Stephen Preaches

And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And Stephen said…

Acts 7:1-53

Stephen, in front of the religious leaders of Israel, is given the opportunity to speak in his defense of the charges the leaders have leveled against him, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. From the beginning of Stephen’s sermon, it is clear that the Holy Spirit is with Stephen as he tells a brief history of the Jews to these learned religious leaders, not because they were ignorant of their own history but, because their eyes have been blinded and their hearts hardened by the prince of the power of the air, Satan. In John 14:15-17, Jesus promised to His people, Christians of all ages, to send to them the Holy Spirit. In John 14:26, Jesus promised further that the Holy Spirit “will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” Truth is at work in the audience to whom Stephen is speaking. The longer Stephen continues, the more the religious leaders’ anger becomes until, finally, the evil men erupt against Stephen. Throughout the history of the church, the Holy Spirit has worked through godly men who have preached the Gospel without concern for who or how the message is received. Jesus has called His Bride, all Christians of all ages, to go, tell, baptize and teach all things He has commanded in His Holy Word. The response of those who hear the gospel is never neutral but, acceptance or rejection. God’s message of Redemption requires those who hear it to make a decision right then! Some believe, some reject. It is the Holy Spirit’ work in the hearts of all who hear the gospel to bring to bear the sinful nature of all people and the good news of salvation found only in Christ. It is not the Christian’s duty to save people! That belongs to God alone! Christians are messengers of God and are to speak boldly of Jesus and His works to bring salvation to all who believe. May Christians, today, speak up for the in-dwelling Holy Spirit will give them the message to speak to those who need the salvation of the Lord. Source: S C Ball June 10, 2023