Stephen's Defense: Faith, History, and Divine Intervention

 

Summary

In the passage from Acts 7:17-20, we find Stephen, the first Christian martyr, standing before the Sanhedrin, defending his faith in Jesus Christ. Stephen's defense is a profound exposition of the Christian faith, rooted in the history of Israel. He uses the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses to illustrate how the Jewish leaders have misunderstood their own history and, consequently, the significance of Jesus Christ. Stephen's argument is that the rejection of Christ by the Sanhedrin is a continuation of a historical pattern of misunderstanding and resisting God's purposes.

Stephen's address is not merely a historical recount but a theological exposition that challenges the humanistic worldview prevalent in his time and ours. Humanism, which denies the supernatural and elevates human reason above divine revelation, is critiqued as inadequate to explain the profound realities of history and human existence. Stephen's narrative underscores that the Christian faith is not a human invention but is grounded in historical facts and divine intervention.

The story of Moses, as introduced by Stephen, serves as a powerful counter-narrative to humanism. It highlights the supernatural intervention of God in history, which humanism fails to account for. The birth of Moses at a time when the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt is a testament to God's sovereign plan and power. This narrative is a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance brought by Jesus Christ, who, like Moses, was born at a time of great need and brought salvation to His people.

Stephen's message is a call to recognize the depth of the human problem, which is not merely intellectual or moral but spiritual. The bondage of sin and the power of evil are realities that humanism cannot address. The deliverance from this bondage is not through human effort but through the power of God, as demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the essence of the Christian gospel: God's intervention in history to save humanity from sin and death.

Key Takeaways:

- Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin is a profound exposition of the Christian faith, rooted in the history of Israel. He uses the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses to illustrate how the Jewish leaders have misunderstood their own history and, consequently, the significance of Jesus Christ. [05:06]

- Humanism, which denies the supernatural and elevates human reason above divine revelation, is critiqued as inadequate to explain the profound realities of history and human existence. The Christian faith is not a human invention but is grounded in historical facts and divine intervention. [12:29]

- The story of Moses serves as a powerful counter-narrative to humanism, highlighting the supernatural intervention of God in history. The birth of Moses at a time when the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt is a testament to God's sovereign plan and power. [19:19]

- The depth of the human problem is not merely intellectual or moral but spiritual. The bondage of sin and the power of evil are realities that humanism cannot address. Deliverance from this bondage is not through human effort but through the power of God. [39:06]

- The essence of the Christian gospel is God's intervention in history to save humanity from sin and death. This is demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who, like Moses, was born at a time of great need and brought salvation to His people. [50:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Acts 7:17-20
- [01:06] - Context of Stephen's Defense
- [02:35] - Charges Against Stephen
- [03:57] - Stephen's Defense Strategy
- [05:06] - Misunderstanding of History
- [06:19] - The Case of Moses
- [07:24] - Rejection of Christianity
- [11:48] - Characteristics of Humanism
- [15:54] - Christianity and Historical Facts
- [19:19] - The Inexplicability of History
- [28:11] - The Failure of Humanism
- [31:10] - The Depth of the Human Problem
- [39:06] - The Bondage of Sin
- [50:11] - God's Intervention and Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:17-20
- Romans 5:6-8
- Ephesians 6:12

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Observation Questions:

1. What historical figures does Stephen reference in his defense before the Sanhedrin, and what is the significance of these figures in the context of his argument? [05:06]

2. How does Stephen use the story of Moses to illustrate the misunderstanding of the Jewish leaders regarding God's intervention in history? [06:19]

3. According to the sermon, what are the main characteristics of humanism, and how do they contrast with the Christian worldview? [11:48]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of sin and its impact on humanity? [39:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Stephen's recounting of Israel's history serve as a critique of the Sanhedrin's understanding of their own religious heritage? What does this suggest about the importance of understanding one's spiritual history? [05:06]

