Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest
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Introduction

Reproof, a critical aspect of biblical teaching, involves correction and admonition aimed at guiding individuals back to righteousness. In the New Testament, Stephen stands as a profound example of faithfulness in delivering reproof, particularly in his interaction with the High Priest and the Sanhedrin. His boldness and unwavering commitment to truth serve as a model for believers in addressing sin and upholding the faith.

Stephen's Background

Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church, was "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). His role extended beyond serving tables; he was also a powerful preacher and miracle worker. His wisdom and spirit were evident as he engaged in debates with members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, who were unable to withstand his arguments (Acts 6:9-10).

The Accusation and Trial

Stephen's effective ministry drew the ire of certain Jewish leaders, leading to false accusations of blasphemy against Moses and God. He was brought before the Sanhedrin, where the High Priest presided over his trial (Acts 6:11-15). The charges against him were serious, as they threatened the very foundation of Jewish religious identity.

Stephen's Reproof

In response to the High Priest's inquiry, "Are these charges true?" (Acts 7:1), Stephen delivered a powerful speech that served as both a defense and a reproof. He recounted Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and the repeated disobedience of the people. Stephen's narrative was not merely historical; it was a pointed critique of the current religious leaders' failure to recognize Jesus as the Righteous One.

Stephen's reproof reached its climax when he accused the Sanhedrin of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Messiah (Acts 7:51-53). His words were a direct challenge to the religious authorities, exposing their hypocrisy and hard-heartedness.

The Reaction and Martyrdom

Stephen's reproof was met with fierce opposition. The members of the Sanhedrin were "cut to the heart" and reacted with rage (Acts 7:54). Despite the hostility, Stephen remained steadfast, filled with the Holy Spirit, and gazed into heaven, declaring his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56).

The culmination of Stephen's faithfulness in reproof was his martyrdom. As he was being stoned, he prayed for his persecutors, echoing the forgiveness of Christ: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). His death marked the first Christian martyrdom, setting a precedent for boldness and grace under persecution.

Significance

Stephen's example underscores the importance of reproof in the life of a believer. His unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of death, highlights the necessity of addressing sin and calling others to repentance. Stephen's faithfulness serves as an enduring testament to the power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to stand firm in their convictions and to speak truth with love and courage.
Nave's Topical Index
Acts 7:51-53
You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

part ii
... whilst Divine service, being the high contemplation of the ... A priest, as the physician
of souls, ought himself ... soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... what was his errand to her. So he said unto her, My name is Secret;[21]
I dwell with those that are high. It is talked of, where I ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Resources
What was Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian continue spanking his/her children if it is illegal? | GotQuestions.org

Reproof: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Reproof

Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others

Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship

Reproof: Ahijah

Reproof: Attention to a Proof of Prudence

Reproof: Christ Gives, in Love

Reproof: Christ Sent to Give

Reproof: Contempt of, Leads to Remorse

Reproof: Daniel

Reproof: Declared to Be: An Excellent Oil

Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love

Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than the Praise of Fools

Reproof: Declared to Be: More Profitable to Saints, than Stripes to a Fool

Reproof: Despised by Ahab

Reproof: Despised by Asa

Reproof: Despised by Herodias

Reproof: Despised by the Israelites

Reproof: Despised by the Jewish Leaders

Reproof: Despised by the People of Nazareth

Reproof: Elijah

Reproof: Elisha

Reproof: Eventually Brings More Respect than Flattery

Reproof: Faithfulness in a Prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam

Reproof: Faithfulness in Amos, of the Israelites

Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Asa

Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Uzziah

Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar

Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Nebuchadnezzar

Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab

Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahaziah

Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Gehazi

Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Hazael

Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jehoram

Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jeroboam

Reproof: Faithfulness in Ezra, of the Men of Judah and Benjamin

Reproof: Faithfulness in Hanani, of Asa

Reproof: Faithfulness in Isaiah, of Hezekiah

Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Tribe of Benjamin

Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Two and One-Half Tribes

Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehoash, of Jehoiada

Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehu, of Jehoshaphat

Reproof: Faithfulness in Jeremiah, of the Cities of Judah

Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus

Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Pharisees

Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Scribes and Pharisees

Reproof: Faithfulness in Joab, of David

Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of Herod Antipas

Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews

Reproof: Faithfulness in Jonathan, of Saul

Reproof: Faithfulness in Micaiah, of Ahab

Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Eleazar

Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Korah

Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Pharaoh

Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites

Reproof: Faithfulness in Nathan, of David

Reproof: Faithfulness in Nehemiah, of the Corruptions in the Temple, and of the Violation of the Sabbath

Reproof: Faithfulness in Nehemiah, of the Jews

Reproof: Faithfulness in Oded, of the People of Samaria

Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Barren Fig Tree

Reproof: Faithfulness In of the King's Feast

Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Two Sons

Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Vineyard

Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul and Silas, of the Magistrates of Philippi

Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Ananias, the High Priest

Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Elymas (Bar-Jesus), the Sorcerer

