Stephen's Defense: The Historical Fulfillment of God's Plan

 

Summary

In the book of Acts, chapter seven, we find Stephen, the first Christian martyr, standing before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. He is on trial for his faith, accused of blasphemy against Moses, God, the temple, and the law. Stephen's defense is not merely a rebuttal of these charges but a profound exposition of the Christian Gospel, rooted in the history of Israel. He presents a sweeping review of Israel's history to demonstrate that the Christian message is not an innovation but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan, revealed through the ages.

Stephen's speech underscores the historical nature of the Christian faith, contrasting it with other religions that are more philosophical in nature. Christianity is grounded in historical events, beginning with the God of Glory appearing to Abraham in Mesopotamia. This divine encounter marks the initiation of God's redemptive plan, a plan that is entirely of God's grace and not the result of human effort or understanding. Salvation, Stephen argues, is a divine act, a miraculous intervention in history, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.

The essence of Stephen's message is that God's purpose is unchanging and eternal, revealed progressively through history and fulfilled in Jesus. This purpose is not merely about individual salvation but encompasses the cosmic restoration of all things. The covenant God made with Abraham is central to this plan, a divine promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Stephen challenges his listeners to see Jesus not as a disruptor but as the fulfillment of God's promises, the one in whom all the covenants and prophecies find their completion.

Stephen's defense is a call to humility and faith. He emphasizes that the Gospel is not about meeting human needs or desires but about glorifying God. It requires a posture of humility, recognizing our spiritual poverty and our need for God's grace. The Gospel is a mystery, beyond human understanding, yet it is the power of God for salvation. Stephen invites his listeners to embrace this mystery, to believe in the one whom God has sent, and to find in him the hope and fulfillment of God's eternal plan.

Key Takeaways:

- Historical Foundation of Faith: Christianity is rooted in historical events, not just philosophical ideas. The God of Glory appeared to Abraham, initiating a divine plan that unfolds through history and finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This historical grounding distinguishes Christianity from other religions and underscores the reality of God's intervention in human history. [02:46]

- Divine Initiative in Salvation: Salvation is entirely of God, a miraculous act of grace. It is not the result of human effort or understanding but a divine intervention that begins with God's call to Abraham and culminates in Christ. This underscores the need for humility and faith, recognizing our dependence on God's grace. [04:13]

- The Unchanging Purpose of God: God's purpose is eternal and unchanging, revealed progressively through history and fulfilled in Jesus. This purpose encompasses not only individual salvation but the cosmic restoration of all things, highlighting the grandeur and scope of God's redemptive plan. [07:29]

- The Covenant as Divine Promise: The covenant with Abraham is central to God's plan, a divine promise that finds its fulfillment in Christ. This covenant is not a bargain but a unilateral act of God's grace, assuring us of his commitment to redeem and restore. [26:01]

- The Mystery of the Gospel: The Gospel is a mystery, beyond human understanding, yet it is the power of God for salvation. It calls for faith and humility, inviting us to trust in God's wisdom and grace rather than our own understanding. This mystery is the heart of the Christian message, offering hope and transformation. [41:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Stephen's Defense
- [00:42] - Charges Against Stephen
- [01:42] - Stephen's Historical Review
- [02:46] - The Historical Nature of Faith
- [03:43] - The God of Glory and Abraham
- [05:22] - The Need for Understanding the Message
- [06:22] - Jesus as Fulfillment, Not Innovation
- [07:29] - God's Unchanging Purpose
- [09:46] - The Approach to the Gospel
- [12:12] - Accepting Salvation in God's Way
- [14:37] - The Glory of God in Salvation
- [17:03] - God's Plan of Redemption
- [20:17] - The Detailed Plan of God
- [26:01] - The Covenant with Abraham
- [33:28] - The Power of God in Salvation
- [41:38] - The Mystery of the Gospel
- [46:01] - God's People and Purpose

