Acts 7 "Steven's Death, A Great Witness"

"Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." (vv.57-58) 

When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (v.56), it was too much. The Sanhedrin reacted quickly, violently, and together. For Stephen to suggest that the crucified Jesus stood in a position of authority at the right hand of God must have ranked as blasphemy in the thinking of those who knew that a crucified man died under the divine curse ("cursed is he who hangs on a tree"). Interestingly enough, Jesus stood before this same body of men and declared that He would sit at the right hand of God - they had the same reaction and sealed His death as a blasphemer (Matthew 26:64-66).

The reaction of the Sanhedrin seems extreme (they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord, ran at him, cast him out and stoned him), but is typical of those who reject God and are lost in spiritual insanity. They wailed in agony and covered their ears at the revelation of God, which they regarded as blasphemy. This out-of-control mob rushed at Stephen in order to kill him, which was done without regard for Roman law, but was performed according to traditional Jewish custom. 

Now Saul stood there as the supervisor of the operation. As a member of the Sanhedrin, he had also approved of Stephen’s execution. Saul fervently believed that Christians presented a menace and a threat to the religion which he had been trained in so thoroughly. This rabbi desired to prove his dedication to the traditions of his Jewish faith by becoming the chief persecutor of Christians. Yet God will eventually call Saul to become a powerful leader in the Christian faith. 

Stephen’s life ended in the same way it had been lived: In complete trust in God, believing that Jesus would take care of him in the life to come. Steven's last words, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (v.60) were used to touch the heart of a man who energetically agreed with his stoning – even though the man didn’t know the prayer would be later answered. 

Both in life and death, people around us will be watching to see how we as Christians handle our faith. Saul, who is specifically mentioned in attendance to Stephen’s death, became a living testimony to the effectiveness of prayer through his later conversion (9:17; 22:3-21). And Stephen, peacefully "fell asleep" while being stoned to death for speaking truth (v.60), demonstrating the Spirit's presence in his life which left a lasting impression on Saul.

Stephen is truly a model of great faith. Willing to testify of Christ and courageous to face persecution for the truth. When we get to heaven, we should thank Stephen for every blessing brought through the ministry of Saul of Tarsus. 

May our lives reflect the same courage to stand in the face of persecution when it comes.

The Truth: “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

Acts 6 “Full Of Faith And Power”

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (vv.8-10)

Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people: God did great wonders and signs through the apostles; but also through others like Stephen, one of the servants chosen to help the widows. God used Stephen because he was full of faith and power.

Stephen debated with Jews from the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, he showed greater wisdom than his opponents (they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke). There is no indication that Stephen – in himself – was smarter, better educated, or a better debater than these Jews. We should attribute his upper hand in the debate to the Spirit by which he spoke.

In today’s chapter, Stephen was falsely accused before the Jewish court. The scene looks similar to the trial of Jesus recorded in Matthew 26, including false witnesses and a hostile crowd. When given the opportunity to defend himself, Stephen defended God's work of salvation throughout history. The accused became the accuser who charged his audience with rebellion against God, which was displayed most definitively through their rejection of Christ.

The crowd's violent response (that of stoning him to death) confirmed the allegation. Even in death, Stephen was full of God’s grace. Following the example of Jesus, Stephen’s final words were an intercession for his enemies (Acts 7:60).

As believers in Christ, the same Spirit indwells us, leading and empowering us to bear fruit of great faith and the ministry of the gospel. An excellent modern day example of great faith unto death was that of Charlie Kirk. Despite the many threats against his life he continued in his calling answering any and all questions from young people with the Spirit of Truth and power, leaving all those who questioned him amazed at his wisdom and logic. RIP Charlie.

The Truth: “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Acts 5 “Civil Disobedience”

“We (the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests) gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name! Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about Him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (v.28-29)

Civil disobedience was not uncommon in the Scriptures. The midwives in Egypt were commanded by the king to destroy all Jewish male children. They refused and God honored them (Ex.1:17). Against the King of Babylon’s command, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego did not bow their knees to the image of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:18). God blessed them and stood with them in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25). Daniel refused to stop praying three times a day, even though doing so was against the law. God honored him and saved him from the lion’s den (Daniel 6:10-22).

Here in chapter 5 we see another case of civil disobedience in the Bible. However regarding biblical civil disobedience, Jon Courson reminds us, “It must be carried out with scriptural authority and with humility.” In this chapter, the Angel of the Lord said to the apostles, “Go and speak in the temple” (v.20). In addition Jesus had told them (in Matthew), “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Matthew 28:19). Thus the disciples were following the Word of God but going against the orders of the high priest.

Even though God has placed men in positions of authority in order to maintain peace (Romans 13), if those authorities act contrary to Him, we must submit to God rather than man and take our lumps willingly. This the apostles did as they were beaten, commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let go (v.40-42)

Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most courageous leaders in recent American history, faced threats and opposition, eventually giving his life in the fight for civil rights. Fear, however, would not dissuade him. Being a minster of God, he knew civil disobedience must be carried out with humility and based in scripture. He was arrested over 30 times and took each arrest with humility while trusting God for his protection and dream. 

Trusting God in the face of risk requires us to see His protection over us even in the midst of danger.

The Truth: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) 

Acts 4 “Imprisoned For Preaching”

 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” (v.1-3)

Our text is a continuation of chapter 3 where we saw Peter (after healing 40-year-old man lame from birth) turn to the crowd and deliver a scolding message in Solomon’s Porch. His message that day accused all Israel of; delivering up Jesus to Pilate (v.13), denying Him (v.14), requesting a murderer be released (v.14), and consulting to the murder of Jesus whom God raised from the dead (v.15). Peter then went on to declare in chapter 3 that both he and John were witnesses to this and all Israel should repent of their sins (v.19).

