Blasphemy

“They put forward false witnesses who said, ‘This man does not stop speaking against this holy place and the Law.’” (1) The message of the resurrection of the dead that the apostles had been preaching, angered the Sadducees. In contrast, Stephen’s message that the Law had become obsolete infuriated the Pharisees. (2) Stephen’s defense was similar to the argument found in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Through the death and resurrection of the Messiah, the Law of Moses was rendered obsolete, and the time of the new covenan had begun. The Son, Jesus, stands superior to all persons and institutions of Judaism. This is not opposition to Moses or the temple but the correct interpretation of the Word. (3) The false witnesses accused Stephen of attacking the four foundations of Judaism (God, Moses, the Torah, and the temple). (a) Blasphemy against Moses (v 11) and (b) blasphemy against God (v 11) enraged all Jews. (c) The attack on the temple (v 13-14) particularly angered the Sadducees, and (d) the attack on the Law (Torah) (v 13-14) particularly angered the Pharisees. (4) In Jewish society at that time, there was no concept of separation between religion and state; Judaism was both political and cultural. Therefore, Stephen, who was seen as denying Judaism, was also viewed as lacking patriotism.

Destruction of the temple

“‘For we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses handed down to us.’” (1) Jesus Himself had said that He was greater than the temple (Matt. 12:6). (2) Jesus also prophesied the destruction of the temple (Luke 21:6). Stephen most likely spoke it as well. (3) At Jesus’ trial, His words were quoted out of context (Mark 14:58). The same was happening to Stephen. “And all who were sitting in the Council stared at him, and they saw his face, which was like the face of an angel.” (1) If everyone was present, there would have been 71 members in the Council. They looked intently at Stephen, waiting to hear his defense. (2) Stephen’s face appeared like the face of an angel. On Mount Sinai, Moses’ face shone, reflecting his encounter with God (Ex. 34:29, 35). The same thing happened to Stephen. Even amid intense accusations, his eyes were fixed on heaven. This serves as a lesson for us as well.