Bible Studies
The Plight of the Prophets (Acts 7:51-53)
Series: Additional StudiesIntroduction:
1. The life of the prophet was not always easy. 2. As a matter of fact it was often quite challenging. 3. In some instances it meant persecution and death. 4. In this lesson we will review some of the experiences of the prophets, consider what motivated them, and evaluate how they were able to do what they did.Discussion:
I. Experiences of the prophets.A. In the passage we have just read (Acts 7:51-53) Stephen summarizes the plight of the prophets.
1. His statement reveals a clear perspective about his understanding –“Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?” Stephen indicates sees it asa general way of life for prophets.
2. How extensive was their opposition? They killed “the Righteous One” announced by the prophets.
B. Jesus interpreted the plight of the prophets in a similar way.
1. Matt. 23:35-38.
a. Abel was murdered early in the history of man (Gen. 4:8).
b. Zechariah marked the end of the prophets of O.T. history (2 Chron. 24:20-21). He was stoned to death in the court of the house of the Lord.
2. Jesus even represented the same in the parables (Matt. 21:33-39).
C. It was not all the people treated the prophets so disparagingly. Contrast Jeremiah’s treatment with that of Elisha.
1. Jeremiah was put in a cistern (Jer. 38:1ff), but Ebed-melech rescued him.
2. The Shunammite woman made a room for Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10).
D. N. T. prophets were no different.
1. Stephen was murdered.
2. Peter and John were threatened (Acts 4:21), but their brethren prayed for them (Acts 4:23ff).
3. Paul in Lystra was dragged from the city and left for dead (Acts 14:19). Contrast the support provided by those in Philippi (Phil. 4:15-18). In 2 Cor. 11:23-29 he rehearsed some of the things that had happened to him. Note his “intense concern.”
II. Consider what motivated them.A. Some might reason that they were commanded by God to take His message to the people.
1. In some instances the prophet did not want to go.
2. Jonah did not want to go to Ninevah.
B. But most of the prophets were motivated by their concern for the people (2 Tim. 4:16-18).
C. They were interested in saving souls from death (James 3:19).
D. False prophets were motivated by their own greed (2 Pet. 2:1-3).
III. How did those who were genuinely concerned for the people do what they did?A. They entrusted their souls to a faithful Creator (1 Pet. 4:12-19).
B. Often they were delivered by the Lord (2 Tim. 4:9-18).
C. But whether delivered or not they found their power to endure in the Lord (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
D. At great cost they have delivered unto us the message of God. Will we ignore it? Will we regard it lightly in light of their self-sacrifice?
IV. They have poured themselves out for us. Their destiny is a crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:6-8).Conclusion:
1. Let us appreciate the prophets for their work. 2. Let us listen to their word. 3. And honor them in the way the Lord honors them.
