Acts 7-8
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Acts 7: Stephen's
Defense and Martyrdom
Stephen, one of the
seven men chosen to oversee food distribution to the widows, is brought before
the Sanhedrin after being falsely accused of blasphemy. In his defense, he
delivers a lengthy speech recounting Israel's history. Starting with Abraham's
call, he touches on Isaac, Jacob, the twelve patriarchs, and the story of
Joseph in Egypt. Stephen then speaks about Moses, his encounter with the
burning bush, the Exodus, and the Israelites' rebellion in the desert. Moving
to David and Solomon, he points out their roles in establishing the temple. But
Stephen also emphasizes that God doesn't dwell in temples made by human hands.
Concluding his defense, Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the
Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did, and of betraying and murdering the
Righteous One, Jesus. Enraged, the council drags him out of the city and stones
him to death. As he dies, Stephen prays for their forgiveness and has a vision
of Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Acts 8: The Church
Scattered and Philip's Ministry
Following Stephen's
martyrdom, a great persecution breaks out against the church in Jerusalem,
leading many believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria. Saul, who would
later become the apostle Paul, zealously takes part in this persecution, entering
homes and dragging out believers to throw them in prison. In the midst of this
dispersion, Philip (another of the seven chosen men) heads to a city in Samaria
and proclaims Christ. Miracles accompany his ministry, leading to great joy in
the city and many conversions. Meanwhile, a sorcerer named Simon, who had
amazed the people with his magic, believes Philip's message and is baptized.
When apostles Peter and John visit Samaria, they pray for the new believers to
receive the Holy Spirit, which happens when the apostles lay hands on them.
Witnessing this, Simon tries to buy this power with money, but Peter sharply
rebukes him. The chapter concludes with Philip being led by an angel to meet an
Ethiopian eunuch, a high official in charge of the treasury of Candace, queen
of the Ethiopians. Philip explains the Scriptures to him, leading the eunuch to
faith in Christ and subsequently baptizing him. After this, Philip is
miraculously transported to another location, continuing to preach as he goes.
