel which includes a message about God’s moral law and the requirement to keep it. For this, Stephen was put on trial (Acts 6:15). 

Understanding Stephen’s Words: God Will Work His Purpose 

In chapter 7, we are given an example how a man blessed by God and full of the Holy Spirit will respond to absurd allegations. Stephen’s words were a macro-overview of Israel’s history. Please read verses 1 through 45 carefully. These verses show that God was working out His will throughout Israel’s history. Stephen included God’s promises, and the prophecies associated with His promises (see verses 5-6 and 37). Also note that Stephen pointed out how Joseph and Moses were rejected of the people of Israel as a judge established by God, but in the end, God caused it to be so. Jesus was that prophet to come (in verse 37) who Israel would reject though Moses warned them that they should listen to Him.  

Sidenote: It is important to note that the Jesus mentioned in verse 45 is Joshua. Jesus is an English transliteration of a Greek transliteration for the Hebrew name Yeshua. Remember, Stephen is giving an overview of Israel’s history before Jesus Christ.  

In verses 46-53, Stephen addresses their hypocrisy directly. He showed how they venerated the temple and temple service but not the one who the temple was made for. Stephen quotes Isaiah 66:1 and the beginning of verse 2. These religious leaders worshipped the temple service and overvalued their status in its’ operations. Jesus challenged them on the very same point in Matt. 23:16-22. These men were blind to the purpose of these things and how they were meant to point them to God. They rejected that God wanted His children to be a certain way and have a specific type of character (Isa. 66:2).  

Reread Acts 7:51. These leaders were circumcised physically but they were not circumcised where it is necessary. In this verse, Stephen is reiterating what Moses said in Deut. 10:16. Stephen exposed their (and their fathers) rejection of the prophets who were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:52).  

Now verse 53 is a verse that is commonly ignored because it flies in the face of mainstream doctrine. Remember, Stephen is comparing these men to their forefathers who rejected the message of the prophets about the coming Messiah. Their forefathers murdered the prophets. Their forefathers received the law from the disposition of angels. Please keep in mind that the word angel means a messenger or envoy. This does not necessarily mean a being from heaven. Disposition means arrangement i.e. institution. Stephen was saying that their forefathers received the law because God deliberately arranged and instituted His messengers to bring His word to them. Nevertheless, their forefathers rejected God’s purpose, and they were doing the same thing.  

Murdered for the Truth 

Stephen exposed these men who were accusing him as hypocrites. They claimed to be followers of God’s law yet they did not keep it. They did not accept the prophecies given by God through His prophets about the coming Messiah. This truth offended them deeply (See verse 54).  

At this point, Stephen was in a very dangerous situation. He was standing in front of an emotionally charged crowd he just offended. Nevertheless, God was with him and showed him a vision (see verse 55). Rather than remain silent because of fear, Stephen declared the vision unto the angry mob (verse 56). This declaration enraged the crowd further and they stoned him as a result (verses 57-60).  

What can we learn from this event? How does it apply to living in the end times?  

1. Even those who should know the truth can be offended by it. The religious leaders should have been familiar with the history and prophecies concerning Israel and the Messiah. This knowledge did not stop them from being offended. These ‘religious” men rejected the truth even though they had access to it. The lesson to learn is do not expect those who should know to accept the truth if you declare it. Remember it is God who opens the eyes and ears of men (Mark 4:10-12). You may just be an instrument of His will.  

2. There are MANY who claim to be the servants of God. These men may have knowledge but do not understand it (Luke 10:21). God reveals truth to the humble. Avoid becoming arrogant by the things you know. Be willing to search the scripture to determine whether or not something is true (I Thes. 5:21).  The arrogance of man makes us subject to deception.  

3. Never allow fear to stop you from telling the truth. Stephen stood before an angry mob, yet he proclaimed the truth of God (Matt. 10:28). Do not deny the truth, the real gospel of Jesus Christ, to spare your life (Luke 12:8-9; Luke 17:33).  

4. Maintain a merciful attitude like Stephen in Acts 7:60. It is easy to allow yourself to become angry with those who reject the truth of God. Remember, there was a time when you actively engaged in a sinful lifestyle. You may still be trying to overcome certain sins. Be merciful with others as God has been merciful to you (Matt. 5:7; Luke 6:36). 

In due time, all will come to know and accept the truth. Isa 45:22-25; Rom. 14:11-12