Topical Encyclopedia In the early Christian church, the emergence of false teachers posed significant challenges to the spread of the Gospel. One of the most notable instances of opposition from false teachers is found in the account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Stephen, a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), was chosen as one of the seven deacons to serve the early church. His ministry was marked by great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8).The opposition against Stephen arose from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, which included Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia. These individuals engaged Stephen in debate, but "they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke" (Acts 6:10). Unable to refute his teachings, they resorted to deceit, secretly persuading men to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11). The false teachers stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, leading to Stephen's arrest and subsequent trial before the Sanhedrin. They presented false witnesses who claimed, "This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law" (Acts 6:13). They further accused him of declaring that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs handed down by Moses (Acts 6:14). Stephen's response to these accusations was a powerful speech that recounted Israel's history and highlighted their persistent rebellion against God. He accused the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ (Acts 7:51-52). His words cut to the heart of the Sanhedrin, but instead of repenting, they were enraged and ultimately stoned him to death (Acts 7:54-58). The account of Stephen's martyrdom serves as a stark reminder of the presence and influence of false teachers in the early church. These individuals, driven by jealousy and a desire to maintain their religious authority, resorted to lies and manipulation to silence the truth. Stephen's unwavering faith and bold proclamation of the Gospel, even in the face of death, stand as a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of Christ's message. Nave's Topical Index Acts 6:11,13Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. Nave's Topical Index Library The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ... On the Mount of Olives The Witness of John. The Catholic System. Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ... Acts IX The Sixth Commandment God's People Delivered. God's People Delivered Resources What does the Bible say about false accusations? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the false prophet of the end times? | GotQuestions.org Should we allow false teachers into our home? | GotQuestions.org false_: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics False Confidence in Outward Resources False Confidence: Asa, in Relying on Syria Rather than on God False Confidence: Hezekiah, in the Defenses of Jerusalem False Confidence: Peter, in Asserting his Devotion to Jesus False Confidence: Sennacherib, in the Siege of Jerusalem False Teachers: Against Naboth False Teachers: Against Stephen Related Terms |
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