1. 7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
Acts 7:51-60
Acts 7: READ

2. 7/1/2019
Acts 7:51-55
“51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God”

3. 7/1/2019
Acts 7:56-60
“56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep?
1. Stephen has been charged with speaking blasphemous words against God, Moses, the holy temple, and the law... witnesses have said that Stephen taught the people that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs which Moses delivered unto us (see Acts 5:11-14)
2. Steven’s defense brought the members of the council all the way back to their beginnings (for the third time the council is going to be taught the gospel / see Acts 4:5ff; 5:30ff; 7:1ff).
Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin council that the land they now dwell in is due to their father Abraham being called of God to come to Canaan.
1. When the council heard the fourfold charge of Stephen they were “cut to the heart” (dieprionto tais kardiais) “to saw asunder or in twain, to divide by a saw; to be sawn through mentally; i.e. to be rent with vexation” (Thayer 141)... “Fig. be cut to the quick, be infuriated” (AG 187). The charges levied against them infuriated their pride stricken hearts.
2. Stephen sees Jesus and refers to him as the “Son of man” (vs. 56). Daniel had referred to the coming Jesus as the “Son of man” (Dan. 7:13-14). Jesus confirms his Messiah-ship by confessing that he is the “Son of man” (Matt. 8:20 etc.). The Sanhedrin was offended at the words of Stephen. They did not believe Jesus was the Christ and to have Stephen now proclaim that he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God was, in their mind, the highest form of blasphemy.
3. Their infuriation led to the council’s “gnashing” upon Stephen with their teeth. To “gnash” (brucho) = “to grind, gnash, with the teeth, to bite, chew” (Thayer 106). “Gnash, a sign of violent rage” (AG 148). “To tear in pieces, devour” (LS 157). “To grate or gnash the teeth” (Moulton 74). It appears that what took place was a violent fit of rage (AG) expressed in their grinding and gnashing their teeth together in anger as they apprehended Stephen. Nestle and Marshall’s Greek text state that the council “gnashed the teeth at him” (NM 495). Stephen’s accusations cut through their prideful heart and instead of repenting they killed him.
4. As the Council, in a fit of rage, apprehend Stephen to kill him a vision is seen. Stephen sees the glories of heaven with Jesus sitting at the right hand of God.

4. Why Was Stephen Stoned? He went among the people - Acts 6:8
7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
He went among the people - Acts 6:8
“Go preach…” - Mark 16:15; Acts 8:4
Paul & Barnabas Preached - Acts 11-15
Paul & Silas Preached - Acts 15-18
Paul’s manner was to go to Synagogues to Reason from the Scriptures
Acts 17:2, 16; 1 Peter 3:15
Acts 6:8 - And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
Mk. 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Acts 8:4 - Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Acts 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 12:24 - But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Acts 13:1-5, READ
Acts 14:1-18 Paul & Barnabas at Iconium and other places beginning at VS 19
Acts 15:1ff encounter false teachers who were binding circumcision. VS. 35 continued in Antioch preaching them to other places and in verse 39 there was a sharp contention and they separated, Paul taking Silas and Barnabas taking with him Mark.
Acts 16:1 They go to Derbe, Lystra. Vs 6 - then went to Phrygia and the region of Galatia the on to Mysia, to Bithinia.
Acts 17: The passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica. Then Paul sent away and Silas and Timotheus abide there.
Acts 17:16 - Paul in Athens disputing with the Jews in the Synagogue.
1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

5. Why Was Stephen Stoned? He was full of faith & power - Acts 6:9-10
7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
He was full of faith & power - Acts 6:9-10
“Disputing with Stephen”
“Disputing” - suzeteo
a. To seek or examine together
b. In the NT to discuss, dispute (question)
Thayer
Probably the discussion began in this way, and when they could not tolerate his “arguments” they resorted to angry accusations and violence
Acts 6: Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Dispute suzeteo, sood-zay-teh’-o - to investigate jointly, i.e. discuss, controvert, cavil:--dispute (with), enquire, question (with), reason (together). - Strong

6. Why Was Stephen Stoned? He could not be resisted - Acts 6:10
7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
He could not be resisted - Acts 6:10
“The wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake”
He, a inspired preacher, spoke the truth
Acts 2-7
Truth cannot be hidden - Matthew 10:26-33
He spoke boldly - 7:51-60; cf. Acts 4:13
Ephesians 6:19-20; Romans 1:16
Philippians 1:13-14, 20; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6
Acts 6:10 - And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Matt 10: READ
Acts 7:51-60 READ
Acts 4:13 - Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Eph. 6: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Rom. 1:16 -For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Phil. 1: So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
1 Thess. 2:1-6 - For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

