Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church to serve and minister to the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows (Acts 6:1-6), is a prominent figure in the early Christian community. His arrest and subsequent appearance before the Sanhedrin mark a significant moment in the history of the early Church, highlighting the growing tension between the Jewish authorities and the followers of Jesus Christ.

Background and Context

Stephen is described in the Book of Acts as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). He is further characterized as being "full of grace and power, [who] was performing great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). His ministry and miraculous works draw the attention of various members of the Jewish community, particularly those from the Synagogue of the Freedmen, which included Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia (Acts 6:9).

The Arrest

The opposition to Stephen arises when members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen engage him in debate. Unable to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he speaks, they resort to underhanded tactics. They secretly persuade some men to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God, claiming, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God" (Acts 6:11). This accusation is a serious charge, as blasphemy is punishable by death under Jewish law.

The accusers stir up the people, the elders, and the scribes, leading to Stephen's arrest. He is brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court, to answer these charges (Acts 6:12).

Appearance Before the Sanhedrin

As Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin, false witnesses are brought forward to testify against him. They claim, "This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us" (Acts 6:13-14). These accusations echo the charges brought against Jesus during His trial, highlighting the perceived threat that the teachings of Jesus and His followers pose to the established religious order.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Stephen remains composed. The members of the Sanhedrin observe that "his face was like the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15), suggesting a divine presence and peace that surrounds him even in the face of persecution.

Stephen's Defense

In response to the charges, Stephen delivers a powerful and comprehensive speech, recorded in Acts 7. He recounts the history of Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the repeated disobedience of the people. Stephen highlights key figures such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David, illustrating how God's plan has unfolded through the ages despite human resistance.

Stephen's speech culminates in a bold indictment of the Sanhedrin, accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ (Acts 7:51-52). His words cut to the heart of the council, exposing their complicity in the rejection of God's messengers.

Significance

Stephen's arrest and appearance before the Sanhedrin serve as a pivotal moment in the early Church. His unwavering faith and eloquent defense of the Gospel set a powerful example for believers facing persecution. Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr, and his death marks the beginning of a widespread persecution that ultimately leads to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. His account is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the courage of those who stand firm in their faith, even unto death.