Stephen's accusation is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, found in the Book of Acts, chapters 6 and 7. Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early Church, is brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, on charges of blasphemy. His defense, which turns into a powerful accusation against the Jewish leaders, ultimately leads to his martyrdom.

Background and Context

Stephen, described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), was chosen as one of the seven deacons to serve the Hellenistic Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. His role was to ensure fair distribution of food and resources, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word. Stephen, however, was not limited to administrative duties; he performed "great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8).

His growing influence and the miracles he performed stirred opposition from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to counter his wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke, they resorted to false accusations, claiming he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God (Acts 6:11).

Stephen's Speech

Brought before the Sanhedrin, Stephen delivers a lengthy speech, which is the longest recorded in the Book of Acts. His address is a sweeping overview of Israel's history, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the repeated unfaithfulness of the people. Stephen recounts the accounts of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David, highlighting how God's chosen leaders were often rejected by their own people.

Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had done. He charges them with betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, whom the prophets had foretold (Acts 7:52). His speech is a bold indictment of the Sanhedrin's failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and their complicity in His death.

Key Themes and Theological Significance

1. Rejection of God's Messengers: Stephen's speech underscores a recurring theme in Israel's history—the rejection of God's appointed leaders and prophets. This pattern culminates in the rejection of Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

2. The Temple and True Worship: Stephen challenges the Sanhedrin's understanding of the temple, suggesting that God's presence is not confined to a building made by human hands (Acts 7:48). This reflects a shift from a temple-centered worship to a Christ-centered faith.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, exemplifies the transformative power of the Spirit in the life of a believer. His speech and subsequent vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56) affirm the active presence of the Holy Spirit in the early Church.

4. Martyrdom and Witness: Stephen's death marks the first Christian martyrdom, setting a precedent for the Church's understanding of suffering and witness. His willingness to forgive his persecutors (Acts 7:60) echoes Jesus' own words on the cross, exemplifying the call to love and forgive even in the face of persecution.

Aftermath and Impact

Stephen's martyrdom has profound implications for the early Church. It triggers a wave of persecution that scatters the believers, leading to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). Among those present at his stoning is Saul, later known as Paul, who becomes a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity. Stephen's bold witness and ultimate sacrifice serve as a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel and the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.