When Stephen makes his defense, he starts with Abraham. Abraham once served idols (Joshua 24:2), but before the law was given, he was justified and accounted righteous because he believed God (Romans 3:28; 4:3). As Stephen speaks, he presents a powerful testimony to the nation of Israel, as well as against it. The accused becomes the accuser.
Next he speaks of the patriarchs. They envied Joseph, just as these religious leaders envied the Lord Jesus (Matthew 27:18). But God was with Joseph and exalted him in Egypt. When the patriarchs came to buy food the second time, Joseph revealed that he was their brother. After a long time, Moses was born. Did his brethren understand that he would deliver them? No, they refused him. Nonetheless, God had pity on the people when He saw their affliction and heard their groaning. Israel’s entire history had been the rejection of God’s prophets, even putting some to death. Many of them had spoken beforehand of the coming of the Just One, the Lord Jesus, whom they had betrayed and murdered. When they heard these things, instead of confessing their guilt, they were very angry with Stephen. This fearless man was so full of the Holy Spirit that his eyes saw Jesus in the opened heaven and the glory of God. Stephen committed his spirit to the Lord Jesus and then prayed for his enemies. The Lord Jesus first prayed for His enemies and then committed His spirit (Luke 23:34,46). The nation had now fully rejected God’s gracious offer of Christ.
1. Even though the patriarchs, Joseph’s brothers, were envious and sold him into Egypt, who was with him? __________ Acts 7:___
2. The second time they went to Egypt, __________ was made known to them, and they were made known to __________. Acts 7:___
3. The Lord saw the affliction and heard the groaning of His people. Now what was He going to do for them? __________ Acts 7:___
4. The prophets showed before of the coming of the Just One. Now, the people to whom Stephen was speaking were His __________ and __________. Acts 7:___
5. When Stephen saw the heavens opened, who did he see? __________ Acts 7:___