Chapter Six –
First Church Problem – Stephen Accused
ACTS 6:8-15:
As we began
the
sixth chapter, we were introduced to the first problem that the
early church in Jerusalem would face. It did not surface until after
murmuring had first occurred; but once on the surface, it was swiftly solved
in an orderly, wise manner. Once solved and unity returned, the result was
something we all should seek:
Acts 6:7
“Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied
greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the
faith.”
In this
lesson, we will now focus on one of the seven chosen by the body to assist
in the resolve of the previous issue; Stephen. This will start a new
discourse that will last through the
seventh chapter. It is in this
opening that we will learn what Stephen’s defense in the next chapter will
be for.
Text #1:
Acts 6:8
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the
people.”
Full of
Faith and Power:
In the
opening portion of this chapter, as the brethren selected out the seven men
whom would be appointed to take care of the distribution to the widows;
Stephen is described as “full of
faith and the Holy Spirit” (Vs.
5).
Being full
of the Spirit
was one of the qualifications for the work he had been selected out for.
Here it is described, in the case of Stephen (as it will be described in the
case of Philip as well –
Acts 8:6-7), as one of the spiritual
gifts that were bestowed on some by the hands of the Apostles (1
Corinthians 12:8-10).
Being full
of faith,
is being full of the word unto righteousness (Romans
10:17;
Hebrews 11:6 – belief combined with
the act of seeking Him); we will additionally see at the end of the
seventh
chapter that this faith may also be that of the spiritual gifts
in 1
Corinthians 12:8-10,
as well. The power mentioned
here is described in the things he is going to do alongside of the words he
is speaking.
Great
Wonders and Signs:
These are
not random acts (Mark
16:20 – confirmation!), nor were they done in corners, or among
the unknown (thus the universal wonder caused by their performance). These
signs are substantial and cause legitimacy surrounding the words to be
spoken.
Text #2:
Acts 6:9
“Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen
(Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with
Stephen.”
Antagonists:
Even in the
face of the wonders and signs being performed, these men have chosen to
dispute the words of Stephen. This always causes me to think of brethren who
I have heard say, “I wish the Lord
were here, things would be different!”
Really?
The Lord
when He was here; was also confirmed with signs and wonders (Luke
4:14-15;
John 3:2;
Acts
2:22), this did not stop His enemies, it did not stop those who
wished to do what they wanted
(John 3:19), it did not stop these
men from disputing with Stephen, and it would not stop anyone today with the
same mentality!
It stands
as testimony as to why we must continue to educate ourselves and submit to
the pure wisdom of God (James
3:17-18), and avoid this self-inflicted denial and ignorance (we
walk by faith and not by sight! -2
Corinthians 5:6-7).
Synagogue
of the Freedmen:
Also
referred to in other translations as
“Libertines”; which is universally describing Jews from the countries
mentioned in parenthesis (having come from areas in north Africa, and Asia
Minor), who have acquired their freedom. It does not mention the method of
this transition from slavery to freedom; however, we know that this took
place at this time, historically, in two ways:
One,
it was awarded to the individual. Usually for some great deed, performance
of a duty, etc…
Two,
it was purchased for a sum of money (the third way, one avoided slavery that
does not apply to these, is by being born to it, either born to privilege,
or as a citizen of Rome).
These men,
having gained their freedom, have banned together in synagogue assembly, and
in disputing with Stephen.
Text #3:
Acts 6:10-14
“And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he
spoke.
11
Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous
words against Moses and God.”
12
And
they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon
him, seized him, and brought him to the council.
13
They also
set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak
blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
14
for we have
heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change
the customs which Moses delivered to us.””
Not Able to
Resist:
As it was
with the Lord when He was here on earth, when He silenced His critics with
the sound truth, they turned to attempting to attack Him. These Freedmen
cannot resist the wisdom of Stephen, as he speaks concerning the Christ from
their own Law (Law of Moses). There is no indication that Stephen had to
become angry, yell, or any other aggressive tactic; just speak the truth!
The lesson
for us:
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to
teach, patient,
25
in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will
grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth”
This wall
of truth would not stop these men; on the contrary, when they could not
match the wisdom of Stephen’s words, they set out to have false accusation
brought against him (once again similar to the enemies of the Lord –
Matthew
26:59-63). These men who would offer this false testimony were
induced; this insinuates that they were bribed to offer their false charges.
Two of
these false accusations would be sufficient to stir up
“the people, elders, and scribes”;
which would lead to Stephen being brought before the council.
Once before
the council, two more false accusations would be brought against him. This
would make four charges that Stephen would have to answer for now, to the
council (Sanhedrin).
The
Charges:
All the
charges being brought against Stephen are preceded by the universal charge
of blasphemy (to speak evil of God – to revile, is to speak evil of men). He
is charged with speaking blasphemous words against;
“Moses and God” (Vs.
11), then “this holy
place and the law” (Vs.
13).
None of
these charges are legitimate, as it was Moses himself, as a prophet of God,
who spoke concerning the Messiah as the greater prophet whom the people
should hear in all things or be judged by God (Deuteronomy
18:15-18; Acts 3:22-24; Peter has already reminded those whom he
preached to in the temple of this statement of Moses). Stephen has only
spoken to the fulfillment of the events the Old Law has pointed to!
Text #4:
Acts 6:15
“And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as
the face of an angel.”
There is no
indication of anything miraculous happening here; simply that Stephen, in
the presence of the council and accusation is displaying an aura of
calmness, dignity, and confidence in God and Jesus Christ as Lord. All those
present are simply witnesses to his countenance that speaks as clearly of
his innocence as his coming words.
Next: “Stephen’s Defense!”