Reproof: Faithfulness in Peter, of Simon, the Sorcerer

Reproof: Faithfulness in Samuel, of Saul

Reproof: Faithfulness in Shemaiah, of Rehoboam

Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest

Reproof: Faithfulness in The Prophet Gad, of David

Reproof: Faithfulness in The Withering of the Fig Tree

Reproof: Faithfulness in Zechariah, of the Princes of Judah

Reproof: General Scriptures Concerning

Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children

Reproof: God Gives, to the Wicked

Reproof: Hanani

Reproof: Hatred of, a Proof of Brutishness

Reproof: Hatred of, Leads to Destruction

Reproof: Hypocrites not Qualified to Give

Reproof: Joab

Reproof: John the Baptist

Reproof: Leads to Happiness

Reproof: Leads to Honor

Reproof: Leads to Knowledge

Reproof: Leads to Understanding

Reproof: Leads to Wisdom

Reproof: Ministers are Empowered to Give

Reproof: Ministers are Sent to Give

Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority

Reproof: Ministers should Give with Christian Love

Reproof: Ministers should Give with Longsuffering

Reproof: Ministers should Give: Fearlessly

Reproof: Ministers should Give: Openly

Reproof: Ministers should Give: Sharply, If Necessary

Reproof: Ministers should Give: Unreservedly

Reproof: Nathan

Reproof: On Account of Fearfulness

Reproof: On Account of Hardness of Heart

Reproof: On Account of Hypocrisy

Reproof: On Account of Impenitence

Reproof: On Account of not Understanding

Reproof: On Account of Oppressing out Brethren

Reproof: On Account of Reviling Christ

Reproof: On Account of Sinful Practices

Reproof: On Account of Unbelief

Reproof: On Account of Unruly Conduct

Reproof: On Account of Vain Boasting

Reproof: Paul

Reproof: Peter

Reproof: Rejection of, Leads to Error

Reproof: Saints should Delight in Those Who Give

Reproof: Saints should Give

Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For

Reproof: Saints should Love Those Who Give

Reproof: Saints should Receive Kindly

Reproof: Samuel

Reproof: Shemaiah

Reproof: Stephen

Reproof: The Holy Spirit Gives

Reproof: The Scriptures are Profitable For

Reproof: They Who Give, are Hated by Scorners

Reproof: when from God is Despised by the Wicked

Reproof: when from God is for Correction

Reproof: when from God: Pray That It be not be in Anger

Reproof: when from God: should be Accompanied by Exhortation to Repentance

Reproof: when from God: should not Discourage Saints

Reproof: Zechariah

Related Terms

Correction (26 Occurrences)

Rebuke (77 Occurrences)

Reprove (35 Occurrences)

Refuseth (22 Occurrences)

Instruction (117 Occurrences)

Discipline (63 Occurrences)

Getteth (11 Occurrences)

Forsaketh (17 Occurrences)

Forsakes (7 Occurrences)

Regardeth (21 Occurrences)

Refusing (21 Occurrences)

Despises (16 Occurrences)

Despiseth (23 Occurrences)

Check (9 Occurrences)

Listens (28 Occurrences)

Heeds (9 Occurrences)

Regards (43 Occurrences)

Hateth (38 Occurrences)

Hates (37 Occurrences)

Reply (61 Occurrences)

Loveth (88 Occurrences)

Despised (96 Occurrences)

Wanted (73 Occurrences)

Rejected (96 Occurrences)

John (154 Occurrences)

Path (91 Occurrences)

Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)

Understandeth (24 Occurrences)

Uprightness (46 Occurrences)

Ox (197 Occurrences)

Life-giving (5 Occurrences)

Lecture (2 Occurrences)

Lesson (11 Occurrences)

God-breathed (1 Occurrence)

Witness (295 Occurrences)

Insults (34 Occurrences)

Ignored (6 Occurrences)

Inspires (6 Occurrences)

Forsaking (29 Occurrences)

Forcible (3 Occurrences)

Touch (82 Occurrences)

Rebuking (9 Occurrences)

Reprobates (3 Occurrences)

Reproofs (5 Occurrences)

Refuses (21 Occurrences)

Reprimand (1 Occurrence)

Erreth (5 Occurrences)

Dishonors (6 Occurrences)

Despising (25 Occurrences)

Monitor (1 Occurrence)

Martha (12 Occurrences)

Manasseh (140 Occurrences)

Prudence (9 Occurrences)

Painful (18 Occurrences)

Profitable (34 Occurrences)

Prudently (4 Occurrences)

Brutish (12 Occurrences)

Censure (3 Occurrences)

Consented (10 Occurrences)

Admonition (8 Occurrences)

Argue (21 Occurrences)

Administer (10 Occurrences)

Abimelech (63 Occurrences)

Search (186 Occurrences)

Shaming (6 Occurrences)

Stripes (19 Occurrences)

Stupid (20 Occurrences)

Scriptures (25 Occurrences)

Stern (8 Occurrences)

Sound (1245 Occurrences)

Slight (13 Occurrences)

Spurn (13 Occurrences)

Severity (7 Occurrences)

Sermon (1 Occurrence)

Hating (95 Occurrences)

Answers (42 Occurrences)

Observing (28 Occurrences)

Hearkeneth (34 Occurrences)

Sayings (134 Occurrences)

Reproof: Faithfulness in Shemaiah, of Rehoboam
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