Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin is a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, recorded in the Book of Acts, chapter 7. This event marks the first recorded martyrdom of a Christian and serves as a profound testimony to the faith and courage of the early believers.

Context and Background

Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church to serve and manage the distribution of food, was "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). His ministry was marked by "great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). However, his powerful witness and the wisdom with which he spoke stirred opposition from certain members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to refute his arguments, they resorted to false accusations, claiming that Stephen spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God (Acts 6:11-14).

The Charges

Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, where he faced charges of blasphemy. The accusations centered on his alleged statements against the holy place (the temple) and the law, claiming that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs handed down by Moses (Acts 6:13-14).

Stephen's Speech

In response to these charges, Stephen delivered a lengthy and eloquent speech, which is the longest recorded speech in the Book of Acts. His defense is not merely a rebuttal of the charges but a sweeping overview of Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and the persistent rebellion of His people.

1. Abraham and the Patriarchs: Stephen begins with the call of Abraham, emphasizing God's initiative and promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants (Acts 7:2-8). He recounts the account of the patriarchs, focusing on Joseph's betrayal by his brothers and his subsequent rise to power in Egypt, which ultimately led to the preservation of Jacob's family during a famine (Acts 7:9-16).

2. Moses and the Law: Stephen then turns to Moses, recounting his miraculous preservation as an infant, his education in Pharaoh's court, and his eventual calling by God to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage (Acts 7:17-36). He highlights Moses' role as a lawgiver and prophet, yet points out the Israelites' repeated rejection of Moses and their idolatry in the wilderness (Acts 7:37-43).

3. The Tabernacle and the Temple: Stephen addresses the issue of the temple by tracing the history of the tabernacle, which was made according to the pattern shown to Moses and carried by the Israelites until the time of David and Solomon, who built the temple (Acts 7:44-47). He emphasizes that "the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands" (Acts 7:48), quoting the prophet Isaiah to underscore that God transcends any physical structure (Acts 7:49-50).

4. Rebuke and Vision: Concluding his defense, Stephen directly confronts the Sanhedrin, accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, just as their ancestors persecuted the prophets (Acts 7:51-53). His bold proclamation incites the council's fury, leading to his martyrdom.

Martyrdom

As the members of the Sanhedrin react with rage, Stephen, "full of the Holy Spirit," gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56). He declares this vision, further enraging the council. They drag him out of the city and stone him, while Stephen prays for his executioners, saying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). His final words echo those of Jesus on the cross, demonstrating his Christ-like forgiveness and faith.

Stephen's defense and subsequent martyrdom serve as a powerful witness to the early church, illustrating the cost of discipleship and the unwavering commitment to proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, even unto death.