Acts 6:7-7:70

Stephen’s Sermon

Introduction:

Luke records for us a remarkable historical sermon from various Old Testament texts. What is unusual is that Stephen is a deacon who has the gift of preaching. His name means “crown” from the Greek word Stephanos. He is crowed with grace and power from the Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:8) He has immense boldness fearing the Lord rather than man.


  1. THE NATURE OF STEPHEN’S SERMON

    1. The first recorded Christian martyr

      1. A martyr is a witness – ( Acts 4:33; 10:43; 14:3, 17; 15:8; 22:15,20; 23:11; 26:16)

      2. Paul speaks of Stephen’s martyrdom – Acts 22:20

    2. General Characteristics:

      1. It is not an actual defense -

      2. It is not like Peter’s fiery sermon on Pentecost -

      3. There is an absence of a Christology account –

      4. There is a number of definiteable parts of men God raised up:

Abraham – 7:2-8

Joseph – 7:9-16

Moses – 7:17-43

Tabernacle – 7:44-50

Accusations against the Sanhedrin – 7:51-53


  1. THE CONTENT OF STEPHEN’S SERMON – 7:1-60

    1. The Call of Abraham:

      1. God appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia – v.2

      2. God appeared to Abraham – Gen. 31:29

      3. Abraham remained a pilgrim in Canaan – v.5 cf. Heb. 11:9,10

    2. The Life of Joseph – v.9-16

1. Joseph’s brother’s mistreated him

2. Joseph a type of Christ – Matt. 5:11, 12; 23:29-31

C. Moses the Lawgiver – v.17-43; 7:30

1. Moses was rejected by the Jewish people – v.27-35

2. Moses fled to Midian where God appeared to him – v.29 (Jam. 3:17;

Acts 10:34; I Tim. 5:21)

  1. Moses was rejected even after the Exodus ( Exo. 20:3; Amos 5:25-27)

Turn To: John 5:39-47

D. Tabernacle and Temple

      1. The days of the temple were passing

      2. The believer in Christ is the temple abode for the Holy Spirit - I Cor. 6:19,20; Matt. 24:2

Summary:

Accusation against the Religious Leaders:

  1. They were resisting the Holy Spirit – v. 51

  2. They were persecuting and killing the Prophets

  3. They were breaking the Law of Moses

Why was Jesus standing?

  1. Jesus stood to receive His martyr Stephen

  2. Jesus stands for us in order to acknowledge us before His Father – Matt. 10:32

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church 207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

9/20/2009