2. In what ways does the sermon argue that humanism fails to address the deeper spiritual problems of humanity? How does this relate to the Christian understanding of sin and salvation? [14:19]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of divine intervention in the story of Moses and the broader narrative of salvation? What implications does this have for understanding the Christian gospel? [50:11]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the limitations of human effort in overcoming sin and achieving salvation? How does this perspective challenge contemporary views on self-reliance and personal achievement? [42:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of your own spiritual history. How might a deeper understanding of biblical history and its figures like Moses and Abraham impact your faith journey? [05:06]

2. Consider the characteristics of humanism as described in the sermon. Are there areas in your life where you might be relying more on human reason than on divine revelation? How can you shift your perspective? [11:48]

3. The sermon emphasizes the supernatural intervention of God in history. Can you identify a moment in your life where you experienced what you believe to be divine intervention? How did it shape your faith? [19:19]

4. The sermon discusses the bondage of sin and the power of evil. Are there specific sins or struggles in your life that feel like bondage? What steps can you take to seek God's deliverance in these areas? [39:06]

5. How does the message of God's intervention and salvation through Jesus Christ challenge your current understanding of self-reliance? In what ways can you more fully rely on God's power in your daily life? [50:11]

6. Reflect on the idea that humanism fails to address the spiritual depth of human problems. How can you engage with others who hold a humanistic worldview in a way that is both respectful and reflective of your faith? [14:19]

7. The sermon suggests that the essence of the Christian gospel is God's intervention to save humanity. How can you share this message of hope with someone in your life who may be struggling with feelings of helplessness or despair? [50:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Misunderstanding of History and Faith
Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin is a profound exposition of the Christian faith, rooted in the history of Israel. He uses the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses to illustrate how the Jewish leaders have misunderstood their own history and, consequently, the significance of Jesus Christ. Stephen argues that the rejection of Christ by the Sanhedrin is a continuation of a historical pattern of misunderstanding and resisting God's purposes. This misunderstanding is not just a matter of historical oversight but a spiritual blindness that prevents the recognition of God's work through Jesus Christ. [05:06]

Acts 7:51-53 (ESV): "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it."

Reflection: Consider a time when you misunderstood or resisted God's work in your life. How can you open your heart to better understand His purposes today?


Day 2: The Inadequacy of Humanism
Humanism, which denies the supernatural and elevates human reason above divine revelation, is critiqued as inadequate to explain the profound realities of history and human existence. The Christian faith is not a human invention but is grounded in historical facts and divine intervention. Stephen's address challenges the humanistic worldview by emphasizing that the realities of history and human existence cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the supernatural. The Christian narrative, rooted in divine intervention, offers a more comprehensive understanding of life and history. [12:29]

1 Corinthians 1:20-21 (ESV): "Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied solely on human reason in your life? How can you invite God's wisdom into your understanding of the world?


Day 3: God's Sovereign Plan Through Moses
The story of Moses serves as a powerful counter-narrative to humanism, highlighting the supernatural intervention of God in history. The birth of Moses at a time when the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt is a testament to God's sovereign plan and power. This narrative foreshadows the ultimate deliverance brought by Jesus Christ, who, like Moses, was born at a time of great need and brought salvation to His people. The story of Moses reminds us that God's plans are often beyond human comprehension and are executed through divine intervention. [19:19]

Exodus 2:23-25 (ESV): "During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew."

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you felt trapped or in bondage. How can you trust in God's sovereign plan for deliverance in your life today?


Day 4: The Spiritual Depth of the Human Problem
The depth of the human problem is not merely intellectual or moral but spiritual. The bondage of sin and the power of evil are realities that humanism cannot address. Deliverance from this bondage is not through human effort but through the power of God. Stephen's message calls us to recognize that the human condition is deeply spiritual, and true freedom comes from divine intervention, not human striving. This understanding challenges us to seek God's power in overcoming the spiritual challenges we face. [39:06]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: Identify a spiritual struggle you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's power rather than your own efforts to overcome it?


