Stephen’s Historical Outline
One of the neat things I have done in recent months is read a portion of the 5 Gospels (Mat, Mark, Luk, & Jon plus Acts), along with the Torah.
Last week led up to Acts 7, and the “trial” of Stephen by the Sanhedrin. Stephen was of course accused by false witnesses and testimonies (a.k.a. lies) that he spoke against Moses and the Torah.
The court essentially asked if he held to these beliefs posed by his accusers. And then they saw his face radiating like an angel. Wow, think on that for a second. So then, after that, Stephen delves back to the beginning with Abraham, and gives the most interestingly direct speech about the history of God’s people, leading up to today (his day). He basically explained how the Jews of the day were hardened and uncircumcised in their hearts, how they were involved in the murder of the Just One, and how they didn’t keep the Law.
After reading it with fresh lenses, I realize just how incredible this moment must have been when the court heard his testimony, and how much it would have angered them. We know the result was his death by stoning, but he looked up and saw Yeshua at the Father’s right hand. You know that he knew he did the right thing. What an example.
That story amazed me, and the history lesson he laid out to get there.
