THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (a) Give an account of Stephen's defence before the Sanhedrin. (b) State three lessons that ca...

Answer Details

(a) Stephen's defence before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:1-53)

When the high priest asked Stephen whether the charges against him were true, Stephen answered by recounting the history of Israel to show God's continuous dealings with His people and their persistent rebellion.

He began with the God of glory appearing to Abraham in Mesopotamia and calling him to the promised land, and the covenant of circumcision. He spoke of the patriarchs, how the sons of Jacob out of jealousy sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with Joseph and used him to preserve the family during famine.

He then told of Moses: his birth, his upbringing in Pharaoh's house, his flight to Midian, the call at the burning bush, and how God sent him to deliver Israel from Egypt with signs and wonders. He reminded them that this same Moses, whom the people rejected saying, "Who made you a ruler and a judge?", was the one God sent as ruler and deliverer, and who foretold that God would raise up a prophet like him.

Stephen recalled that their fathers refused to obey Moses, turned back to Egypt in their hearts and made the golden calf, worshipping idols. He noted that Solomon built a house for God, yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands, quoting the prophet that heaven is God's throne and earth His footstool.

He climaxed his defence by rebuking them sharply: "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you." He accused them of persecuting the prophets, of betraying and murdering the Righteous One (Jesus), and of receiving the law by angels yet not keeping it. This so enraged them that they gnashed their teeth, and after he saw a vision of Jesus at the right hand of God, they stoned him to death.

(b) Three lessons from Stephen's defence

• We should be bold and courageous in defending and proclaiming our faith even in the face of danger.
• A good knowledge of the Scriptures strengthens our witness and defence of the faith.
• We should be ready to forgive our persecutors, as Stephen prayed for those who stoned him.