False Charges

Acts 6:11–15 (NASB95) 

11Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” 12And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. 13They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law; 14for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.” 15And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel. 

Acts 6:11-15 describes the conspiracy against Stephen and his appearance before the Sanhedrin, highlighting the parallels between his experience and that of Jesus. Stephen's opponents, unable to refute his wisdom, resorted to underhanded tactics. They secretly instigated false witnesses to accuse him of blasphemy against Moses, God, the temple, and the law. This mirrors the false accusations against Jesus during His trial, as detailed in the passion narratives.  Even the specific Lukan term used for "seizing" Stephen connects this event to what happens to Jesus in Gethsemane.  

Stephen's ministry mirrored Jesus' in several ways. Like Jesus, Stephen performed miracles and signs, attracting followers and opposition. Both were falsely accused and brought before the Sanhedrin. Both faced accusations related to the temple and the law. These parallels underscore Stephen's faithfulness to Jesus' teachings and foreshadow his martyrdom. 

The charges against Stephen, centered on his alleged opposition to Moses, the law, the temple, and God, were carefully crafted to incite the people and religious leaders against him. Note the irony of Stephen's accusers violating God's law by bearing false witness, an act considered a desecration of the divine name. 

Despite the false accusations, Stephen's face shone like an angel’s when he appeared before the Sanhedrin. What are we to make of this statement? This divine favor powerfully affirms Stephen's innocence and God's presence with him, and it again mirrors Christ’s ministry and his transfiguration.  

We, too, will face false accusations and opposition to our faith. Like Stephen, we should respond with wisdom, courage, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. We must also be discerning, recognizing that sometimes even religious leaders can be misled or manipulated. Stephen's radiant face reminds us that God's favor rests upon those who remain faithful to Him, even in the face of adversity. By following Stephen's example of unwavering faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can overcome challenges and continue to be effective witnesses for Christ. 

Blessings, 

Ryan Goodnight