13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
In verses 13 through 15, false witnesses brought a trumped-up charge against Stephen to the Sanhedrin Council.
6:13
They also set up false witnesses who said,
Further false witnesses against Stephen made more claims against him. All the charges against him were trumped up.
“This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;
These people accused Stephen of blasphemy against the Temple and the Mosaic law.
6:14
for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”
These false witnesses dragged Jesus into their argument against Stephen. The argument was that Jesus said His followers would destroy the Temple and change Mosaic customs. These people twisted both Stephen’s and Jesus’ words for their purposes. They desired to put Jesus on trial again by undermining Stephen.
6:15
And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him,
The Sanhedrin Council took notice of Stephen’s appearance.
saw his face as the face of an angel.
The 71 members of the council saw Stephen’s face as that of an “angel.” His face shining like an angel may have been to put God’s stamp of approval on Stephen. Stephen was unafraid of the council or its decision. The council was shocked that they could not intimidate this man. This situation was similar to Moses when he came down from the mount with a glowing face.
PRINCIPLE:
People who know what they believe have confidence in any adversity they face.
APPLICATION:
Many Christian leaders today cave to opinion, culture, and opposition. The massive capitulation of truth to culture by Christian leaders is astonishing. Evangelical leadership today operates with fear and favor to prevailing opinion in society. May God give us people who will take a biblical stand against culture without intimidation.
