Appealing To Higher Powers
October 19, 2011
Today’s reading: Luke 22 NASB
SCRIPTURE
“1 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?” - Acts 7:1 NASB
OBSERVATION
Background: In Acts 6 I read about Stephen being one of seven chosen to oversee the daily distribution of food. I also discovered that Stephen was considered to be known as, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” -Acts 6:5. So, between Acts 6:5 and Acts 7:1 what crime did Stephen commit to be tried by the Sanhedrin? Define Sanhedrin? Okay, let’s jump in. First things first: Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was an assembly of twenty-three judges appointed in every city in the Biblical Land of Israel. The Great Sanhedrin was the supreme court of ancient Israel made of 71 members. The Great Sanhedrin was made up of a Chief/Prince/Leader called Nasi or the High Priest, a vice chief justice, and sixty-nine general members. In the Second Temple period, the Great Sanhedrin met in the Hall of Hewn Stones in the Temple in Jerusalem. The court convened every day except festivals and Shabbat. In the late 3rd century, to avoid persecution, its authoritative decisions were issued under the name of Beth HaMidrash. The second last binding decision of the Sanhedrin was in 358, when the Hebrew Calendar was adopted. The Sanhedrin was dissolved after continued persecution by the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, there have been attempts to revive the institution, such as the Grand Sanhedrin convened by Napoleon Bonaparte. The Sanhedrin is mentioned in the Gospels in relation to the Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus. Beth Midrash, which literally means the "House [of] Interpretation" or "House [of] Learning") referring to a study hall is the only term in modern day that resemblance the Sanhedrin. The origin of the beth midrash, or house of study can be traced to the early rabbinic period, following the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 C.E. The earliest known rabbinical school was established by Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai at Yavneh. Okay, what crime did Stephen commit to be tried by the Sanhedrin? It was at the Passover Celebration, Peter boldly committed to live and die for Jesus and was brought before the Sanhedrin for his stance. Yes, his crime was his belief in Jesus. Why at the Passover? What is a Passover Celebration? According to The Acts of the Apostles Stephen was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11) and speaking against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13–14). While on trial, he experienced a theophany in which he saw both God the Father and God the Son: "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:56) Acts 6–7 describe his trial. He was stoned to death (c. A.D. 34–35) by an infuriated mob encouraged by Saul of Tarsus.[2] Stephen's final speech was presented as accusing the Jews of persecuting prophets who spoke out against their sins: "Which one of the Prophets did your fathers not persecute, and they killed the ones who prophesied the coming of the Just One, of whom now, too, you have become betrayers and murderers." (7:52)!
APPLICATION
When appealing before higher powers, there’s a time to be bold and a time to hold my tongue. May I be wise to see which arena I’m in. May I be faithful to speak the truth in wisdom and love.
PRAYER
Lord, that’s my prayer. For wisdom, love, and faithfulness. I ask that you would help me to listen and obey that I might grow in my knowledge and love of you. Help me continue to to step out in faith as I hold fast to You in the midst of reality. - Trevor
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