“A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other” (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities). We don’t know how people will respond to information. We speak and share what is needed and pray for the best possible outcome. However, that is not always the case. One could take the blame for the reaction, thinking, “If I had only said it this way.” Yet, in the end, it is a heart condition that either accepts or rejects the good news of the gospel. This is highlighted in the events that unfolded around Stephen’s death.
The book of Acts tells us that Stephen “was performing great wonders and signs among the people.” Many tried to debate him, “but they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking” (Acts 6:8-10). Some men were paid to bring false charges against him, saying that he had blasphemed God, and he was taken before the Jewish council (Acts 6:11-15).
There, in front of the council, with no doubt an audience gathered, Stephen begins to preach. He spoke of the promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Acts 7:1-8). He spoke of Joseph and the famine and the process that got God’s people into Egypt (Acts 7:9-16). He spoke of the bondage, deliverance and time in the wilderness under Moses’ leadership, as well as the apostasy of the golden calf (Acts 7:17-44). He spoke of the kingdom God established through David and the coming of the Righteous one that they rejected (Acts 7:45-53). His message was highlighting their disobedience to God’s message like those of their fathers before them, saying, “you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it” (Acts 7:51-53). While this was a harsh message, it was inspired and prescribed by God.
As we know, the response was not a favorable one. “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him” (Acts 7:54). Stephen was allowed a vision of heaven with Christ standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56). Stephen knew heaven was attentive to what was unfolding in that moment. It was then that the people stoned Stephen (Acts 7:57-60). Yet he died with a grace like our Lord, not laying any blame at their feet.
We examine these two hearts from Acts chapter two and seven to show the response of hearts to the message that we are commanded to preach. Some will have soft and receptive hearts. Others have hard hearts and maybe even respond aggressively. This doesn’t change the task at hand. Nor should we change the message to fit the fickle hearts of men. The power of the gospel is in its purity and great sealing sacrifice.