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None So Blind - Acts 7
None So Blind - Acts 7
After his conversion, Stephen continued to associate with the synagogue, but NOW he was teaching that this Jesus, whom the Jewish leaders had moved Pilate to crucify was the promised Messiah, the very Son of God. He was so forceful in his teaching that it left them with no ‘answer’. The record reads: “But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” ( Acts 6:10).
This is the point at which one’s real character shines forth. One COULD simply stop, admit that he is wrong, and change! OR one becomes even more obstinate that he sets forth to ‘win the debate’ at any cost. They chose to ‘win the debate’ by putting forth false witnesses.
“Arrested” and taken before the Jewish Sanhedrin, Stephen is allowed to make his defense. This is recorded for us in chapter 7. Such was not a normal ‘sermon’ like the one in chapter 2. Here, Stephen retraces their well-known history as a people. They at almost every point of history had proven themselves unfaithful to God by rejecting the messengers (prophets) that God sent.
The teaching of Jesus comes to mind for the disciples – cp. Matt. 23:34-35, and the parable of the wicked tenants in Matt. 21. Stephen comes to his conclusion: “ (51) "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. (52) "Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; (53) you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it." (Acts 7:51-53)
They chose to kill Stephen instead of admitting they were wrong!
This should cause each one of US to stop and consider ourselves! How honest are we with ourselves? How do we respond when we ‘lose a debate’? Can we in fact have a ‘debate with ourselves’ as we study and learn, AND ‘lose’? Can we stop and admit we are wrong? Those that love TRUTH can! Like the prodigal son, such lovers of truth will return to the Father and simply confess “I have sinned.” This is the beginning of CHANGE in one's life! This is the repentance that God demands (cp. 2 Pet. 3:9, Acts 17:30, etc.).
Are you a person that loves truth?
Hugh DeLong
