Stephen was on trial for his life (Acts 7:1-53), but he was more concerned about the reputation of Jesus and the eternal lives of his accusers. The Council of the Sanhedrin had previously sentenced Jesus to death, and had also warned Peter and John to stop talking about Jesus. They now sat in judgement over Stephen, but he knew that Jesus would sit in judgement over them. So, having explored Israel's story of rejecting God (Acts 7:2-50), he warned them that their hearts were equally selfish and hypocritical. Stephen wanted them to see that they were wrong, and repent. He wanted them to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

His closing speech was certainly direct. They were the top religious leaders of Israel, but they were unwilling to bow to God's sovereignty or the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They could not interpret the Scriptures, which the Holy Spirit inspired. Although they were happy to celebrate martyred prophets long after their deaths, their hearts were as opposed to the prophetic message as were the murderers (Luke 11:47-51).

Like uneasy politicians, the Sanhedrin had wanted to avoid the finger of blame for the death of Jesus (Acts 5:28). But Stephen finally pointed that finger. Although he was the accused, he acted as the prosecutor, declaring the court to be guilty of the blood of Christ: they had murdered Him, even though they claimed to adhere to God's law. It must have been an electrifying moment in the court room. Truth, bad conscience, pride, the exposition of Scripture and a righteous messenger all collided. No political compromise was possible: either the Council would repent and receive Christ, or Stephen would die violently.

In the past 2000 years, there have been a variety of defining moments in which the truth could no longer be quiet. It was not for the glory of the prophetic voices, but for the glory of God. And yet, humanly, we usually want to avoid such conflicts. But when directed by God it is so that hardened sinners might be shaken to repent. That is why Jesus called out on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) If you love God and love people, wait for God's moment to tell them the truth so that they can repent and be forgiven.