Acts 7

“Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham …” (v2). The religious leaders had charged Stephen with “blasphemy,” accusing him of saying that Jesus would tear down the Temple and change the laws of Moses (6:11-15).  Full of the Spirit, Stephen responded by summarizing the Old Testament, proving that Israel had rejected God’s glory multiple times, concluding with the murder of Jesus.  The “stiff-necked,” self-righteous leaders (v51) knew plenty of Biblical truth but their hearts were closed to God Himself.

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (v60). Stephen spoke truth but had a different attitude. He died praying for his enemies, not cursing them, with his eyes fixed on Jesus (v55).