The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-02-13

ceptional that there should be a syna-
gogue of the Libertines, or Liberttni;;
namely, of the Jews who had become,
freemen in Rome. 1t was also according
to the rule that the Jews who belonged to
Cyrene in Northern Africa, and to Alex
andria, and to Cilicia OF Asia Minor.
and to the province of Asia, should have
their distinct synagogues in the Jewish
capital. These synagogues gave Steph-
en- an opportunity to send the world
wide Gospel to foreign cities.
His Interpretation of Christianity was
especially Objectionable to the Pharisees
who had hitherto made less objection to
the Gospel of the Risen Christ than the
Sadducees; to this unlimited Christian
ity they we've intensely opposed.
Stephens preaching in these syna-
gogues soon resulted in an uproar. The
Pharisaic party was now becoming alert.
1t saw the heresy of the Nazarene was
more rapidly spreading than ever before.
Many priests even we're becoming obed-
lent to the faith. And now to have
Stephen, after the apostles had appro-
priated Solomon's porch in the temple
area, invode the synagogues. was to
them naturally exasperating.
When we perceive that Stephen stood
for the popular cause, that he had learn
ing, eloquence, enthusiasm of humanity
and the Holy Spirit, we cannot wonder
that the bigots acre not able to acith-
stand the aoisdom ind the spirit by
a0hich he spake.
2. Stephen is Falsely Charged
with Blasphemy, VS.. 1l-15.
The maddened bigots set about secur-
ing the towards revenge. They sub
orned men who we're willing to testify
before the court to the malicious half
truth that Stephen was preaching
against Moses. therefore against God. A
conspiracy against Stephen was speedily
organized. Elders and scribes we're
among the plotters. The conspirators
we're of course aware that the attempts
to subdue the apostles by law had hith-
erto signally failed; the present plot
must be more adroitly conducted.
Stephen was secretly arrested, and
was hurried before the Sanhedrim, which
was by preconcerted plan already in
session, and had already indeed pre-
judged his case. The prepared witnesses
were Immediately heard.
Stephen now stood within the half
circle of judges. were Jesus had once
stood, where Peter and John had stood,
where the twelve had stood. What
, memories, what fears, what hopes, must
have flashed through his mind. His
fears, however. were not of the men be.
fore him, or of anything they could do.
His only fear was that he might fail in
following his Master.
As soon as the false witnesses began
to testify, Stephen knew that honorable
escape from martyrdom was impossible.
He heard those who had been his audi
tors in the synagogues testify that his
preaching was constantly against the
temple; that he habitually declared that
Jesus would destroy the holy place, and
change all the customs which Moses had
bequeathed to the Jews. He knew that
this false testimony. this terrible half
lying, was virtually identical with that
which had been sworn against his Lord
| in the same place, on the night before
his crucifixion. What was bodily death
| to Stephen now? He lived in his soul.
He was following Jesus through death.
He had glimpses of the realm to which
he was Fastening. He became more
than resigned. He was ecstatic. Sim
pie and wonderful is the record: And all
that sat in the council, fastening their
eyes upon him sa,U has face as 1t had
been the face of an angel.
According to the law Stephen was
permitted to answer the charge made
against him. His address. as preserved
in the memory of some friendly nearer
is fully reported e: 1851 and should be
carefully read. He begins with gracious
courtesy, and starts far back 10 Hebrew
history, to show that the Divine leading
of Israel had always been progressive
He shows profound appreciation of Abra
ham and Moses. as in their days leaders
of Israel; he shows an Israelite's respect
for the temple; he proceeds by temper
ate statements to demonstrate that the
logical sequence of the history and the
scriptures of Israel is charity as wide
as the world. religion of the Most High
whose adequate temple cannot be made
with hands. But he speaks against a
gathering storm. What interruption OF
insult it was that severed for him the
thread OF his discourse. we are not told
but he, for some good reason. suddenly
burst into passionate ordinations: "
stiff necked and uncircunlciSed an hear
and ears, he exclaims, ge do 0Ia0dys re
sist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers dc
so do ne. More words of fire flow from
the mouth now under control of ma
iestic indignation.
II there was doubt before, there car
be none now: Stephens fate is sealed
3. Stephen is Faithful unto
Death, -: 54-60.
The judges were eut to the heart; tina
is, their hearts were sawn asunder, 81
their vile contents came forth. The