Living As If God Exists (Because He Does)Sample

MASTERING GOD'S STORY

“And the high priest said, ‘Are these things so?’” Having been falsely accused of blasphemy (cf. Acts 6:13-14), the high priest invites Stephen to respond to his accusers with a simple question “Are these things so” (7:1). Stephen rightly recognizes that the accusations reflect a particular understanding of the law and temple. They tell a story in which God is trapped in the temple and confined by the Mosaic law. Stephen’s response is designed to refute that tale.

Beginning with God’s call of Abraham “in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran” (7:2), Stephen highlights Abraham’s status as a sojourner (7:4-8). He goes on to describe the events that led Israel to Egypt (7:9-16). God remains with Israel in Egypt. He preserves them through Pharaoh’s persecution (7:17-22), provides a deliverer in Moses (7:23-34), brings them out of Egypt and through the wilderness (7:35-36), and gives Israel the law at Mount Sinai (7:37-38). Clearly, God works beyond the temple.

Stephen describes Israel’s rejection of Moses and the law by creating and offering sacrifices to a golden calf (7:39-41). Referencing the Greek translation of Amos 5:25-27, Stephen highlights God’s frustration over Israel’s idolatry, which would lead to exile and reminds his audience of a time when Israel did not bring “slain beasts and sacrifices” before the Lord (7:42-43).

Beyond eras when sacrifices were not made, Stephen calls attention to the fact that the temple was operational within a relatively short period of Israel’s history (7:44-47). Stephen grounds his claim that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands” in the quotation of Isaiah 66:1-2. Heaven is God’s throne and earth his footstool (7:48; Isa 66:1).

Stephen ends his narration of Israel’s story with a critique of the “stiff-necked people” who “resist the Holy Spirit,” persecute the prophets, and have now “betrayed and murdered” Christ (7:51-52). They may have received the law, but they don’t keep it (7:53).

Stephen knows the story of Israel well. He has mastered God’s story. We should do the same. When accusations come, and we are confronted by stories that distort or diminish God, we must be ready to proclaim the truth.