How does Acts 7:1 connect to Jesus' trials before religious leaders? Setting the Scene: Acts 7:1 “Then the high priest asked, ‘Are these charges true?’” (Acts 7:1) - Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin, charged with blaspheming Moses, God, the Law, and the temple (Acts 6:11-14). - The question launches the longest speech in Acts, a Spirit-guided defense of the gospel. Echoes of Jesus before the Same Council - Jesus, too, was brought to the high priest and Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57; John 18:24). - “Then the high priest stood up before them and questioned Jesus, ‘Have You no answer? What is it these men are testifying against You?’” (Mark 14:60-61). - Both hearings hinge on false testimony (Matthew 26:59-60; Acts 6:13). - Central accusations revolve around the temple and alleged blasphemy (Matthew 26:61, 65; Acts 6:13-14; 7:56-58). - Verdicts lead to illegal executions—crucifixion for Jesus, stoning for Stephen. Temple Talk: Heart of the Accusations - Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19), words twisted at His trial (Matthew 26:61). - Witnesses claim Stephen preached, “This Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us” (Acts 6:14). - Stephen responds that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands” (Acts 7:48), affirming the same truth Jesus embodied. Faithful Witness under Fire - Jesus proclaimed, “From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power…” (Matthew 26:64). - Stephen beholds that reality: “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). - Jesus committed His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46); Stephen echoes, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). - Both intercede for their executioners (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60). God’s Redemptive Strategy Revealed - The mirrored trials confirm Luke’s historical reliability and Jesus’ promise that His followers would testify before rulers (Luke 21:12-15). - Stephen’s survey of Israel’s history exposes a pattern of rejecting God’s messengers, climaxing in the exalted Christ. - His martyrdom scatters believers, accelerating the gospel’s spread (Acts 8:1-4). Core Takeaways for Believers - Scripture displays a deliberate pattern: servant follows Master; suffering precedes glory (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 2:21). - God turns unjust courtrooms into pulpits of truth. - The risen Jesus, standing for Stephen, now advocates for every believer who bears faithful witness. |
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