The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
Stephen had "an irresistible ministry"! He was a Scripture-scholar, extremely skilled and astute in using the Old Testament to defend his faith in Jesus. He was a Christian apologist ("apologia" is a Greek word that refers to "a speech in defense of something").
Stephen's POWERFUL message of Acts chapter 7 was basically a last major appeal to the leadership of Israel (the Sanhedrin Council) to accept Jesus as the long-promised Messiah. Stephen was brought for trial before the Council, falsely accused of four things: speaking blasphemous words (1) against Moses, (2) against God, (3) against the Temple, and (4) against the Law. While he stood before his opponents and their lying accusations, his face was glowing with the righteousness of truth and the glory of God! Amazing. By visibly putting His "glory stamp" on Stephen's face, the Lord Jesus was showing forth His approval of the message he had been proclaiming in the synagogues and which he was about to proclaim in Acts 7.
Stephen's message was his response to the evil high priest's question, "Are these things so?" - referring to the four accusations against him. In verses 2 to 50, he managed to keep his hostile listeners' attention by talking about their favorite subject: themselves and their heritage! Yet, as he reviewed the major periods of Jewish history, he indirectly was responding to the false and accusations against him and building his case against them! His sermon is brilliant on so many levels! It was completely irrefutable, and cost him his life.
In this lesson, Stephen began his "history lesson" regarding Israel's period of the patriarchs by speaking about Abraham. You have to listen to how absolutely clever Stephen was in using "father" Abraham to convict the Jews of their own sinful prejudices!
Genesis Lesson 1: The Foundation of History
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 25: Stephen’s Message VIII {Israel’s Indictment}
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 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?}
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