Monday 09 May 2011

Background

This passage describes the early days of the Church. There wasno clear distinction between the Jews who worshipped Christ andthose that did not. The Church was still part of Judaism, but wasstruggling to exist within it. It is part of the long history ofcontinuity and discontinuity between Judaism and what will emergeas Christianity.

In this situation Stephen's powerful "wonders and signs" in thename of Jesus attracted opposition from the synagogue of theFreedmen. Around the world, national groups meet together forworship. For instance in London, Brazilian, Iranian and Ghanaianfellowships are joined together by both culture and faith. Twothousand years ago in Jerusalem it was similar. Some synagoguesgathered predominately Greek-speaking Jews (Freedmen) and othersHebrew-speaking Jews.

Stephen's actions antagonised the Greek-speaking Jews. The crisisbecame intense when they joined forces with the Hebrew-speakinghierarchy who took a particular interest in the care of the temple.Stephen was caught in a pincer movement of two strong groups. Itwas an invidious position. Many people would have buckled under thepressure. But he remained true to his beliefs - "full of God'sgrace and power".

The charge laid before Stephen is the same as that of Christ - thedestruction of the temple. Luke, the author of Acts, echoes thepromise of Jesus that when called to defend themselves, thedisciples would be given the help of the Spirit (Luke12:12) and wisdom (Luke21:15). Stephen proved the truth of this promise. In verse 15there is the curious phrase, "that his face was like the face of anangel". This appears to be a figurative way of describing Stephen'scloseness to God's presence.

To Ponder

Christianity was birthed out of Judaism. Arethere babies that we have thrown out with the bath water? What arethey?

Do you know people suffering for their faith? Howmight you support them?

If you were charged with being a follower ofChrist what evidence would there be to convict you?