In this chapter there is an interesting theme of the power of
words. The Hellenists brought a word of concern about their own widows being
left out, the word that resulted was one of compassion and concern finding a way
to meet their needs, and finally the words being shared about this guy named
Stephen, an over-zealous Christ-follower.
The message regarding Stephen’s zeal was one of great
concern to the law promoting,
conservative Pharisee’s of the day. After all, this guy was saying that Jesus
had changed the value that should be placed on the temple and the law. He was
speaking against Moses and telling the people that many of the long-held to
customs were just not necessary. The last few verses of this chapter reveal
that there was some amazing spin put on about the message of Stephen, enough to
call for this peaceful preachers death.
You have now entered the spin zone of Phariseism, in which turf
must be protected at all costs. If Stephen would be allowed to continue propagating
his liberal agenda and these progressive ways, just think what may be allowed
to happen on the Sabbath? Imagine what would become of the priestly
responsibilities in the temple? The entire economical hub surrounding Jerusalem
and the Temple would be greatly altered, and if Jesus was the Messiah and there
is no longer any need for sacrifices and ceremonial law, what exactly would the
Pharisees do everyday? Would they exchange their protecting of the law for
proclaiming a message of freedom in Jesus Christ? That would truly be
conversion and life transformation. That would include a spiritual revolution
as well as a change in profession. So what do they do with this message of
deliverance…. Kill the messenger and hope the message dies too; and yet in
hindsight, they killed the messenger only to see the message multiplied by
thousands and Christianity spread world-wide. This is a dangerous, yet unfruitful, spin zone that should serve as a caution today to not be so steeped in tradition that the truth is rejected while legalistic stones are being thrown to protect ones turf.
Very interesting blog, I have been studying the Bible on this topic lately and comparing it with our church, and trying to see what the Bible says compared to the pressure from people in the church. Our church is very sound in doctrine, but I feel pressure to always be more and more busy with the work to be done. I can make right decisions when I remember biblical priorities: God, then my spouse, then my children, then my job and ministries. (Although you could argue that my husband and children are my biggest and most important ministry) We truly have freedom and acceptance in the blood of Christ. That is so important to keep in mind as we try to accomplish good to and with our fellow believers.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to see how the Pharisees allowed their ministry to keep them from accepting Jesus. I trust God's Word and Spirit will help you and I realize priorities and know when to say "yes" and also that there are times where the godliest thing we can say is "no". Overall the Word and the Spirit will help us discern between the two responses. Thanks for your thoughts.
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