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:1-8
- Genesis 12:1-3
- Galatians 3:6-9

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the charges brought against Stephen by the Sanhedrin, and how did he respond to them? ([00:56])

2. How does Stephen use the history of Israel to defend the Christian Gospel? ([01:42])

3. What is the significance of the God of Glory appearing to Abraham in Mesopotamia according to Stephen's speech? ([03:43])

4. How does Stephen describe the nature of salvation in his defense? ([04:13])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Stephen emphasize the historical nature of the Christian faith in his defense? How does this contrast with other religions mentioned in the sermon? ([02:46])

2. What does Stephen mean when he says that God's purpose is unchanging and eternal? How does this relate to the fulfillment in Jesus? ([07:29])

3. How does the concept of the covenant with Abraham play a central role in Stephen's argument? What does this covenant signify? ([26:01])

4. Why is the Gospel described as a mystery beyond human understanding, and how does this impact our approach to faith? ([41:38])

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Application Questions:

1. Stephen's defense calls for humility and faith. Reflect on a time when you struggled with pride in your spiritual journey. How can you cultivate a posture of humility in your daily life? ([10:44])

2. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is a divine act of grace. How does this understanding affect your view of personal achievements and efforts in your spiritual life? ([04:13])

3. Stephen challenges his listeners to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. How do you perceive Jesus in your own life? Is there an area where you need to trust Him more as the fulfillment of God's plan? ([06:38])

4. The Gospel is described as a mystery. How do you handle aspects of your faith that you find difficult to understand? What steps can you take to embrace the mystery of the Gospel more fully? ([41:38])

5. Reflect on the historical foundation of your faith. How does knowing the history of God's work in the world strengthen your faith today? ([02:46])

6. The sermon mentions the cosmic restoration of all things. How does this broader perspective of God's plan influence your daily actions and decisions? ([05:05])

7. Consider the covenant God made with Abraham. How does this promise of God's commitment to redeem and restore impact your trust in His promises for your life? ([26:01])

Devotional

Day 1: Christianity's Historical Roots
Christianity is not just a set of philosophical ideas; it is deeply rooted in historical events. The faith begins with the God of Glory appearing to Abraham in Mesopotamia, marking the initiation of God's redemptive plan. This divine encounter is not a myth or legend but a real event that set the course for God's interaction with humanity. The historical nature of Christianity distinguishes it from other religions, emphasizing that God's intervention in human history is a reality. This grounding in history assures believers that their faith is based on actual events, not abstract concepts. [02:46]

Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV): "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"

Reflection: How does knowing that your faith is rooted in historical events impact your understanding of God's promises today?


Day 2: Salvation as Divine Grace
Salvation is not a result of human effort or understanding but a miraculous act of God's grace. From God's call to Abraham to the culmination in Christ, salvation is entirely initiated by God. This divine initiative underscores the need for humility and faith, as humans are dependent on God's grace for redemption. Recognizing our spiritual poverty and the necessity of God's intervention invites believers to approach God with a posture of humility, acknowledging that salvation is a gift, not something earned. [04:13]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace? How can you shift your focus to trust in His divine initiative?


Day 3: God's Eternal Purpose
God's purpose is unchanging and eternal, revealed progressively through history and fulfilled in Jesus. This purpose is not limited to individual salvation but includes the cosmic restoration of all things. The grandeur and scope of God's redemptive plan highlight His sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. Believers are invited to participate in this divine narrative, understanding that their lives are part of a larger, eternal story orchestrated by God. [07:29]

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: How does knowing that you are part of God's eternal purpose change the way you view your daily life and decisions?


Day 4: The Covenant with Abraham
The covenant God made with Abraham is central to His redemptive plan, a divine promise that finds its fulfillment in Christ. This covenant is not a mutual agreement but a unilateral act of God's grace, assuring believers of His commitment to redeem and restore. Understanding the covenant as a divine promise rather than a bargain emphasizes God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. Believers are called to trust in God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, finding assurance in His unchanging nature. [26:01]

Hebrews 6:13-14 (ESV): "For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, 'Surely I will bless you and multiply you.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of God's covenant promises in your daily life, especially during times of doubt or uncertainty?


