The Defense of Stephen is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts, chapter 7. Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early Christian church, is brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, on charges of blasphemy against Moses, God, the temple, and the law. His defense is a profound and comprehensive speech that not only addresses the accusations but also presents a theological exposition of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan.

Context and Accusations

Stephen, described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), was performing great wonders and signs among the people. His ministry, however, attracted opposition from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who were unable to counter his wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke (Acts 6:9-10). They instigated false witnesses to accuse him of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God (Acts 6:11). The charges were serious, as they struck at the heart of Jewish religious identity and tradition.

Stephen's Speech

Stephen's defense is not merely a rebuttal of the charges but a sweeping narrative of God's dealings with Israel. He begins with the call of Abraham, emphasizing God's initiative and promise (Acts 7:2-8). He recounts the accounts of the patriarchs, Joseph, and Moses, highlighting themes of rejection and deliverance. Stephen points out that Joseph was rejected by his brothers, yet God used him to save Israel (Acts 7:9-16). Similarly, Moses, initially rejected by his people, was chosen by God to lead them out of Egypt (Acts 7:17-36).

Stephen underscores the Israelites' repeated disobedience and resistance to God's messengers. He reminds the council of the Israelites' idolatry in the wilderness and their rejection of Moses (Acts 7:37-43). He then shifts to the temple, asserting that "the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands" (Acts 7:48), quoting the prophet Isaiah to emphasize that God's presence is not confined to a physical structure (Acts 7:49-50).

Confrontation and Martyrdom

In a bold and direct conclusion, Stephen accuses the Sanhedrin of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did. He charges them with betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, whom the prophets foretold (Acts 7:51-53). This accusation enrages the council, leading to Stephen's martyrdom. As they drag him out of the city to stone him, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56). His final words echo those of Christ on the cross, as he prays for his executioners, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60).

Theological Significance

Stephen's defense serves as a pivotal moment in the early church, marking the transition from a predominantly Jewish sect to a movement that would encompass the Gentiles. His speech highlights the continuity of God's plan through Israel's history, culminating in Jesus Christ. Stephen's martyrdom also sets the stage for the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem, as persecution intensifies and believers are scattered, carrying the message of Christ to new regions (Acts 8:1-4).

Stephen's defense is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the call to faithfulness in the face of opposition. His unwavering witness and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith and proclaim the truth of the gospel.Acts 7:1
Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
Nave's Topical Index

The Acts of the Apostles
... The tone is most Hebraic in the first part of the book, especially in the sermons
in chs.2 and 13 and in the defense of Stephen ch.7, in all of which the Old ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the acts of the apostles.htm

His Conversion
... Christians. He had heard the noble defense of Stephen and seen his face
in the council-chamber shining like that of an angel. He ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iii his conversion.htm

The First Christian Martyr
... When Stephen was questioned as to the truth of the charges against him, he began
his defense in a clear, thrilling voice, which rang through the council hall. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 10 the first christian.htm

Acts XXII
... surprise, then, to hear him, after asking the people to hear his defense, proceed
with ... when he once took part in similar mobs, and the blood of Stephen rose up ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxii.htm

It is the Final Court of Appeal.
... of the Old Testament (Acts 2). When Stephen made his defense before the "counsel"
he did little more than review the teaching of Moses and the prophets. ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/ii it is the final.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities." That Stephen was
not ... trying to destroy the infant church, Nicodemus came forward in its defense. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

Acts VII
... Under such circumstances, Stephen knew that it would be useless to offer
a formal defense; and, therefore, he does not undertake it. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ...
... How fully such reliance was honored is shown in the apology of Stephen before the
Sanhedrin, in Peter's defense before the tribunal, and in Paul's ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lii concerning hypocrisy worldly anxiety.htm

Standard Expositions of the Roman Catholic System.
... famous four Gallican propositions; and he wrote a book in their defense, which was ...
Sir James Stephen says of the Variations, that they bring to the religious ...
/.../ 23 standard expositions of.htm

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
... of Pentecost. (3) Stephen's address of defense. (4) The liberality of
these Christians or their provision for the poor. (5) The ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xix from the ascension.htm

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