Acts 7:51-8:1, The Way of the Cross Followed by Forgiveness and Martyrdom

Today's Scripture Summary

Stephen says that the Jews, like their ancestors, killed the righteous. When he says that he sees heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God, they plug their ears and stone him. Stephen falls asleep, entrusting his soul to the Lord and asking for forgiveness for their sins. That day there is great persecution in the church in Jerusalem, and the saints are scattered.

1. Stephen's rebuke (7:51-53)

It is not easy to expose one's sins in the presence of the powerful, but Stephen boldly points out the sins of the Jews before the council. He had addressed his audience favorably as "we," but now he distances himself from them by saying "you" (v. 51). He criticizes the Jews for being stiff-necked, uncircumcised in heart and ears, and always resisting the Holy Spirit. He says that their ancestors killed those who prophesied that the righteous one (Messiah) would come, and now the Jews are the ones who murdered that righteous one (Messiah). Despite their pride in being a people given the Law, the Jews were not really keeping it. Stephen speaks publicly of the sins committed by the Jews, even though his life could be in danger.

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What were the specific sins of the Jews that Stephen pointed out? What are the things that I should boldly rebuke others for with religious conviction and courage?

2. Stephen's Martyrdom (7:54-8:1)

Stephen's sermon is over. The crowd may have stopped him from preaching anymore. They are not repentant, but hateful. Then Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, sees the glory of God and Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God, and he confesses it. Up until this point, he's been sharing the Jesus he's heard with his ears, but now he's sharing the Jesus he's seen with his eyes. Then the crowd shouts, plugs their ears, and throws stones at him. At the moment of his stoning and martyrdom, Stephen asks the Lord to forgive them for their sins. His last appearance resembles Jesus (Luke 23:34). After Stephen's martyrdom, believers are persecuted and scattered to different parts of the world. Bold evangelism, forgiveness, and martyrdom are the way to follow the Lord of the Cross.

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What was Stephen's last cry as he was stoned to death? What is my prayer for those who hate and persecute me?

Prayer for the day

God, I invite Deacon Stephen's rebuke of closing my heart and ears and always resisting the Holy Spirit into my life. Help me to turn quickly to You when the Word reveals sinful behavior. Keep me filled with the Holy Spirit so that I can endure any difficulty with joy, keeping my eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ.