In the opening of Acts 6, conflict between the Hellenist and the Hebrew Christians over the care of widows leads to the appointment of seven what we would today call deacons, focused on serving the poor. Stephen, "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit," along with 6 others were chosen and had hands laid on them ("ordained"). So the first reported conflict in the church was dealt with in a sensible way.
Now in our reading today some Jewish diaspora groups (the Freedmen - former slaves, others from Africa and Asia) started stirring up trouble against Stephen, suborning perjury from some. So he was hauled before the Council.
Stephen's speech before the Council rehearses salvation history. Filled with the same boldness which empowered Peter, he challenges the temple leaders by suggesting that the temple is not the only place to worship God, and accusing them of conspiring to murder Jesus, "the Righteous One."
Stephen clearly had not taken a course in how to win friends and influence people.
His accusations are not well received, leading to his stoning to death. In the crowd is Saul, of whom we will hear much more later.
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| Stephen being stoned |
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