Acts – The Sequel – Week 7.
Acts 7:53-60
In Chapter 6 we are introduced to a man called Stephen. He is chosen alongside 6 others to be deacons in the church. To help wait on tables and distribute food to women and children.
Chapters 6 and 7 give us a snapshot of who Stephen was and what he was like.
– v6:5 “…A man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”. He was faithful in his serving and full of faith in how he lived. We fill our lives with lots of things and stuff but to be filled with faith is a quality we
should all long for and is made possible through the Holy Spirit.
– v6:8 “Stephen a man full of God’s grace and power…” He understood that his Salvation was in Jesus alone. Not earnt or due to heritage.
– v6:8 “[He] performed great wonders and signs among the people.” Stephen lived out his faith and demonstrated the power of the one he followed. However, opposition to him arose (V10)
from the religious leaders and he was seized and brought before the Sanhedrin.
– v6:15 “His face was like the face of an angel.” As they looked at Stephen we read this about him. He was reflecting the Glory of the Lord. As we move into Chapter 7, Stephen responds to the charge of blaspheming!
– v2-50 Stephen gives a concise and deliberate retelling of the entire Salvation story of God and his people. Covering key events from covenant to Moses calling, the commandments and tons
more. When he had finished he adds his own final message…
– v51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” This angered the Sanhedrin, they were furious and gnashed their teeth. Now the crowd were gunning for him. What follows is Stephen saying three incredible things
– v56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Stephen has a wonderful vision. In other passages Jesus is always sitting at the right hand of the
Father not standing. But here Jesus is standing to welcome Stephen into heaven.
– v59 “Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’” Similar words to those that Jesus spoke on the cross. He was prepared to die. He had given himself in life and now gave himself in death.
– v60 “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” In his death he prayed for those who were persecuting him, not for
himself or for his situation but for the forgiveness of those throwing the stones. Again, similar to Jesus on the cross.
