Outspoken Stephen

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. 

But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. 

They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59)

Brave Stephen made the mistake of calling all members of his audience “betrayers and murderers of Jesus.”  That sentiment is clearly made known in the missing part of our reading from 7:1-53, the major part of Stephen’s Discourse.  

Stephen diminished the importance of the temple and Mosaic law and elevated Jesus to a stature above Moses.  He sealed his own fate, being stoned to death.  That is what can happen when we speak our minds to those who have a contrary point of view and react with anger and hostility.  Sounds like today’s political discourse with stones piling up in each tribe’s camp.

It’s the day after Christmas.  Time for us all to stand at the right hand of God meaning no more grinding of teeth and a need for reconciliation with those we have alienated and harmed through word or deed.

Deacon David Pierce