Thank God For Persecution part 3
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Introduction
Introduction
After High School I worked for a couple of years and then I made the decision to attend a Christian military based academy, called ALERT, that used military structure while teaching disaster relief and trade skills (S). The first ten weeks were like a boot camp. Daily PT, uniforms, hiking, drill and ceremony, as well as bible memorization (S). It was easily one of the hardest things I have ever done. The purpose of any boot camp is to wear you down to where you can be refashioned. In the military it is to refashion you into a fighting regiment. At the school I attended the purpose was to refashion us into godly men. What is interesting to me, looking back, is to see how varied the reactions were to the difficulty of basic training. Within the first two weeks probably 15 guys left. It was too difficult! But for those of us who stayed, the difficulty made us stronger and more dependent on the Lord and our fellow men to get us through the hard times! Difficulty and trial have two results. Strength that leads to bold proclamation or fear that leads to silence.
vv. 57-60 - present here is the contrast between Stephen and those stoning him.
Previously in our journey through Acts we have looked at Stephen’s miracles and his message. Today we examine how Stephen’s Martyrdom Intensifies The Persecution 7:54-8:3. What we are also going to learn today is that Stephen’s martyrdom leads to an expansion of the gospel. Yes the persecution is intensified, but so is the witnessing. This presents us with a challenge.
The trials we face can shut us up, weaken our faith, and leave us doubting.
Stephen’s Martyrdom Intensifies The Persecution 7:54-8:3
Or.
What we are going to learn today is that Stephen’s martyrdom leads to an expansion of the gospel. Yes the persecution is intensified, but so is the witnessing.
The trials we face can embolden us, empower us, and increase our faith.
This presents us with a challenge. The trials we face can either shut us up, weaken our faith, and leave us doubting. Or. The trials we face can embolden us, empower us, and increase our faith. You and I choose which result trials will have in our lives. While there may have been some in the early church who flaked under persecution. The record here reveals that trials lead the church to spread the gospel, and grow.
You and I choose which result trials will have in our lives. While there may have been some in the early church who flaked under persecution. The record here reveals that trials led the church to spread the gospel, and grow.
Suffering can grow and mature us.
I believe that is God’s desire and purpose in the trials. Ultimately, however, the decision to grow or not lies with you and me. What will we choose? As we look at Stephen’s martyrdom we find…
1. Martyrdom Provoked By Conviction vv. 54-60
1. Martyrdom Provoked By Conviction vv. 54-60
Stephen’s powerful and direct message was crafted to bring conviction on the Sanhedrin. There are only two possible responses to conviction. Acceptance leading to repentance or rejection leading to hardness. We will see their response as we go here. They are convicted in two ways. First, they are…
a. Convicted by Christ’s identity vv. 54-56
a. Convicted by Christ’s identity vv. 54-56
They have just heard Stephen’s message which wrapped up by accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit and persecuting the prophets just as their fathers. Hearing this cuts them to the heart in v. 54. This same idea is found in 5:33 when the Sanhedrin responds to Peter’s declaration of the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ. These men are convicted by the Holy Spirit and so they gnash at Stephen with their teeth. This is expression of deep resentment and rage. To be so angry that you grind your teeth. This is often pictured as being done in defiance of God.
They have just heard Stephen’s message which wrapped up by accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit and persecuting the prophets just as their fathers. Hearing this cuts them to the heart. This same idea is found in 5:33 when the Sanhedrin responds to Peter’s declaration of the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ. These men are convicted by the Holy Spirit and so they gnash at Stephen with their teeth. This refers to what we would perceive as an odd ancient custom. It as expression of deep resentment and rage. To be so angry that you grind your teeth. This is often pictured as being done in defiance of God.
This is their response to the conviction engendered by Stephen’s message. Though they feel the conviction, they respond with rage. This is what we see in our world.
Conviction will either bring someone to Christ, or it will bring additional hardness.
As they grind their teeth in rage, Stephen gets a glimpse of the glory of God in v. 55. “Saw” is an active verb. This is not a hypothetical statement or a dream. This is literal. Stephen, looking up into heaven, physically sees the glory of God and Jesus. What a vision to have! This is the fourth time Stephen is identified as being full of the Holy Spirit. His unhindered fellowship with the Holy Spirit enables him to see what he does here. Stephen gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God. He also sees Jesus standing at God's right hand.
1. The glory of God v. 55
Saw is an active verb. This is not a hypothetical statement or a dream. This is literal. Stephen, looking up into heaven, physically sees the glory of God and Jesus.
7:55 – What a vision to have!
7:55 – What a vision to have!
This is the fourth time Stephen is identified as being full of the Holy Spirit. His unhindered fellowship with the Holy Spirit enables him to see what he does here.
