Silence of the Lambs

The Sanhedrin was attentive to Stephen’s speech, a recap of Jewish history and quoted Scripture, until he said he came to his own commentary and observations, “You stiff–necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it” (Acts 7:51-53 NIV). At those words the Sanhedrin was furious, gnashed their teeth and proceeded to silence Stephen by stoning him to death. Then, as today, the world will do anything to silence those who belong to the Shepherd.