Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenaica, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” Acts 6:8-11

Stephen, one of the seven men chosen the the community for leadership (Acts 6:5), has the same power and wisdom as the apostles in speech, signs/miracles of Christ bestowed through him. He has spiritual understanding by the Holy Spirit’s grace. The community of Christ’s believers chooses him first. Then as he is speaking in the synagogue with the Good News of Jesus Christ Resurrected the sadducees hatred is directed toward him as they organize false witnesses.

The false witnesses accuse him with a half-truth. Our Lord Jesus did say that he would destroy this temple and He would raise it up on the third day. Jesus was speaking about His Body of course, and in v. 13 the liars say, “we have heard him (Stephen) say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” Then, all who are sitting on the council look at Stephen and they see that his face is like the face of an angel.

Stephen responds; preaches Truth. Note that the false accusers are similar to Jesus our Lord’s accusers and Stephen will be martyred. His accusers twist what he is saying about the customs of Moses, for salvation in Moses day was by grace just as it is today. Remember that when accusers speak half-truths and gain momentum in drawing others to their podium our Christ is still on the Throne. Christ’s love still overcomes hate. Evil is still powerless in Christ’s Holy Presence. Christ within us always has the victory.