Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 is one of the most profound moments in early Christian history. As he stood before the Sanhedrin, he delivered a powerful summary of the Old Testament, connecting the dots from Abraham to Jesus. Stephen reminded his accusers of God’s unwavering faithfulness to Israel, even when the people repeatedly turned away from Him.
Stephen begins by recounting the call of Abraham, highlighting God’s promise of a land and a great nation, despite Abraham’s old age. He then moves through the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs, focusing on Joseph’s rise in Egypt. Stephen emphasizes that while Joseph was rejected by his brothers, God used him to save Israel during a famine, a foreshadowing of how Jesus, though rejected, would become the Savior.
Stephen’s speech transitions to Moses, pointing out how the Israelites rejected him despite his role as their deliverer. He recalls the Exodus and the wilderness years, where God continually provided for His people, only to be met with disobedience and idolatry. Stephen’s words crescendo as he accuses the Sanhedrin of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had resisted God’s prophets.
In the climax of his speech, Stephen declares that the Jewish leaders betrayed and murdered the “Righteous One”—Jesus. His bold proclamation enrages the council, leading to his martyrdom. As Stephen is stoned, he echoes Jesus’ words on the cross, asking for forgiveness for his killers and commending his spirit to the Lord.
Stephen’s unwavering faith and his ability to see the larger picture of God’s plan is a powerful example for all believers. His testimony serves as a reminder that God’s promises are eternal, and His plans, though sometimes challenging, are always for our good. Stephen’s story encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
