Stephen the Martyr
A. The conclusion of Stephen's message
1) God's people have always rebelled against God (46-51)
who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built the house for him. "However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: "`Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?' "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! (46-51)
2) We are saved by the one we killed (52,53)
Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him-- you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." (52,53)
B. The end for Stephen
1) A man who lived his life filled with the Holy Spirit (54-56)
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (54-56)
2) Stephen wanted others to turn back to God and he spoke without judgement or condemnation(57-60)
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell aslee. (57-60)
Summary
While it is true that the Jews killed the prophets and Jesus, all human beings share a similar nature. We all sin in similar ways. We fail to love all people according to God's will, but fall into narrow-minded thinking as is evidenced in our selfish and nationalistic ways. This is even true for countries that consider themselves to be "Christian countries." The Jews had a history of flaunting their status as chosen people, which led to animosity with other nations. We need to resist the tendency to fall into this trap. There is no earthly nationality that is better than another. Stephen was killed, but he was peaceful to the end, asking for God's mercy for those who killed him.
For Discussion
1) What was the conclusion of Stephen's message?
2) How did Stephen view the people who were stoning him?