Day 5: God's Intervention and Salvation
The essence of the Christian gospel is God's intervention in history to save humanity from sin and death. This is demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who, like Moses, was born at a time of great need and brought salvation to His people. The gospel message is a powerful reminder of God's love and grace, offering hope and redemption to all who believe. It calls us to embrace the salvation offered through Jesus and to live in the light of His transformative power. [50:11]

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: How has God's intervention through Jesus Christ changed your life? What steps can you take to live more fully in the light of His salvation today?

Quotes



Here is the essential Christian Case as presented by this remarkable men steam filled with the Holy Ghost as we are told in the previous chapter the first Christian Mar now the scheme that he adopts is this he knows that these members of the Sanhedrin as typical Jews are very proud of their history their own background their own story as a nation and as a people so he puts his case in terms of that very history. [00:04:39]

He takes up particularly outstanding characters and events in this long story he starts of course with Abraham and we've already considered that story and the use that Steven makes of it then he takes up a second case the case of Joseph and shows very plainly that the members of the Sanhedrin in rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ are simply doing exactly what Joseph's Brethren had done with Joseph this is the old failing the old characteristic. [00:05:43]

The first is that it is a view which is characterized by a denial of and an exclusion of the supernatural it is an Outlook that is determined entirely by man's mind and ability humanism man you see human being Homo sapiens he's the center of everything and it is his mind that determines everything if he doesn't understand he rejects that alone is true which uh appeals to him and commends itself to him. [00:11:45]

The Christian religion the Christian faith unlike every other teaching is something that is based solidly on facts you have no right in common honesty to say that this is a human invention that this is just the expression of certain ideas that have come into the minds of certain men in the past no the Bible is first and formost a book of History a book of facts. [00:16:00]

The essence of this message is this that there is something happening in the whole process of History initiated and carried on by God which is the biggest thing of all in human history that's our first answer to these humanists it's emphasized here when the time of the promise Rai which God had sworn to Abram and then in which time Moses was born there's a fact of history a child was born he was given the name of Moses. [00:18:59]

The great facts the great outstanding facts of History are quite inexplicable on on the basis of humanism what do I mean well I again am referring to the story of the Jews now I don't care for the moment what your view of Christianity may be but you are confronted by the fact of the Jew the Jewish Nation this people this phenomenon in history that I say is completely inexplicable in terms of humanism alone. [00:19:49]

The story of the Deliverance of the children of Israel from the bondage and the Captivity of Egypt is a kind of type oh the great salvation that the Son of God came into the world to bring it's used like that repeatedly in the Bible and the church as used it like this throughout the centuries it is undoubtedly something that we are meant to do we have the sanction and the authority of Steven for doing it here. [00:31:57]

The first answer is because their thinking is so superficial that they've never even seen the depth of their problem that is the final trouble with a humanist he's so superficial that a men can be optimistic at a time like this and say leave it to us and we are going to put this right ourselves with our own ideas and teach the thing the thing is pathetic. [00:33:31]

The problem is too deep for all this what is it well you see the Bible tells us it's this it is ultimately the problem of evil the problem of the devil do you remember how the Apostle Paul puts it he says we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and Powers against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places. [00:34:59]

The power of evil the power of the devil the power of sin the trouble with men is not that he doesn't know enough no no he's got the knowledge his trouble is that he's wrong himself sin isn't negative sin is very positive it's a positive force it's a power there is this realm of evil principalities and Powers rulers of the darkness of this world manipulating the minds of men organizing evil stirring it up keeping it going. [00:37:27]

The only hope for an individual for the world is in the intervention of God God's salvation and this is the message this is Christianity not good advice not exort but a proclamation an announcement that God ha visited and redeemed his people it is entirely God's work it is all together from his side it's unexpected but as Paul puts it there in the fifth chapter of the epistle to the Romans in the sixth verse while we were yet without Strength In Due Time Christ died for the ungodly. [00:50:11]

The power of God and this is the whole message God doing the impossible god with whom nothing is impossible giving salvation and deliverance bringing out these people in his own miraculous way out of the hands of pharaoh and all the bondage and the slavery bringing them out setting them free putting them in the new land the land of promise and that is precisely the message of this Christian faith. [00:53:32]

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Transcript
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