Acts Chapter 7: Stephen’s Defense and Martyrdom


Summary
Acts 7 narrates Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin, defending himself against false accusations, and his subsequent martyrdom, the first recorded Christian martyr. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Stephen’s Speech: Israel’s History (7:1–50): Accused of blaspheming against Moses and the temple (Acts 6:13–14), Stephen recounts Israel’s history from Abraham to Solomon. He highlights God’s promises to Abraham, Joseph’s faithfulness, Moses’ leadership, and Israel’s recurring rebellion against God’s prophets and law. He emphasizes that God dwells beyond temples, citing Isaiah 66:1–2, and refutes the charge by showing his reverence for God’s work.
  • Stephen’s Accusation Against the Sanhedrin (7:51–53): Stephen boldly calls the Sanhedrin “stiff-necked,” accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit, killing prophets, and betraying the law by crucifying Jesus, the Righteous One foretold by Scripture.
  • Stephen’s Martyrdom (7:54–60): Enraged, the Sanhedrin grinds their teeth. Stephen, filled with the Spirit, sees Jesus standing at God’s right hand and declares his vision. The crowd rushes him, drags him out of the city, and stones him. Saul (later Paul) approves the killing. Stephen prays for his executioners’ forgiveness and dies, commending his spirit to Jesus.
  • Aftermath Implied (7:58): Saul’s presence foreshadows his role in persecution (Acts 8:1) and later conversion (Acts 9:1–19).
Cross-References
  • Stephen’s Speech:
    • Genesis 12:1–3: Abraham’s call.
    • Exodus 2:11–15: Moses’ early life.
    • Deuteronomy 18:15: Prophet like Moses.
    • Isaiah 66:1–2: God’s transcendence over temples.
    • Amos 5:25–27: Israel’s idolatry.
  • Rebellion of Israel:
    • Exodus 32:1–6: Golden calf.
    • Jeremiah 7:18: Idolatry condemned.
    • Nehemiah 9:26: Killing prophets.
    • Hebrews 3:16–19: Israel’s unbelief.
  • Stephen’s Martyrdom:
    • Luke 23:34: Jesus prays for forgiveness.
    • Psalm 31:5: Commending spirit to God.
    • Matthew 5:44: Praying for enemies.
    • Acts 9:1: Saul’s persecution.
  • Jesus’ Exaltation:
    • Psalm 110:1: Lord at God’s right hand.
    • Acts 2:33: Jesus exalted.
    • Hebrews 1:3: Jesus seated by God.
  • General Theme:
    • Acts 1:8: Witness to the world.
    • John 15:20: Persecution for Christ.
Theological Meaning
Acts 7 is rich with theological themes that underscore God’s faithfulness and human responsibility:
  • God’s Sovereign Plan: Stephen’s history (7:2–50) shows God’s consistent work through Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, culminating in Jesus, despite Israel’s rebellion (Romans 9:6–8; Acts 13:23).
  • Human Resistance: The Sanhedrin’s rejection of Jesus (7:51–53) mirrors Israel’s pattern of opposing God’s messengers, highlighting sin’s hardness (Hebrews 3:7–8; Isaiah 63:10).
  • Jesus’ Exaltation: Stephen’s vision of Jesus standing (7:55–56) affirms Christ’s authority and readiness to receive His witness, contrasting human judgment (Mark 14:62; Colossians 3:1).
  • Spirit’s Empowerment: Stephen’s boldness and vision, filled with the Spirit (7:55), demonstrate divine strength for testimony in persecution (Luke 12:11–12; Acts 4:8).
  • Forgiveness in Suffering: Stephen’s prayer for his killers (7:60) echoes Jesus, modeling grace under persecution (Luke 23:34; 1 Peter 2:21–23).
  • Martyrdom’s Witness: Stephen’s death (7:58–60) fulfills Jesus’ prediction of suffering, advancing the gospel through sacrifice (John 12:24; Acts 8:1).
  • Temple’s Transcendence: Stephen’s critique of temple fixation (7:48–50) points to God’s universal presence, preparing for Gentile inclusion (Acts 10:34–35; Ephesians 2:19–22).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why was Stephen brought before the Sanhedrin (7:1)?
    • False witnesses accused Stephen of blaspheming against Moses and the temple, claiming he said Jesus would destroy it (7:1; Acts 6:13–14; Mark 14:58).
  2. What was the purpose of Stephen’s long historical speech (7:2–50)?
    • Stephen defended his reverence for God’s law and history, showing Jesus fulfills it, while exposing Israel’s rebellion against God’s plan (7:39–43; Acts 13:16–41).
  3. Why did Stephen emphasize God’s presence outside the temple (7:48–50)?
    • Citing Isaiah 66:1–2, he countered the charge of temple blasphemy, arguing God transcends human buildings, aligning with the gospel’s universal reach (7:48; John 4:21–24).
  4. Why did Stephen call the Sanhedrin “stiff-necked” (7:51)?
    • He accused them of resisting the Spirit, like their ancestors, by rejecting prophets and killing Jesus, using Old Testament language (7:51; Exodus 33:5; Jeremiah 6:10).
  5. What did Stephen’s vision of Jesus signify (7:55–56)?
    • Seeing Jesus standing at God’s right hand affirmed His lordship and Stephen’s vindication, showing Christ’s welcome of His martyr (7:56; Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34–35).
  6. Why was the Sanhedrin so enraged by Stephen’s words (7:54, 57)?
    • Stephen’s accusation of murdering the Messiah and his claim of seeing Jesus exalted provoked their fury, as it challenged their authority and piety (7:54; Luke 22:66–71).
  7. Who was Saul, and why was he at Stephen’s stoning (7:58)?
    • Saul (later Paul), a young Pharisee, approved Stephen’s death, guarding the stoners’ cloaks (7:58; Acts 8:1). His zeal led to persecution, setting up his conversion (Acts 9:1–2).
  8. Why did Stephen pray for his executioners (7:60)?
    • Following Jesus’ example, Stephen sought their forgiveness, showing love for enemies and trust in God’s mercy (7:60; Luke 23:34; Matthew 5:44).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: The events (circa AD 34–35) occur in Jerusalem, the church’s early hub (7:1; Acts 6:8). The Sanhedrin, led by the high priest, held religious authority under Roman oversight (7:1; John 18:31). Stephen’s speech (7:2–53) draws from the Septuagint, familiar to Hellenistic Jews (Acts 6:1). Stoning (7:58–59) was a Jewish penalty for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16; Deuteronomy 17:7). Saul’s role (7:58) aligns with his later testimony (Acts 22:20).
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why Stephen’s speech was so long (7:2–50). Ancient defenses used history to establish credibility (Acts 24:10–21). “Stiff-necked” (7:51) was a biblical insult for rebellion (Deuteronomy 9:6). Jesus “standing” (7:56) may indicate advocacy or judgment (Hebrews 7:25). Cloaks at Saul’s feet (7:58) freed stoners’ arms, implicating him (Acts 8:3). Stephen’s calm death (7:60) reflected Spirit-filled peace (Philippians 4:7).
  • Application: Acts 7 calls believers to speak truth boldly, trust God in persecution, and forgive enemies. It encourages reliance on the Spirit and faithfulness to Christ’s mission, even at great cost (Revelation 2:10).
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