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The Story of Redemption
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and was fully established in regard to
the privileges of the Jews; but his faith was broad, and he knew the
time had come when the true believers should worship not alone
in temples made with hands; but, throughout the world, men might
worship God in Spirit and in truth. The veil had dropped from the
eyes of Stephen, and he discerned to the end of that which was
abolished by the death of Christ.
The priests and rulers prevailed nothing against his clear, calm
wisdom, though they were vehement in their opposition. They
determined to make an example of Stephen and, while they thus
satisfied their revengeful hatred, prevent others, through fear, from
adopting his belief. Charges were preferred against him in a most
imposing manner. False witnesses were hired to testify that they had
heard him speak blasphemous words against the temple and the law.
Said they, “For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth
shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses
delivered us.”
As Stephen stood face to face with his judges, to answer to the
crime of blasphemy, a holy radiance shone upon his countenance.
“And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his
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face as it had been the face of an angel.” Many who beheld the
lighted countenance of Stephen trembled and veiled their faces, but
stubborn unbelief and prejudice never faltered.
Stephen’s Defense
Stephen was questioned as to the truth of the charges against
him, and took up his defense in a clear, thrilling voice that rang
through the council hall. He proceeded to rehearse the history of the
chosen people of God in words that held the assembly spellbound.
He showed a thorough knowledge of the Jewish economy, and the
spiritual interpretation of it now made manifest through Christ. He
began with Abraham and traced down through history from genera-
tion to generation, going through all the national records of Israel
to Solomon, taking up the most impressive points to vindicate his
cause.
He made plain his own loyalty to God and to the Jewish faith,
while he showed that the law in which they trusted for salvation had