Topical Encyclopedia Perjury, the act of lying or making false statements under oath, is a grievous sin condemned throughout the Scriptures. It is a violation of the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). The case of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, provides a poignant biblical example of perjury and its devastating consequences.Stephen was a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), chosen as one of the seven deacons to serve the early church in Jerusalem. His ministry was marked by "great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). However, his powerful witness and the wisdom with which he spoke stirred opposition from certain members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to refute his arguments, they resorted to deceit. The account in Acts 6:11-14 details the perjury committed against Stephen: "Then they prompted some men to say, 'We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.' So they stirred up the people and elders and scribes. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They presented false witnesses who said, 'This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.'" These false witnesses bore perjured testimony, accusing Stephen of blasphemy—a charge punishable by death under Jewish law. Their lies were a direct violation of God's commandment and an affront to His justice. The perjury against Stephen was not merely a personal attack but an assault on the truth of the Gospel he proclaimed. Despite the false accusations, Stephen's response was one of grace and truth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he delivered a powerful speech before the Sanhedrin, recounting Israel's history and pointing to Jesus as the Righteous One whom they had betrayed and murdered (Acts 7:52). His words cut to the heart, but instead of repenting, the council members were enraged. Stephen's martyrdom, as recorded in Acts 7:54-60 , was a direct result of the perjury committed against him. As he was being stoned, Stephen, full of compassion, prayed for his persecutors, saying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). His prayer echoes the forgiveness of Christ on the cross and stands as a testament to the power of truth and love in the face of falsehood and hatred. The account of Stephen serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of perjury and the call for believers to uphold truth and integrity, even in the face of persecution. Nave's Topical Index Acts 6:11,13,14Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. Nave's Topical Index Library The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. On the Government of God Before Caiaphas Acts ix. 10, 12 The Sixth Commandment The Boy Hugh Letter Lv. To Amandus. Concerning Persecution To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Resources Why do Christians try to impose their values on others? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should a Christian do when convictions violate a tolerant society? | GotQuestions.org Perjury: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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