Day 313, 9th November Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Ojo Taken From The Book Of Acts Chapter 6, 7, 8:1.
STEPHEN THE MARTYR
You will agree with me that given the start and leadership of Peter in ministry, it appeared Peter would be the first Martyr but Stephen is! Read today's commentary of his great speech which the High Priest, Sanhedrin, and Teachers of law must have found an extreme expository message, but for the dramatic revelation of truths which their etching ears vehemently rejected! And that led to the barbaric judgment which they gave instantly!
- DIVERSITY AMONG THE JEWS (Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews) would cause crisis and division when the Hebraic Jews considered their widows neglected as supplies were distributed (Act 61) – this crisis was well managed.
ACTS 61-7
GROWTH AND RESPONSIBILITY
Growth and diversity were taking their toll on the disciples as many more believed ~ Jews of diverse cultures and orientations increased. And, not ensuring distribution and equity of supplies could cause a rift; —the 12 would prioritize the ministry of prayer and the word therefore, they sought capable hands amongst them as agreed.
⁕STEPHEN ⁕PHILIP ⁕PROCORUS ⁕NICANOR ⁕TIMON ⁕PARMENAS ⁕NICOLA
S
Were the seven chosen (Acts 6:5). And the Apostles prayed, laying hands on them
(v.6)
As their teachings progressed many more believe and became disciples ‘and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.’ (v.7).
STEPHEN was distinct and manifested great grace and power with many supernatural signs and miracles evident in his ministry among the people. So did the opposition against him (see v.9-11).
ACTS 612-15, 71-60
AS THE FALSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST STEPHEN THRIVED;
He was brought before the High Priest, Sanhedrin, and teachers of the Law, as he was being cross-examined;
HIS SPEECH; Starting with Abraham; his commission–(Acts 73, ref Gen 1513-14) – his journeys, the Abrahamic Promises and Covenant. The Covenant of circumcision, established with Abraham and Isaac on the 8th day.
“And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.” v.8.
His speech went on to cover the patriarch’s hate for their brother Joseph whom they sold eventually into slavery - brought to Egypt — His divine favour with Pharaoh and many successes in Egypt, which Jacob lived to enjoy when he relocated there (with 75 family members) during the famine in Canaan {see v.11-15}. And was finally buried in Shechem.
The hostility of a new Pharaoh King of Egypt who had no regard for history–Joseph’s impact and contributions; thus his killing of the descendants of Abraham.
To the Birth of Moses (Acts 720/ Exodus 18), His miraculous escape of death, and life with the Princess (Pharoah’s daughter) been her adopted child.
His wisdom and self-realization at 40 years of age (v.23-29) and his flight to Midian where he settled – also see Exodus 214
His angelic encounters after 40 years in Midian. His burning bush experience – The divine encounter and his commission (Read 731-34, Exodus 35-8,10).
ISRAEL’S DISOBEDIENCE; stiff-neckedness, the golden calf Idol [v.37,41, Deut 1815, Exodus 321]. God’s wrath and discipline as he proves that he is after the hearts of his people not their offerings/sacrifices (v.42-43; referencing Amos 525-27). The Tabernacle of the Covenant Law (v.44). Joshua and the entry into the Promise land. (v.45a-b).
David’s love for God and his son Solomon whom God approved to build the temple (v.45c-47) –see Amos 525-27
CHANGE OF DIVINE STRATEGY:
Delving into the current positions of spiritual truths; Stephen stated plainly; that God’s focus is our hearts and not the magnificence of a building referencing Isaiah 661-2 in his speech–(Act 748-50).
v.51-60 —CONCLUDING WITH A REPROOF which their etching ears rejected, he was stoned to death❗️
HEAVEN'S VISION
- Stephen saw a vision of Open Heaven as he concluded the speech which he spoke out: “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look', he said, 'I see heaven open and the son of man standing at the right hand of God'.” v.55-56.
NIGHT:
Theirs' (the religious leaders') was not a response but a reaction (kjv states that "when they heard these things, they gnashed on him with their teeth" Acts 754 ). Evaluating facts and truths sincerely enable genuine repentance. Let us pray for the body of Christ to stop reacting but respond that there might be healing and times of refreshing come from our Father in heaven.
I pray that God enriches our ears, eyes, and hearts in Christ's name. Amen.
© Dr. Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
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