7. 7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
They suborned false witnesses and false accusations - Acts 6:11-14
“Suborned” - hupobaloe
1. “To hire a person to act in a particular way, often involving dishonest activities - ‘to hire, to bribe, to induce.’” - Greek-English Lexicon Based on Semantic Domain
2. “To introduce underhandedly, to make a secret agreement, to suborn, put forward by collusion, trans. (Acts 6:11). To suborn in the legal sense is to induce a person to make a false oath, i.e., to commit perjury.” - The Complete Word Study Dictionary
Acts 6: Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

8. 7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
They suborned false witnesses and false accusations - Acts 6:11-14
Accusations of blasphemy against Moses, God, the temple, and the Law
Don’t misrepresent your opponent
1 Peter 3:9, 16
Use Spiritual Weapons
Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:5
Acts 6: Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
1 Pet. 3:9, 16 - Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Eph. 6: READ
2 Cor. 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

9. Why Was Stephen Stoned? They stirred up the people - Acts 6:12
7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
They stirred up the people - Acts 6:12
Jesus - Mark 15:11
Paul - Acts 13:44-52; 14:1-2; 19:32; 21:27
Branded Stephen a “blasphemer”
Can’t tolerate the message then attack the messenger - Titus 3:2
ad hominem - 1. appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect; 2. marked by or being an attack on an opponent’s character rather than by an answer to the contentions made
Webster’s online dictionary
Acts 6:12 - And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council.
Mk. 15:11 - But the chief priests moved the people (stirred up the crowd-NKJV), that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
Acts 13: READ Paul & Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia - vs. 14
Acts 14: And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
Acts 19:32 - In Ephesus - Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Acts 21:27 - And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him.
Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

10. Why Was Stephen Stoned? They were cut to the heart - Acts 7:54
7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
They were cut to the heart - Acts 7:54
“Are these things so…” - Acts 7:1
Stephen’s defense
Conclusion - Acts 7:51-53
Are we reaching the audience? - cf. Acts 20:27
God’s word cuts to the heart
Hebrews 4:12; Acts 7:54; 2:37
Are we preaching the word? - 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Or, are we men pleasers? - Galatians 1:10
Acts 7:54 - When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Acts 7:1 - Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
Acts 7: Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
Acts 20:20, And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Heb. 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Acts 2:37 - Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
2 Tim. 4:1-5 - READ
Gal. 1:10 - For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11. Why Was Stephen Stoned? They stopped their ears - Acts 7:57
7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
They stopped their ears - Acts 7:57
Already heard! - Vs. 54
Determined to stop Stephen’s mouth - Vs. 58
These were Stephen’s own Jewish brethren
Jews slew the prophets - Acts 7:52
Christ, “the Just One” - Acts 7:52
Trouble usually arises from within
Acts 20:28-30; cf. Galatians 5:15; James 1:19
Must avoid error, not trouble - Ephesians 4:1-3
Acts 7:57 - Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
Acts 7:54 - When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Acts 7:58 - And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Acts 7:52 - Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.
Acts 20: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Gal. 5:15 - But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Jas. 1:19 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Eph. 4:1-3 - I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, {of the Lord: or, in the Lord} 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Endeavoring - spoudazo, spoo-dad'-zo - to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:--do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study. - Strong

12. Why Was Stephen Stoned? Some stood by and watched - Acts 7:58
7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
Some stood by and watched - Acts 7:58
cf. Acts 22:20
Some watched Jesus be crucified
Matthew 27:35-36
Edomites condemned for being idle
“In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that strangers carried away his substance, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them”
Obadiah 11; 2 John 9-11
Acts 7:58 - And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Acts 22:20 - And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him,
Matt. 27: And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there;
2 Jn Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

13. Why Was Stephen Stoned? He went among the people - Acts 6:8
7/1/2019
Why Was Stephen Stoned?
He went among the people - Acts 6:8
They could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake - Acts 6:10
They suborned false witness & made false accusations against him - Acts 6:11-14
They stirred up the people - Acts 6:12
They were cut to the heart - Acts 7:54
They stopped their ears - Acts 7:57
Some stood by & watched - Acts 7:58

14. “What Shall We Do?” Alien sinners must… Erring children of God must…
7/1/2019
Alien sinners must…
Hear the Gospel – Romans 10:17
Believe – John 8:34
Repent – Acts 17:30
Confess Christ – Matthew 10:34
Be baptized for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38
Erring children of God must…
Repent & Pray for Forgiveness – 1 John 1:7-9
Christians must live “faithful unto death”
Revelation 2:10
“What Shall We Do?”
Acts 2:37
Acts 2: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Rom. 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Jn. 8:34 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Acts. 17: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Matt. - 10:34 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Acts. 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Jn. 1:7-9 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.