In Condemnation of Christ-less
Tradition
Acts 6:8-7:53
December 23, 2007
Tradition – the living faith of the dead
Traditionalism – the dead faith of the living. (Jaroslav Pelikan)
The Worldwide Missionary movement
Stephen: how he is described
| "Stephen’s purpose is not to recite history but to establish that he is not guilty of blaspheming God and Moses, the Law or the temple. His accusers were, however, because they rejected the Messiah." – John MacArthur |
Acts 6:5, 8, 10, 15; 7:55
What is the Synagogue of the Freedmen?
Accusation against Stephen
Against Moses, 6:14
Against Temple; this holy place, 6:13, 14 (See Matthew 26:61)
Against Law; 6:13; 14
Stephens Sermon
What is the point?
Defending himself
One who Moses spoke about v 37
One who is the Temple
One who has fulfilled the Law.
God is not tried to a place.
His presence was:
With Abraham in Mesopotamia v 2
With Joseph in Egypt
With Moses in Midian and at Sinai
Rejection of the Prophets
Moses was rejected, v 25, 27-29; 36, 39, 41
So was Joseph v 9
So was Jesus v 52
God is not tied to a place, a building
Did Jesus destroy the Temple?
Jesus has now replaced the Temple (Hebrews 9:12, 25–28; 10:10–12)
Priests are no longer needed, Jesus is the High Priest. (Hebrews 7:25)
Stephen’s accusation 7:51-53
You are resisting the Holy Spirit
You, like your forefathers, have killed a prophet. The Messiah.
You received the law, but have failed to keep it.
God in a Box, Christ is the tradition