Stephen is on trial for his life, but his greatest desire is to share the gospel. Stephen shares God’s great plan of salvation beginning with Abraham (v2-7), then Isaac and Jacob (v8), then Joseph (v9-16), then Moses (v17-44), then Joshua, David (v45-46) and Solomon (v47-50).

There are a number of important things running through this account and it was more than just a history lesson.

There is an emphasis on the tabernacle and temple which Stephen was accused of speaking against (6 v13). Stephen teaches that ultimately God does not dwell in buildings made by hands, even one as glorious as the Jerusalem temple (v48-50). In other words placing their trust in the temple was wrong.

There is an emphasis on rebellion and how God’s faithful servants such as Joseph and Moses suffering because of it. This leads up to the Jesus and the suffering He experienced (v51-53). In what he was going through, Stephen was following in very worthy footsteps.

Stephen is wanting these people to examine themselves (v51-53) and that was something they were totally unwilling to do.

May God give us grace not to be so stiff-necked. Are there areas in your life in which you are stubbornly resisting God’s will and Word? Pray about this.