Stephen’s Speech
Trusting God’s Plan, God’s Timing, Rejection and Deliverance, Faith and Patience, Biblical History, God’s Sovereignty, Israel’s Resistance, Early Church History, Sanhedrin and Stephen, God’s Faithfulness, Waiting on God, Recognizing God’s Work
“Stephen’s Testimony Before the Sanhedrin” — Bathed in divine radiance, Stephen stands before the council of elders, proclaiming Israel’s sacred history with fearless conviction. His illuminated face reflects the wisdom of the Spirit, while the shadows of the Sanhedrin mark the tension between revelation and resistance. A Rembrandt style symphony of light and truth, capturing the moment when faith’s fire meets the world’s judgment.
Lessons from Stephen’s Speech:
Embracing Faith in God’s Sovereignty Through Israel’s History
The passage in Acts 7:1-29 is part of Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early church, is accused of blasphemy against Moses, the Law, and the temple. In his response, Stephen recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. This section focuses on the story of Moses, a central figure in Jewish history, highlighting his calling and the Israelites’ initial rejection of him. Stephen’s speech challenges the Sanhedrin to see how their ancestors repeatedly resisted God’s chosen deliverers, a pattern they were continuing by rejecting Jesus.
Stephen begins by recounting God’s covenant with Abraham and the promise of the land, setting the stage for Moses’ story. He describes how Moses was born during a time of oppression in Egypt, where Pharaoh had ordered the killing of Hebrew male infants. Rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses was raised in the Egyptian palace but retained his identity as a Hebrew. At the age of forty, Moses attempted to intervene in a conflict between two Israelites, but his efforts were rejected, forcing him to flee to Midian. This passage underscores God’s providence in Moses’ life and the Israelites’ resistance to God’s chosen deliverer.
Acts 7:25-26 (BSB): “He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. The next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’” These verses highlight Moses’ initial attempt to act as a deliverer for his people. Despite his good intentions, the Israelites failed to recognize God’s hand in his actions. This rejection foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus, the true Deliverer, by the Jewish leaders.
Stephen’s retelling of Moses’ story reminds us that God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t expect. Moses, though chosen by God, faced rejection and had to wait another forty years before stepping into his role as Israel’s deliverer. Similarly, we may face delays, rejection, or confusion as we seek to follow God’s calling. Yet, God’s timing is perfect, and His purposes will prevail. Stephen’s speech also challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we resisting God’s work in our lives or the lives of others?
Trust God’s Timing: Like Moses, you may feel ready to act, but God’s timing may require patience. Trust that He is preparing you for His purposes.
Recognize God’s Deliverance: Be open to the ways God is working in your life, even if it doesn’t align with your expectations.
Avoid Resistance: Reflect on areas where you might be resisting God’s will, whether through doubt, fear, or disobedience.
Have you ever felt rejected or misunderstood while trying to follow God’s calling? How did you respond?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God’s timing more fully?
Are there ways you might be resisting God’s work in your life or the lives of others?
How can you encourage others to recognize God’s hand in their circumstances?
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your faithfulness throughout history. Help me to trust Your timing and recognize Your hand in my life, even when things don’t go as I expect. Give me the courage to follow Your calling and the humility to submit to Your will. May I never resist Your work in my life or the lives of others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” —Psalm 37:5
This week, take time to encourage someone who feels stuck or rejected in their calling. Share with them the story of Moses and remind them that God’s timing is always perfect.