Stephen gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God. He also sees Jesus standing at God's right hand.
This is the only time we have Christ standing in heaven. Every other time we have reference to Christ in heaven it is of Him seated. A podcast that I listen to (Saving grace 4/11/17) said that He is standing to receive the first martyr. I love this thought! Here stands our intercessor and High priest to receive the first martyr of the church age! Also present here is the reality that Christ’s work is finished and through Him we have access to the Father.
Also present here is the reality that Christ’s work is finished and through Him we have access to the Father.
What I believe sets off the Sanhedrin is what Stephen says in v. 56 concerning the position of Christ. It is interesting that Stephen doesn’t mention seeing the glory of God. It is his testimony to the position of Christ that provokes the council to finally take action.
It is interesting that Stephen doesn’t mention seeing the glory of God. It is his testimony to the position of Christ that provokes the council to finally take action.
Stephen seems unaware that he is the only one able to see this vision. He refers to Jesus as the Son of Man. The fact that He is standing at God’s right hand indicates an equality of position. When Jesus stood before this same body He said something very interesting. records this significant encounter (S).
Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
This is what sets them off! What Jesus had said is now repeated by Stephen. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father! Jesus is God! He is equal with the Father! He is not dead, He is alive and in heaven! For the religious leaders to accept this they must accept that they rejected and crucified their Messiah. This they are unwilling to do. Since they cannot accept Stephen’s declaration about the identity and location of Jesus; only one option remains open to them. They embrace this option as we see them…
For the religious leaders to accept this they must accept that they rejected and crucified their Messiah. This they are unwilling to do. Since they cannot accept Stephen’s declaration about the identity and location of Jesus; only one option remains open to them. They embrace this option as we see them…
b. Convicted by Stephen’s Spirit vv. 57-60
b. Convicted by Stephen’s Spirit vv. 57-60
Present here is the contrast between Stephen and those stoning him. They have rejected conviction and so we now see the hardness being revealed in v. 57 as they cry out and close their ears to Stephen’s words. “Cried out” is the Greek word κράζω (krazō) meaning shout; cry out; call out. To scream, to utter or declare in a very loud voice.
Cried out – κράζω (krazō) shout; cry out; call out. To scream v. — to utter or declare in a very loud voice; often indicating a harsh sounding utterance. Verb, aorist, active, circumstantial participle, plural, nominative, masculine.
1. Closed ears v. 57
Cried out – κράζω (krazō) shout; cry out; call out. To scream v. — to utter or declare in a very loud voice; often indicating a harsh sounding utterance. Verb, aorist, active, circumstantial participle, plural, nominative, masculine.
Cried out – κράζω (krazō)
They are so angry that the teeth grinding now graduates to screams of rage. They become a mob. Rushing at him with unified purpose. They block their ears, determined to hear no more. Oh beloved! This is how a world, blinded by sin and satan, reacts to the gospel of Jesus Christ. And it should break our hearts! Harder than the stones thrown were the hearts that threw them.
They become a mob. Rushing at him with unified purpose.
They block their ears, determined to hear no more.
Harder than the stones thrown were the hearts that threw them.
2. Clothed feet v. 58
It’s as if Stephen, through the Spirit, has done everything possible to send these men over the edge. Why would this be God’s will? There is a cost to being a follower of Jesus Christ! There is a cost to the gospel! There is a very real possibility of being attacked by mob intent on our destruction! Are we willing to follow Christ when it means the opposition of a mob?
In v. 58 we are introduced to a new and important character in Acts and in the rest of Scripture. The witnesses against Stephen lay their coats at a young man’s feet. His name is Saul.
We must understand that Boldness for Jesus Christ will always be opposed by the forces of evil! When you read the epistles you will notice a pattern of resistance. In every city! In every church! There are those who oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is persecution, there is suffering, there is opposition to the preaching and teaching of Christ.
“Witnesses” is a legal word. Those who testified against Stephen have he legal responsibility to throw the first stones. It is not a quick or easy process to stone someone. It is hot sweaty work. And so they prepare for it by putting their coats down to be guarded by Saul. These witnesses were also needed because the Jews were only allowed to execute someone for blasphemy at this point.
“Witnesses” seems to be a legal word. They observe and report the events recorded here. This is necessary because the Jews were only allowed to execute someone for blasphemy at this point.
The Book of the Acts b. Death of Stephen (7:57–60)
The reference to the witnesses suggests strongly that Stephen’s stoning was carried out as a legal execution, as the penalty for blasphemy.
Saul is present and holds the cloaks of those who kill Stephen. Paul describes this event himself in 22:20.
