Stephen’s message at his trial before the Sanhedrin is one of the best Old Testament summaries ever. It was also one of the worst testimonies ever given at a trial. It so enraged the listeners that they decided to dispense with the rest of the trial and proceed with the execution.
Stephen was less interested in preserving himself, and more interested in getting his people to see what they were doing. That is why he summarized the Old Testament. Two themes are found throughout his message: 1) The LORD always keeps his promises. 2) Israel always misunderstands and rejects what the LORD is doing.
Stephen’s hope was that the people would understand that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the eternal inheritance promised to Abraham and his descendants. He hoped that they could see their resistance to Jesus as resisting the Holy Spirit.
LORD, open our eyes to what you are doing among us, and show us when we are resisting your Holy Spirit.
Devotions 