The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
This is the conclusion of the longest sermon in the Book of Acts - and likely the most important. Stephen had reviewed Israel's history and the great contributions of some of her most honored leaders (Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon). The High Court of Israel had gotten a quick overview of her history, which the men permitted Stephen to present because they loved to hear about themselves. However, slowly, his selective presentation started to get uncomfortable as they began to realize where his focus on their "rejection of deliverers" pattern of behavior was going. Was he really going to indict them for having rejected (and killed) Jesus?! Would he dare to go that far!?
Yes, he would, even though he knew it would likely cost him his life. Realizing his listeners were reaching the end of their tolerance of him and were about to make him stop, Stephen catapulted into his application-rebuke - and it was BOLD and BLUNT! After calling them "stiff-necked" and uncircumcised in heart and ears, He told them, ". . . ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51)! He also accused them of the betrayal and murder of "the Just One" - and they knew he spoke of Jesus and used for Him a title only reserved for God!
Stephen's phenomenal use of his two-edged sword, the Word of God, hit its target. The Sanhedrin Council members "were cut to the heart" (7:54). Their hypocritically pious masks were torn off and they were exposed for the false shepherds they were. Yet, rather than repent, they gnashed their teeth in seething anger. THEY had been the ones on trial, and they were guilty of having blasphemed everything God had ever given them! They could not defend themselves, so they decided they would silence the one who spoke the truth about their depraved hearts. Saul of Tarsus was among them; little did they know he would soon pick-up where Stephen left off! Truth cannot be silenced, much as men might try.
Ruth - Part II {An End Times’ Prophetic Perspective!}
Book of Ruth - Part 1 {Three Love Stories in One}
Acts Lesson 26: Stephen’s Martyrdom {A Standing Ovation!}
Acts Lesson 24: Stephen’s Message VII {The Temple}
Acts Lesson 23: Stephen’s Message VI {The Law}
Acts Lesson 22: Stephen’s Message V {Moses' Divine Commission. Also how the Burning Bush Symbolizes Israel}
Acts Lesson 21: Stephen’s Message IV {Moses; Two Deliverances}
Acts Lesson 20: Stephen’s Message III {Moses, the Deliverer Delivered}
Acts Lesson 19: Stephen’s Message II {Jet-Tour of Life of Joseph}
Acts Lesson 18: Stephen’s Message I {Abraham of Mesopotamia}
Acts Lesson 17: Stephen’s Ministry
Acts Lesson 16: Growing Pains and Gains
The Resurrection Reality - Part II {More Events, Evidences, and Excitement Regarding Resurrection Sunday} RECENT STUDY
The Resurrection Reality - Part I {Events, Evidences, Excitement of Resurrection Sunday!} RECENT STUDY
Passion Week Chronology {Crucifixion Day? Was it Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?}
Acts Lesson 15: Happy to Suffer for Jesus!
Acts Lesson 14: Evangelism Explosion
Acts Lesson 13: Sin From Within {Ananias and Sapphria; Why were they struck dead?}
Acts Lesson 12: How the Church is to Respond to Persecution
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