Opposition Brings Opportunity

In Session 5, Jim Dalrymple examines Acts 6:8-8:4, emphasizing the theme "Opposition Brings Opportunity." The review outlines internal and external threats faced by the church. The narrative focuses on Stephen's trial, drawing parallels to Jesus' trial, and Stephen's powerful indictment of the audience for resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying the Righteous One. The responses to Stephen are divided, with rejection by the crowd and a heavenly reception as he sees Jesus at God's right hand. The session concludes by highlighting the transformative impact of the Resurrection and Ascension, leading to persecution and the scattering of believers who continue preaching the word.

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**Backstory: Opposition Brings Opportunity**

**Acts 6:8-8:4 | Session 5**

Jim Dalrymple | Ozark Christian College

_Review_

**_Internal Threats_**

● Selfishness

● Service (failing to meet needs)

**_External Threats_**

● Silencing

● Suffering

● Scattering

_Opposition Brings Opportunity_

**_Stephen’s trial looks like Jesus’ trial_**

● Similar cast members

● Stirred up the people

● Secretly instigated false witnesses (cf. Mt 26:59-60)

● The charges:

- Blasphemy against Moses and God (cf. Lk 5:21; 22:65; Mt 26:65). Thirty years later, Paul will say, “Formerly I was a blasphemer…” (1 Tim 1:13).

- Threat to the temple (cf. Paul in Acts 21:28).

**_Stephen is on trial but puts them on trial (Acts 7:51–53)_**

● History lesson of their backstory of rebellion and rejection of God and his leaders.

− Rejection and betrayal of a brother who is handed over to Gentiles, but he 

becomes king. 

− Moses is rejected as ruler, redeemer, and judge.

● Stephen’s Indictment: “This behavior runs in the family” (Acts 7:51–53)

− You stiff-necked people (Ex 32:9, 33:3, 34:9; Dt 9:6, 10:16, 31:37; 2 Chr 20:8, 

Jer 17:23).

− Uncircumcised in heart and ears (Lev 26:41; Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 6:10, 9:26; 

Ezek 44:7)

− You always resist the Holy Spirit. 

− Persecuted the prophets (cf. Mt 23:30).

− You betrayed and murdered the Righteous One.

− Received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.

**_Two Responses: Rejection & Reception (Acts 7:54-8:4)_**

**1. The Rejection of Stephen (Human Judgement)**

● Lit. “Their hearts were torn in two” (Acts 5:33)

● Ground/gnashed their teeth (cf. Lk 13:28)

**2. The Reception of Stephen (Jesus’ Judgement)**

● Gazed into heaven (inclusio)

− Acts 1:10 The disciples gazed into heaven after Jesus’ ascension.

− Acts 6:15 The earthly court gazed at Stephen (face like an angel).

− Acts 7:55 Stephen gazes into the heavenly court.

● Saw the glory of God (like Abraham in 7:2)

● Jesus is standing at the right hand of God.

− Seated in Ps 110:1; Lk 22:69; Acts 2:34-35

− Standing

▪ a witness/advocate standing on his behalf.

▪ a judge standing to give verdict & receive.

_Conclusion_

**_Echoes of the cross_**

Lk 23:46 “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 

Lk 23:34 “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” 

2 Tim 4:15 “May it not be charged against them…The Lord stood by me…”

**_The Resurrection & Ascension of Jesus changes everything_**

− Earthly Verdict = “Guilty!” Heavenly Verdict = “Innocent”

− Earthly Verdict = “Death!” Heavenly Verdict = “Life”

− Earthly Verdict = “Defeat!” Heavenly Verdict = “Victory!”

**Acts 8:1–4**

“And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered [like seed] throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”



Sesson 05

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