Stephen was one of the first seven "good and worthy men" chosen to provide relief to these needy Christians from Greek backgrounds. Since Stephen is mentioned first in the list of the seven administrators he was probably most important leader in this group and assumed a place of prominence among the seven leaders. The words of the Lord continued to spread: the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly increased and a large group of priests made their submission to the faith. - Acts 6:7 -
Stephen was probably critical of the system of Old Testament laws, claiming they had already lost their effectiveness because they had reached fulfillment in Christ. This viewpoint which Stephen argued very skillfully, brought him into conflict with powerful leaders among the Jewish people. Stephen became well-known, Christ preacher and a miracle worker. His work was so effective that renewed persecution of the Christians broke out. Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. - Acts 6:8 -
Members of certain Jewish synagogues felt that Stephen had blasphemed Moses and God. They accused him of being disloyal to the Temple and rejecting Moses. He was also accused of hostility toward Judaism - a charge that had never been made before against other disciples. In debates the Jews were no match for Stephen; even Saul was outwitted by him. Thus, they resorted to force.
Stephen was arrested and brought before the SANHEDRIN, the Jewish council where charges were place against him. False witnesses testified against him. The high priest then asked Stephen if these things were true. Stephen was not dismayed. When he stood before them his face was as the face of an angel.
The members of the Sanhedrin all looked intently at Stephen and his face appeared to them like the face of an angel. - Acts 6:15 -
The lengthy speech which Stephen made his own defense is reported in detail in Acts 7:2-53 - Among the people consenting to Stephen's death that day was Saul who later became the apostle Paul - great Christian missionary to the Gentiles. As he was being stoned, Stephen asked God not to charge his executioners with the sin of his death. - Acts 7:59-60 -
Stephen's martyrdom was followed by a general persecution which forced the disciples to flee from Jerusalem into the outlaying areas. This scattering led to the preaching of the gospel first to the Samaritans and then to the Gentiles in the nations surrounding Palestine.
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Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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