Stephen's accusation of the Sanhedrin is a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, as recorded in the Book of Acts, chapter 7. Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church and described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), is brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, on charges of blasphemy. This event marks a significant turning point in the spread of Christianity and highlights the tension between the nascent Christian movement and the established Jewish authorities.

Context and Charges

Stephen is accused by false witnesses who claim he speaks against "this holy place and the law" (Acts 6:13). They assert that he has declared that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the temple and change the customs handed down by Moses. These charges are serious, as they strike at the heart of Jewish religious identity and the sanctity of the temple.

Stephen's Defense

In response to the accusations, Stephen delivers a powerful speech before the Sanhedrin, which is recorded in Acts 7. His defense is not merely a rebuttal of the charges but a comprehensive recounting of Israel's history, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the repeated unfaithfulness of the people. Stephen begins with Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation, and traces the lineage through Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, highlighting God's covenant and providence.

Stephen then recounts the account of Moses, emphasizing his role as a deliverer and lawgiver. He reminds the Sanhedrin of the Israelites' initial rejection of Moses, drawing a parallel to their rejection of Jesus. Stephen quotes Moses, saying, "God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers" (Acts 7:37), pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Accusation and Condemnation

Stephen's speech culminates in a direct accusation against the Sanhedrin. He charges them with resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ. Stephen declares, "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did" (Acts 7:51). He accuses them of failing to keep the law they so zealously uphold, stating, "You who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it" (Acts 7:53).

Reaction and Martyrdom

The members of the Sanhedrin are infuriated by Stephen's words. As Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazes into heaven and declares, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56), the council covers their ears and rushes at him. They drag him out of the city and stone him, making Stephen the first Christian martyr. As he is being stoned, Stephen prays, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" and "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:59-60), echoing the forgiveness of Christ on the cross.

Significance

Stephen's accusation and subsequent martyrdom serve as a catalyst for the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. His bold proclamation of faith and his vision of Christ affirm the truth of the Christian message and inspire believers to persevere in the face of persecution. Stephen's speech underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New, affirming Jesus as the promised Messiah and highlighting the resistance of the religious authorities to God's unfolding revelation.