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!
Life of Christ Lesson 188a: Emmaus Road Despondency
Life of Christ Lesson 187c Resurrection Lies Exposed (Jesus DID Rise from the dead!)
Life of Christ Lesson 187b: Resurrecion Morning Conversations
Life of Christ Lesson 187a: Firstfruits of the Resurrection!
Life of Christ Lesson 186b: Joy Comes in the Morning!
Life of Christ Lesson 186a: The Empty Grave Clothes! {How they PROVED the Resurrection}
Life of Christ Lesson 185b: Angelic and Ecstatic Activity Re: The Resurrection!
Life of Christ Lesson 185a: The Resurrection Announced
Life of Christ Lesson 184c: Sunday Morning Wonder!
Life of Christ Lesson 184b: Christ’s Proclaimation to Imprisoned Spirits! {What Christ Did While His Body Laid in the Grave}
Life of Christ Lesson 184a: The Dark Days {While Christ’s Body Lay in the Tomb}
Life of Christ Lesson 183b: Burial Preparations Fit for a King!
Life of Christ Lesson 183a: Post-Death Providential Care
Life of Christ Lesson 182: Responses to Christ’s Death {It is Finished XII}
Life of Christ Lesson 181b: The Victor’s Death {It is Finished Part XI}
Life of Christ Lesson 181a: The Victor’s Declaration {It is Finished X}
Life of Christ Lesson 180: The Ninth Hour Thirst {It is Finished IX}
Life of Christ Lesson 179: The Sixth Hour Darkness {It is Finished VIII}
Life of Christ Lesson 178: Love: A Personal Concern {The Crucifixion} {It is Finished VII}
Life of Christ Lesson 177: Faith: A Penitent Thief {The Crucifixion} (It is Finished VI)
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Devoted To Prayer
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Bible Recap
BardsFM