STEPHEN DEFENDS THE TRUTH

Stephen was asked if the charges against him were true. Now was his chance to explain his belief. Stephen answered in a clear voice so everyone in the council hall could hear. He began by telling about the history of God's chosen people. The people listened carefully as Stephen spoke.SRme 1.1192

Stephen showed he knew the Jewish law. Jesus had helped Stephen understand the spiritual meaning of the law. Stephen began with Abraham and followed the events of Israel's history to the time of Solomon. Stephen used the most important happenings to explain his belief.SRme 1.1193

Stephen made plain his own loyalty to God and to the Jewish faith. He showed that the law the Jews trusted for salvation could not keep them from worshiping idols. Stephen connected Jesus Christ with all the Jewish history.SRme 1.1194

Stephen referred to the building of the temple by Solomon. Then Stephen used the words of both Solomon and Isaiah: "'But the Most High God does not live in houses built by men; as the prophet says,SRme 1.1195

"'"Heaven is My throne, says the Lord,SRme 1.1196

and the earth is My footstool.SRme 1.1197

What kind of a house would you build for Me?SRme 1.1198

Where is the place for Me to live in?SRme 1.1199

Did not I Myself make all these things?"'" (Acts 7:48, 49).SRme 1.1200

The place of God's highest worship is in heaven.SRme 1.1201

When Stephen reached this place in his speech, the people began to shout. The people were angry because of what Stephen said about the temple. The people were also angry because Stephen had connected Christ with the prophecies. The high priest pretended to be filled with horror, and tore his coat.SRme 1.1202

The actions of the priest let Stephen know that he would soon be killed. Stephen saw the people reject his words--words that the Holy Spirit had led him to speak. He knew that this would be his last witness for Jesus.SRme 1.1203

Few people who read Stephen's speech in the Bible truly understand its great meaning. The time and place should be remembered to make Stephen's words carry their full meaning.SRme 1.1204

By looking in the faces before him, Stephen knew what would happen. Stephen was in the middle of his speech, but he suddenly stopped and turned to the angry judges. Stephen said, "'How stubborn you are!. . .How heathen your hearts, how deaf you are to God's message! You are just as your ancestors: you too have always resisted the Holy Spirit!SRme 1.1205

"'Was there any prophet that your ancestors did not persecute? They killed God's messengers, who long ago announced the coming of His righteous Servant. And now you have betrayed and murdered Him. You are the ones who received God's law, that was handed down by angels--yet you have not obeyed it!'" (Acts 7:51,52, TEV).SRme 1.1206