In Acts 6:8 we read that Stephen – one of the seven men chosen to serve widows on behalf of the church in Jerusalem – was having a powerful spiritual impact that contributed to the increase in the number of Christ-followers, including many Jewish priests. But this was too threatening for some other Jews, and therefore he was opposed. These men rose up and debated with Stephen; but verse 10 states: they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. There used to be a popular phrase: “if you can’t beat ‘em – join ‘em” – in this instance, follow the truth / follow the wisdom where it leads. But like today, these men did not yield to the truth proclaimed by Stephen, but in their pride, jealousy, and lust for power embarked on a 3-fold strategy to destroy the messenger instead of confronting the message.
First, they induced men, likely using bribery, to say that they heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. Sound familiar?…just like what they did to Jesus. Second, they “stirred up” a mob against Stephen, led by the Jewish elders and scribes, who proceeded to drag Stephen away to the Jewish Council, or Sanhedrin. Once again, just like they did with Jesus and the apostles. Finally (vv. 13-14) they arranged for false witnesses before the Council (again, probably through bribery). In essence, they accused Stephen of saying the same things they falsely accused Jesus of: speaking against the temple and against the Law of Moses.
Sadly in our postmodern day, we will increasingly face antagonism or worse from those who will not be interested in hearing the truth or even reasoning with facts and sound wisdom; but who are only interested in insisting on their demands, supported by the false testimony of many with the same worldly mindset as who joined against Stephen. Luke adds in v. 15 that when the Council fixed their eyes on Stephen following the false charges, he had the appearance of a heavenly messenger (he was!). He exhibited such composure, was filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom, to the extent that even his enemies recognized it. What an example to me of what it means to be a faithful messenger of Jesus Christ – proclaiming the truth in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results with God – with the full confidence that in the end, the truth will triumph!