The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 206

except at the fruit-laden tree," saye the proverb. 1. JtB characw: disputatious. School wit and wisdom are brought to bear against him. When facts cannot be denied, nor made the foundation of charges, fancies are found to be convenient as material of attack. 'rhe man who is mighty in deed shall, if possible, be shown an imbecile in argument, a tyro in knowledge. But there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in school philosophy; and the power of God and wisdom of God in his servants set at naught the "disputer" of the world. 2. ltB failure. 'rhe dialecticiane were met by simple spiritual wisdom. It was a plain story that Stephen had to tell; its very simplicity l\nd dignity foiled these debaters. IV. FALBl!I AOOUBATIONB. From sophistry to positive lies it is an easy step. H dishonesty is in " man's use of words and arguments, he will be likely to carry it out in deeds. If we bribe our reason in the interests of passion, why should we hesitate to corrupt the minds of others? Bribed testimony may produce e. great effect for a time. It can craftily be made closely to resemble the truth. If a teacher upholds the spirit of Scripture, he may be represented with the ignorant as despisin?; its letter, The charge of" speaking evil against Moses and God" must have been made colour- able. Stephen taught that the old dispensation was in decay, and that the temple must pass away. This was easily misrepresented as speaking against the temple and the old institutions. The institutions of God are living, therefore mu.:;t grow, and change their forms from age to age. To assert the necessity of change may be perverted to mean the assertion of the necessity of overthrow. The highest teaching is ever most liable to misrepresentation. It cannot respect men's vested interests. And interest, with all the "hell-deep instincts" which rally in support of it, can ever find plausible arguments against the innovator. Stephen's experience repeats that of Jesus and anticipates that of Paul. V, SuoOEss OF THE PLOT, The people were deeply moved; the temple and all its sacred associations in religion and national feeling were threatened, as they thought. The Sa.nhedrim, the "elders and scribes," trembled for their power. Stephen was apprehended and brought before them. The false witnesses repeat their story. '.1.'hough doubtless verbally true, it was in spirit false. That Jesus of Nazareth should "dissolve the sacred place and change the old religious customs" was indeed the sublime truth in a sentence. Christianity dissolves Judaism-by fulfilling it. To break up one home to found another is not to destroy the first home. To cast off nn old garment because a new one is needed and at hand, is not to discredit the old. Destruction absolute and final is different from abolition with a view to progress. 'l'he witnesses were thus near to the truth, yet far from it. When opposites meet, the idea of dissolution and that of life, the hall:.truth may be the most malicious of lies. VI. '.1.'HE DEMEANOUR OF STEPHEN. It was a moment of great trial. The people were now a.gain united with their rulers. The Sanhedrim no longer feared to go against the general feeling. It was "Stephen against the world." Among all the eyes fastened upon him there was probably .no friendly glance. Yet at this moment, like the sun breaking through the blackness of a thunder-cloud, a glory of unearthly splendour irradiated the brow of the witness. In such moments God chooses to show his love to his chosen. Forsaken-not forsaken ; cast down-not destroyed; fettered and hemmed in on every side-yet free; such is the experience of the soul that confides in God. It throws itself in the extremity of its helplessness at the feet of God-nay, upon his very breast. Never do we know what heights and depths are in the kingdom of spirit, till we are thrust into them by the frowns or the force that bars all other ways. The spirit touches its height of triumph and joy in the very moment when the man to outward appearance is lost. And there are brief moments when God reveals bis presence in a manner not to be forgotten on that noblest of his mirrors, the human countenance. God's oagles rise in the storm; his stars ~~.ine in the darkest night. Compare the face of Stephen with that of Moses (2 C_or. m. 7, 8). We learn from Stephen: 1. The might that comes to man through faith and the Holy Spirit; ability to work, to witness, to suffer. 2. The glory of the martyr . .Accused, God favours him; slandered, the truth is illustrated by him; overcome and overclouded, ho rises and he shines like the sun in bis strength.--J. Vere. 1-6.-Institution of deacons. .Notice: 1. T4e increase of officers was the 202 THE ACTS 01<' 'l'RE APOSTLES. [oa. VI. 1-15.