Hallelujah Anyhow
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Background
The martyrdom of Stephen, Acts 6:8-7:60, is an extremely long passage. Its length may tempt some to focus on the shorter Acts 7:55-60 passage listed in Revised Common Lectionary reading. Exploring the longer account, however, provides you rich insights into the character of Stephen and the precipitating events that led to his martyrdom.
Acts 6-7:53 Highlights
In contrast to the amicable depiction of the early community of believers in Acts 2:43-7 and 4:32-7, Acts 6:1-6 shows clear evidence of growing tension between the Hellenistic, Greek-speaking Jewish Christians, and the Aramaic-speaking Jewish Christians. The problem was the less than equitable distribution of food to the Hellenistic widows.
Creation of Deacons
In response to the complaints by the widows, the apostles created a new class of ministers called deacons who were to wait on tables. Interestingly, no Aramiac-speaking Jewish Christians were chosen to serve the Hellenistic widows. Only men with Hellenistic names were selected to serve in this capacity.
Of the deacons chosen, Stephen and Philip emerged as powerful preachers and evangelists.
False Accusers Oppose Stephen
Members of the synagogue of the Freedman (descendants of former Roman slaves) opposed Stephen, but could not overcome his wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. The Freedmen then stirred others to falsely accuse Stephen of speaking blasphemy against Moses and God.
Amazingly, upon hearing the accusations against him, the people noticed Stephen's face appearing like that of an angel. Some commentators suggest Stephen's unexpected calm earned him the right to speak at length in his defense.
Stephen's Rebuttal
Stephen's argument traces the history of God's people through three of its greatest figures: Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. Ultimately, Stephen mentions the unjust crucifixion of Jesus. Stephen concludes by pointing out Israel's chronic infidelity toward God -- something his accusers now demonstrated through their false claims.
Notes for Acts 7:55-60*
Stephen, one of the deacons chosen in chapter 6, was accused of blasphemy and brought before the council (Acts 6:11-14). When given an opportunity to defend himself against the charges, he chose instead to preach a scathing sermon against his accusers, indicting them for their unbelief! By verse 54, his accusers were furious!
His vision of Jesus standing, the posture of judges rendering a verdict, only made things worse (Acts 7:55-56).
His accusers responded by dragging Stephen out of the city to stone him to death as prescribed by the Law (Leviticus 24:16, Deuteronomy 13:9-10). They laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul, who later became the apostle Paul.
With his dying breath, Stephen forgave those who stoned him to death (Acts 7:60). Compare to Luke 23:34.
Sermon Notes
As subjects of Rome, Stephen's accusers were not supposed to execute capital punishment. But Stephen's accusers were so enraged they carried out mob justice (Acts 7:54).
Stephen's mention of the term Son of Man is its only use outside the gospels. The term has roots in the Hebrew Bible, Daniel 7:13-14, where it depicts a human figure coming to the enthroned Ancient of Days to receive universal dominion from him. That Jesus, the Son of Man, is standing is significant. One commentator says Jesus stands up as witness or advocate in Stephen's defense (Acts 7:56).
Under Jewish law, criminals were to be stripped before stoning. In this case, Stephen's accusers strip themselves (presumably because they are hot) and lay their robes before a young Saul. Luke's inclusion of this detail is purposeful (Acts 7:58).
In reference to Stephen, Augustine says, "Those who preach Christ must become both the fire and the gentle dove of the Holy Spirit." By this, he means a Christ follower should act both like a dove, with simplicity (do no harm), and like fire by standing with fervor, especially against the religious who act irreverently toward the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:59).
Some commentators say Stephen's ministry is the beginning of gospel outreach to Gentiles that Saul will continue following his conversion (Acts 7:60).
Putting the Sermon Together*
Stephen responded to his difficult calling that tragically ended in his death. Yet Stephen's beatific face made an impression upon the angry mob long after his death. How many times are we called to plant where another will reap, to sacrifice without fully realizing results, or to stand in faith when we are not certain that it will really make a difference? There is more to today's reading than the call to be courageous even when faced with the possibility of martyrdom; this text is an exhortation to unwavering faith in the face of things unrealized.
Truth with Consequences. When I look at this passage, I wonder why Stephen had to say so much to his hostile accusers. Why didn't he coat the truth with a little sugar and save his life? That is, of course, what our culture teaches us to do, isn't it? We are skillfully schooled in the art of offending no one by blurring the truth just enough to feel honest about telling it while standing clear of possible repercussions.
For Stephen, there was no cowardly compromise, no sidestepping the issues or tap-dancing around reality. Stephen chose to speak the truth, the unmasked truth, in spite of the obvious threat of consequences. Lest you think that Stephen's death was the logical result of his lack of finesse, look at verse 58: "The witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul." We may never know the impact that Stephen's sermon had upon Saul, who later became Paul. It is quite possible that he did more in his death than he could have done had he lived. Such is the enigma of martyrdom.
In many parts of the world, Christian martyrs continue to risk their lives to speak an uncompromised truth. I wonder if they understand why we find it necessary to blur the lines, to compromise, or to just remain silent in a free country.
Questions to Wrestle With
The apostles response to the inequitable distribution of food to the Hellenistic widows was the creation of a new class of ministers called deacons. Did their response fully address the underlying issue of nepotism and favoritism apparently practiced by the Aramaic-speaking Christians? The seven deacons were Hellenistic and assigned to minister to the Hellenistic Jews. The issue of nepotism and favoritism appears not to be directly addressed. Do we avoid dealing directly with issues by offering indirect generic solutions today? Was Stephen in a lose-lose situation? If so, what possible options beyond direct rebuttal could he have chosen? Some commentators say martyrdom is a spiritual gift in which a person no longer fears death. What can we learn from the way Stephen approached martyrdom? When might we choose to bear witness for God by speaking prophetically, even at the risk of personal safety? How gracious are we in the face of accusation? Has the threat of character assassination through media and social networks silenced prophetic speech in Christians today? Stephen's response to his accusers was to attack their hypocrisy and forgive them for their ignorance. How should we stand up for our faith today? Chrysostom wrote "When you speak with anger, you ruin everything." Stephen spoke boldly yet without anger. What should the Christian response be to the angry rhetoric of radio and TV "shock jocks" so prevalent in today's media?
Suggested Resources
Online
A Hole in the Heavens -- article about Stephen by Eric Routley in Theology Today
St. Stephen in the Catholic Encyclopedia
John Wesley's Translation of the Acts of the Apostles
Foxe's Book of Christian Martyrs
Voice of the Martyrs website (requires registration) -- martyrdom continues into our times.
Learn more about the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and make plans to observe prayers for modern Christian martyrs
Speak Truth to Power -- transcripts from PBS series dealing with human rights abuses
Print
Preaching Luke-Acts by Ronald Allen
The Acts of the Apostles by F. F. Bruce
Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F. F. Bruce -- a classic on the life of Paul
Interpretation Bible Commentary: Acts
New Interpreter's Bible Volume X
Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Acts
The Storyteller's Companion to the Bible, Volume 12: Acts of the Apostles by Michael Williams and Dennis Smith
Classics
The Helper (written from a layperson's perspective) by Catherine Marshall
The Breaking of the Outward Man by Watchman Nee
The Release of the Spirit by Watchman Nee
Basic Bible Study
The Holy Spirit in the Wesleyan Heritage
Teacher
Student
Questions — the Holy Spirit, from the Cokesbury series "The Questions Senior Highs Ask" (electronic download)
What's in the Bible About the Holy Spirit? By Alexander Joyner
*Notes and Putting the Sermon Together adapted from Preaching Helps for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A, by Safiyah Fosua