Monday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 6:11-7:1
11 So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” 12 This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.
13 The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. 14 We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.
Chapter 7
1 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these accusations true?”
11 So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” 12 This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.
13 The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. 14 We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.
Chapter 7
1 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these accusations true?”
Commentary:
6:11 Secretly instigated (Gk. hypoballō) implies putting words in someone’s mouth or making false suggestions. The basic charge was blasphemy, speaking against Moses (the Law) and against God (that is, against the temple, God’s dwelling place; cf. vv. 13–14). Jesus was accused of the same thing (Mark 14:63–64).
6:13 The use of false witnesses is reminiscent of what happened at Jesus’ trial (Matt. 26:59–60) and confirms Jesus’ prediction that his followers would be persecuted as he was (John 15:18–21).
6:14 Stephen must have referred to what Jesus said about destroying the temple and rebuilding it in three days (Mark 14:58), which John clarified as referring to the temple of Jesus’ body (John 2:19–21).
6:15 Stephen’s face is described as being like the face of an angel. There was apparently a visible manifestation of the brightness of the glory of God on his face, as there had been with Moses (Ex. 34:29–30, 35) and, to an even greater extent, with Jesus at his transfiguration (Matt. 17:2).
6:13 The use of false witnesses is reminiscent of what happened at Jesus’ trial (Matt. 26:59–60) and confirms Jesus’ prediction that his followers would be persecuted as he was (John 15:18–21).
6:14 Stephen must have referred to what Jesus said about destroying the temple and rebuilding it in three days (Mark 14:58), which John clarified as referring to the temple of Jesus’ body (John 2:19–21).
6:15 Stephen’s face is described as being like the face of an angel. There was apparently a visible manifestation of the brightness of the glory of God on his face, as there had been with Moses (Ex. 34:29–30, 35) and, to an even greater extent, with Jesus at his transfiguration (Matt. 17:2).
Questions:
- In Acts 6, Stephen had been teaching about Jesus in the Synagogue, which got him in some trouble. Some witnesses testified falsely about Stephen, saying he was blaspheming God, Moses, the Law and the temple. But something interesting happens when the high priest asked Stephen if the accusations were true... he didn't defend himself. He only laid out the historical case for Jesus being the Messiah. Because of our pride, we can be quick to get defensive when someone says or does something against us. Jesus was the perfect example of defenselessness as he never spoke a word as he was accused, mocked, beaten and crucified. Being defensive can cause us issues in our relationships as well. Do you get overly defensive in your relationships? Would you say that you are Jesus-like in the way you handle conflict?
- Instead of defending himself, Stephen launches into a lengthy sermon defending the Gospel. The greek word for this is "apologia," where we get the word "apologetics." This isn't saying you're sorry, it's a reasoned statement of defense based on facts and history. Stephen does what Peter tells US to do in 1 Peter 3 when he says, "And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." What about you? Are you ready to explain why you believe what you believe about Jesus? Can you give a solid defense of the Gospel if you had to?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would live like Jesus.
- That you would be ready to defend your faith.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
3. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Since “all have sinned” and the “wages of sin is death,” Jesus had to die on the cross to pay the fine for my sin so I could be right with God.
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
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