Stephen knew this was the end. And so he cries out in v. 59 to Jesus as His Lord asking Him to welcome His Spirit. Stephen is embracing the call to be a martyr for Christ. To die for his faith and witness. This is one of very few prayers addressed to the second person of the trinity. It is fascinating to note that Jesus said similar words from the Cross in (S).
ii. The healing of conviction received vv. 59-60
1. Calling embraced v. 59
Stephen knew this was the end. He cries out to Jesus as His Lord asking Him to welcome His Spirit. Stephen is embracing the call to be a martyr for Christ. To die for his faith and witness.
Jesus said similar words from the Cross in (S).
And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last.
The major difference here is that Stephen commends his spirit to Jesus instead of the Father. This is further recognition of Christ as God.
In addition to seeking Jesus to receive his Spirit, Stephen continues praying in v. 60.
What faith! Stephen’s cry again mirrors that of Christ on the Cross. (S).
Stephen’s cry mirrors that of Christ on the Cross. Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Where they had cried out in rage at his accusation, Stephen cries out beseeching God to forgive them! This is how different a child of God should be! We don’t seek revenge. Vengeance belongs to God. We seek for men and women to come to Christ! Don’t credit this sin against them. That is Stephen’s prayer. These are his last words before the stones they are throwing kill him.
Don’t credit this sin against them. That is Stephen’s prayer. These are his last words before the stones the are throwing kill him.
Forgiveness is to be one of the supreme Christian graces. It is to be one of the things the world sees in us as believers and it is to attract them to Christ.
There is never a time when we cannot forgive.
Failure to forgive, remaining angry and bitter at someone, gives Satan a foothold in our lives. It gives him a platform from which to attack us elsewhere. This is explained in (S).
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.
Stephen’s actions here teach us that nothing is beyond forgiveness! Not even your own murder. If Stephen and Jesus can forgive those who are killing them, can we not forgive someone who hurts us? That doesn’t mean we have to make them our best friend. It means we forgive and we move on.
Stephen forgives them and falls asleep. I love this picture of death. For the believer it is a peaceful resting of our bodies until Christ glorifies them while our spirits go immediately into God’s presence. Stephen is an incredible man! And his life and death are a challenge to us. As we finish examining this event we find his…
2. Martyrdom Prompting Further Persecution 8:1-3
2. Martyrdom Prompting Further Persecution 8:1-3
Again we note that chapter and verse divisions came later. These verses transition us from Stephen’s death to how God used it to spread the gospel into Judea and Samaria. Verse 1 describes for us how…
God uses Saul to move the gospel out of Jerusalem. Look at v. 1 – Where do they go? Judea and Samaria! What did Jesus command? 1:8 – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, World. Paul was God’s tool to spread the gospel even when he was still Saul!
a. Persecution propagates the gospel v. 1
a. Persecution propagates the gospel v. 1
“Consenting” is the Greek word συνευδοκέω (syneudokeō) meaning to agree with, to approve of.
Consenting – συνευδοκέω (syneudokeō)
Before studying this I was under the impression that this was a legal term meaning that Saul gave his legal stamp of approval thus meaning he was part of the Sanhedrin. After studying it it seems that is not the case. What this word reflects is a whole-hearted approval, even pleasure in something. Saul is approving of and pleased with the death of Stephen.
“Death” is the Greek word ἀναίρεσις (anairesis) meaning murder or killing. The unlawful killing of a human being by another human being.
Death – ἀναίρεσις (anairesis)
Luke’s word choice is interesting here. He doesn’t use the normal word for death, but the one for murder. Saul approves of the murder of Stephen.
The death of Stephen leads to a great persecution of the church. They become public enemies and are hunted and systematically assaulted for their faith. At first glance this seems terrible, and it is. But the result is very interesting. As the church in Jerusalem is persecuted, they scatter. They spread out and disperse throughout Judea and Samaria. Only the apostles remain in Jerusalem. What is taking place here is very important. God uses Saul to move the gospel out of Jerusalem. Look at v. 1 – Where do they go? Judea and Samaria! What did Jesus command them to be witnesses? 1:8 – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the World. Paul was God’s tool to spread the gospel even when he was still Saul!
At first glance this seems terrible, and it is. But the result is very interesting. As the church in Jerusalem is persecuted, they scatter. They spread out and disperse throughout Judea and Samaria. Only the apostles remain in Jerusalem.
VERY IMPORTANT!
God uses Saul to move the gospel out of Jerusalem. Look at v. 1 – Where do they go? Judea and Samaria! What did Jesus command? 1:8 – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, World. Paul was God’s tool to spread the gospel even when he was still Saul!
Persecution can be God’s way of spreading the gospel!
