Theory question 107
Persecution of the Early Church(a) Give an account of Stephen's defence before the Sanhedrin. (b) State three lessons that can be learnt from Stephen's defence.
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(a) Accused of speaking against the temple and the law, Stephen answered the high priest (Acts 6:13–7:1).
He recalled God's call of Abraham and the covenant of circumcision (Acts 7:2-8).
The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him, but God was with him in Egypt (Acts 7:9-16).
Moses was rejected by his people, yet God sent him as ruler and deliverer (Acts 7:17-36).
Israel refused Moses and turned to the golden calf (Acts 7:39-43).
The tabernacle and Solomon's temple were built, yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands (Acts 7:44-50).
"You stiff-necked people… you always resist the Holy Spirit"; their fathers killed the prophets, and they murdered the Righteous One (Acts 7:51-53).
They were enraged; he saw Jesus at God's right hand; they stoned him as he prayed for them (Acts 7:54-60).
(b) Any three: courage in defending the faith; knowledge of scripture; forgiveness of enemies; faithfulness unto death; God's presence is not confined to buildings; boldness to rebuke sin.
Summarise Acts 7, then three lessons.