Day 5: Embracing the Mystery of the Gospel
The Gospel is a mystery, beyond human understanding, yet it is the power of God for salvation. It calls for faith and humility, inviting believers to trust in God's wisdom and grace rather than their own understanding. This mystery is at the heart of the Christian message, offering hope and transformation to those who embrace it. Believers are encouraged to approach the Gospel with a sense of wonder and trust, allowing its transformative power to work in their lives. [41:38]

1 Corinthians 2:7-9 (ESV): "But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'"

Reflection: What aspect of the Gospel do you find most mysterious, and how can you embrace this mystery in your faith journey today?

Quotes



This faith is historical, that's where it's so different essentially from other so-called religions like Confucianism and Buddhism and Muhammadanism and Hinduism and so on. This is a record of facts, it is historical, and apart from the history, the message is rarely not the Christian message. The message is based on and comes out of the history which is put before us. [00:03:00]

Salvation is all together and entirely of God. All knowledge we have tonight is not the result of our efforts and endeavors, not the result of our research or seeking. It is indeed the grace of God which has been pleased to reveal these great and wonderful truths to us. [00:04:11]

God has got a plan and a purpose for this world, and he is going to carry it out. There is individual salvation; there is to be a cosmic restoration of all things to God. There is to be a final renovation, a final regeneration when the whole Cosmos and universe will be restored to the condition in which God originally made it. [00:04:49]

The purpose of God is one, and it doesn't change, and it's an old purpose, and he is bringing it to pass in his own time and in his own way. Now what we're doing immediately here is to show how God revealed this to Abraham. God met this man, and he revealed this plan and this purpose to him. [00:07:29]

The Gospel isn't just an agency to supply our needs, give us something that we think we need. You see, this is our trouble. We don't know what we need. We all think that what we need is happiness, but it isn't. There's something more important than happiness. It is Holiness. It is the knowledge of God. [00:14:37]

The primary object and purpose of Salvation is not to supply the needs of men but is to glorify God. It is to vindicate the glory of God, and our benefits are incidental. Now, we've got to view it like that. I know that this is abhorrent to the Modern Men. He hates this; he detests it. [00:15:23]

The Covenant is entirely from the side of God. It isn't two parties coming together as equals and making an agreement and appending their names to it. No, no, it is God coming down with the plan and saying, here is my plan for you. I have made it, I have signed it, I have sealed it, I give it to you. [00:26:01]

This way of Salvation that I'm privileged to preach to you is miraculous. It is miraculous from beginning to end, not natural, Supernatural. As a type of Christian, I can't understand. He's the man who's afraid of the miraculous and the supernatural. The scientists won't believe it; of course, they won't. [00:33:28]

The mystery of redemption, the mystery of Salvation, thank God it is a mystery. What are you trying to understand? You're trying to understand the God of Glory. You're trying to understand free persons and yet but one God. You're trying to understand the infinite, the absolute, the eternal. [00:41:38]

The first thing you and I've got to do is to realize that we mustn't even try to understand it. It is God, and it is the mind of the Eternal and the Everlasting God. It is something that he thought out before he even made the world, actually, and here it is, the mystery of God. [00:42:38]

God is preparing a people for himself. He made the whole world, and the whole world was his and all its peoples, but they've all sinned, and they've all gone astray, and they've fallen into heathendom and paganism and things that are even worse. And what is God's way of redemption? [00:46:01]

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. That's what he told Abraham. The God of Glory appeared unto Abraham while he was yet in Mesopotamia, and he gave him a glimpse of the coming of his son on the cross on Calvary's Hill. Abram didn't understand it; a Darkness Came Upon him. [00:53:28]

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