The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Acts of the Apostles D. Persecution Leads to Expansion (8:1–3)
Persecution leads to gospel growth, not because a mission plan is approved and put into action by the leaders of the church, but because ordinary believers take the opportunities given to them to preach the apostolic message wherever they go
This highlights the reality that persecution is a tool used by God to produce growth in the life of believers. The trials and difficulties you are facing are tools God is using to shape and fashion you! God’s will and plan are accomplished through difficulty. The church grows here through persecution. What we find in verse 2 is that…
b. Persecution permits lamentation v. 2
b. Persecution permits lamentation v. 2
This verse fascinates me. First off we have the description of these men. Why are they singled out as devout? Because what they are doing is dangerous! It is dangerous to be associated with Stephen! But they are devout. “Devout” is the Greek word εὐλαβής (eulabēs) meaning devout; God-fearing. Exhibiting careful religious practice and proper veneration toward God.
Devout – εὐλαβής (eulabēs)
These are God-fearing men! Because they fear God they ensure that Stephen, the first church age martyr, gets a proper burial! Now you might think that these devout men would get Stephen and sneak off and quietly bury him somewhere. No, that’s not enough for them. The make “great lamentation over him”. “Lamentation” is the Greek word κοπετός (kopetos) meaning lamentation; mourning. Lamentation demonstrated especially by beating one’s chest.
Consider the contrast of Stephen’s burial to that of Ananias and Sapphira.
Now you might think that these devout men would get Stephen and sneak off and quietly bury him somewhere. No, that’s not enough for them. The make “great lamentation over him”. Lamentation – κοπετός (kopetos) lamentation; mourning. Chest-beating lamentation n. — lamentation demonstrated especially by beating one’s chest. Noun (direct object), accusative, singular, masculine.
Lamentation – κοπετός (kopetos)
Jewish law at this time forbad public mourning for those executed. Yet “lamentation” is the idea of chest beating. “Great” is the word megas meaning great or loud. This is a loud mourning for the dead! This does not speak of a quiet, private burial to escape notice. This is a public spectacle of mourning over a man murdered for his belief in Christ! There is a boldness and bravery present here that we would do well to emulate.
do well to emulate.
God-fearing men boldly proclaim truth.
This is what we are called to do. We cannot quietly ignore sin. Like Nathan coming before David, we are to boldly proclaim truth. These men are shouting from the rooftops that what has been done to Stephen is not right! This was an unjust murder of a righteous man. These God-fearing men will not let the Sanhedrin quietly sweep this under the rug. This leads us to the…
c. Persecution perpetrated by Saul v. 3
c. Persecution perpetrated by Saul v. 3
At this point all we have seen is Saul approving the death of Stephen. That isn’t enough for him. Saul views these “Jesus followers” as heretics who need to be harshly dealt with. And so he makes “havoc of the church”. “Havoc” is the Greek word λυμαίνω (lymainō) meaning damage; cause harm to; injure. To lay waste to, to cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly.
Havoc – λυμαίνω (lymainō)
This is Saul’s goal. He wants to lay waste to the church! To utterly destroy, damage, and ruin it. And at this point, he seems to be succeeding. At least in Jerusalem. The picture painted is frightening in some ways. Saul is basically kicking in doors and grabbing people. Those who are followers of Christ are dragged to the authorities and placed in prison. Men, women, Saul doesn’t care! The church has barely started and is already facing extreme persecution! What will happen? Will this persecution be the end of the church? What we are going to see is well stated by Alberto Valdés.
Will this persecution be the end of the church?
The Grace New Testament Commentary 4. Saul and His Persecution Unwittingly Promote the Spread of the Church (8:1–3)
As elsewhere in Luke’s narrative, negative actions against the Church end up working in its favor, resulting in greater growth.
Under the sovereign hand of God suffering and persecution are powerful agents of growth.
However, this only works as we place ourselves under His hand. Submission to Him brings growth. Rebellion brings hardness.
Conclusion
Conclusion
I want to throw v. 4 in here because it shows what God is up to through this whole situation. They are being persecuted, yes. However, this persecution is pushing them out of Jerusalem and into Judea and Samaria and they are preaching the Word everywhere they go! Next week we will see an example of this “everywhere preaching” from the life of Philip.
We began with the idea that the purpose of God in trials is to grow and mature us. This remains true for all the struggles of life. That difficulty in your job is not meant to beat you down, it is meant to draw you close. That situation at school that you just can’t seem to get past, the goal is for you to grow. That difficulty in the family, God’s design is not to make life needlessly painful! He is working in you and me to will and do of His good pleasure.
Scripture tells us that as we desire to live godly lives, we will suffer persecution.
Persecution makes us stronger.
The challenge for you and me is to respond appropriately to the trials that come.
Commit with me to trusting the Lord come what may.
Only in trusting Him will we be made like Christ.
“Rejoice In The Lord”
When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;
and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.