Now here in chapter 4 we see the religious authorities (Sadducees) did not take kindly to this and threw them both in jail. The Sadducees were particularly offended in two ways. First by the teaching of the resurrection, which they denied and second by the fact that both Peter and John were, “lay people” instructing the masses who were clearly responding (v.4). After all, they (Sadducees) were the ones who acted on God’s behalf and spoke with His authority and could not imagine by what power or authority Peter and John were drawing from.

We should be encouraged by Peter and John's example. Being an effective witness does not require going to seminary! The most essential qualification for evangelism is available to every believer—reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Although a seminary degree is certainly appropriate for some ministries, God is more than happy to use “untrained” individuals with willing hearts.

The Truth: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

Acts 3 “Power In His Name”

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (v.6)

The crippled man who encountered Peter and John at the temple gate certainly didn’t do anything special to qualify for the miracle he received that day. He wasn’t even expecting much, just a coin or two. Instead, he was completely healed (v.16) and could walk for the first time in his life.

Since the beggar was a familiar sight around the temple, and since he was jumping around so excitedly, the healing created quite a scene. When Peter realized that the people were marveling at both he and John for what had been done, he immediately set them straight, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk” (v.13)?

Peter wasn’t looking for glory or to set up some healing ministry. He had only one message to deliver. Jesus of Nazareth, whom Israel had rejected and condemned, is God’s “Holy and Righteous One” (v.14) and in His name alone is the forgiveness of sins and the power to heal (v.16).

As Peter showed us here, the glory, honor and praise for any miracle bestowed belongs to the LORD, not to the instrument used. 

The Truth: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17) 

Acts 2 “True Fellowship”

 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (v.42)

Genuine Christian fellowship involves much more than visiting over a cup of coffee in the church courtyard. While this is all well and good, true fellowship is loving one another, caring for one another, praying for one another, bearing one another's burdens, encouraging, instructing, and even rebuking one another in love so as to restore such a one back into fellowship.

In his book, “Why Christians Sin” J. Kirk Johnston tells about a young Russian woman who, before the collapse of the Iron Curtain, was allowed to visit her relatives in Canada. She was a devout Christian, and her friends assumed that she would defect and seek asylum in Canada or the US because of the religious oppression in the USSR. But they were wrong. She wanted to go back to her homeland.

This Russian woman said that people in the West were too busy acquiring material things and not concerned enough about personal relationships (outside of what they could do for them). In her homeland, Christian fellowship was essential to their faith because it provided the support and encouragement they so desperately needed. 

We too should have this same attitude of true fellowship toward one another. Ministering to those around us with support and encouragement through; a word, a meal, a prayer, a room, or some other direct form of involvement. Just as Jesus came to serve and not be served, we too should look for those opportunities to show His love.  

The Truth “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." (1 Peter 4:10)

Acts 1 “The Promised Holy Spirit”

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (v.7-8a)

Here we have Jesus answering His disciples question concerning when He would restore the kingdom of Israel which was currently under Roman control. He does not give them a specific answer - no day or time, but stretches them to see that all events are under the loving control of God the Father. Meaning, there are some things we just will not know in this life. Therefore, we are to look to Him Who made all things and trust in His authority.

In the second part of our text, Jesus responds to their concerns (their prayer, actually), by promising them the power of the Holy Spirit. Having this inward comforter, they could “rest” in not needing to know everything and “know” that the power of His Spirit would be with them always. 

The same is true for us. To know the future is not precisely what we need. We need peace, rest, and the assurance that God is always with us. We can only find it in Him who holds the future in His hands. While answers to concerns are valuable and He often gives us such answers down the road, simply trusting in God and the comfort of His Spirit is infinitely better.

The Truth: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7)

John 21 “Restoration Of Peter”

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” (vv.18-19)

Here Jesus spoke of Peter’s past, reminding him of his younger days when he had less responsibility and could do (more or less) as he pleased. Most of us know what these younger years were like. Jesus also spoke of Peter’s future, when another would bind him (gird you) and carry Peter to a place he would not want to go – a place with stretched out hands, crucified on a cross. It would be by this death he would glorify God. 

Ancient writers have documented that, about thirty-four years after this, Peter was crucified; and that he deemed it so glorious a thing to die for Christ that he begged to be crucified with his head downwards, not considering himself worthy to die in the same posture in which his Lord did. 

After speaking to Peter about his death, Jesus gave these last words to him, "Follow Me." Peter had followed Christ, but not continuously in the past. Scripture tells in Johns’ gospel that Peter even denied knowing Jesus three times shortly after His arrest in the garden, and he even went back to his former occupation of fishing. However he was later restored by Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias and called to follow steadfastly in the ways of the Lord and to Feed His Sheep (vv.15-25).

We too, despite our pasted, are to keep following Jesus. The command ‘Follow me’ is a present imperative, which literally means Keep on following me. Even though we may have denied Christ in the past, He knows His children - His Spirit calls us to repentance, and to keep following Him, giving our attention to; His Word, His calling, exhorting and serving others, and exercising the gifts God has given us. Then in so doing we like Peter become restored in Christ. 

Therefore, do not believe the lie from satan that you are too far from God, that you can never be restored. Like Peter you too can be restored, simply follow Him. 

The Truth: "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:13-16)