In chapter 6 we read of a new problem within
the assembly. In chapter 5 it was deceit in the hearts
of Ananias and Sapphira; while here it is complaining
among the ranks of the believers. Chapter 7 contains the
longest single speech in the Book of Acts, and perhaps
the most important. This chapter is the turning point in
Israel’s history, for it records their third murder, and
their final rejection of the Kingdom. In his address
before the council, Stephen reviews the history of
Israel and points out that the nation has always
rejected God’s chosen leaders when they first appeared,
but received them the second time. Both Moses and Joseph
were rejected by their brethren the first time, but were
accepted the second. This is the very way Israel treated
Christ. He was presented to them on earth by John the
Baptist and the apostles, but they refused Him. Israel
will receive Christ when He appears the second time.
Surely it is not wrong for us to think and talk about Heaven. I like to find out all I can about it. I expect to live there through all eternity. If I were going to dwell in any place in this country, if I were going to make it my home, I would inquire about its climate, about the neighbors I would have – about everything, in fact, that I could learn concerning it. If soon you were going to emigrate, that is the way you would feel. Well, we are all going to emigrate in a very little while. We are going to spend eternity in another world… Is it not natural that we should look and listen and try to find out who is already there and what is the route to take?
D.L. Moody