...and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8b by Bob DeWaay Gospel of Grace Fellowship Acts 6:8-15 Stephen Speaks for God December 6, 2015 2 Acts 6:8, 9 (NASB) And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. Grace and power shows he is a reliable witness The opponents are Greek speaking Jews like Stephen Stephen Speaks for God: Acts 6:8-15 3 Acts 6:10, 11 (NASB) But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly induced men to say, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. They were unable to defeat Stephens true speech Induced means to put someone up to something Later Stephen will cite Moses life show Gods mighty deeds in Israels history Stephen Speaks for God: Acts 6:8-15 4 Acts 6:12 (NET) They incited the people, the elders, and the experts in the law; then they approached Stephen, seized him, and brought him before the council. They incite mob action when they have no valid argument They violently seize Stephen Now both the people and the leaders are against Gods messenger Stephen Speaks for God: Acts 6:8-15 5 Acts 6:13 (NASB) They put forward false witnesses who said, This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law; They are the law-breakers (Exodus 20:16) This would become a common charge against the apostles (Acts 21:21) Stephen Speaks for God: Acts 6:8-15 6 Acts 6:14, 15 (NASB) for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us. And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel. Jesus predicted His own resurrection (Mk 14:57, 58) See John 2:19-21 Sabbath controversies: Luke 14:1-6 Stephens face reminds us of Moses (Ex 34:29-35) Stephen Speaks for God: Acts 6:8-15