Acts 7:44-53
I’ve always loved Stephen’s change of tone at verse 51 (and following): You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit… Before that he had been basically a story-teller, recounting Jewish history, although he was clearly leading up to temple worship and Jesus’ death. We have a hint of a change in tone in verse 48: Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says… I can sense the Jewish leaders taking offense at that statement, but they let him go on, not wanting to challenge his Isaiah quote. But then verses 51 to 53…!! Powerful!
At times I wonder about these speeches (and even some of the events). Luke was not one of the twelve apostles; how did he get his information when he wrote his Gospel or when he wrote Acts? He had to have access to some insiders who could relay the details of the events or of the speeches. For this particular event and Stephen’s speech, however, Luke had a trusty eyewitness – Saul, later named Paul, who was present at the event (v. 58b). I can imagine Saul’s rage, along with the others when Stephen changed his tone and charged the Jewish leaders with Jesus’ death. I can also imagine his later contrition at being part of Stephen’s death, although I don’t recall that he ever mentions it in his writings. Stay tuned!
Slava Bohu!
My translation reads “the tent of testimony” that traveled with the people until the temple was built by Solomon who said it couldn’t contain God. What if we called our church buildings the place of testimony, rather than “the church”?
Stephen says the Israelites and Jews always opposed the Holy Spirit. May we always be attuned to the Holy Spirit speaking to us, individually and as a church!