Acts of the Apostles: Everybody Must Get Stoned

​Introduction
If you lived during the 1960s or 1970s, you likely encountered Bob Dylan’s iconic song, “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” often mis-titled “Everybody Must Get Stoned.” This unusual, bluesy tune, featuring a lively brass band and Dylan’s distinctive voice, captured the spirit of the era. The lyrics begin with, “Well, they’ll stone ya when you’re trying to be so good. They’ll stone ya just a-like they said they would. They’ll stone ya when you’re tryin’ to go home. Then they’ll stone ya when you’re there all alone. But I would not feel so all alone. Everybody must get stoned.” quickly becoming a cultural touchstone.

At that time, the song resonated deeply with the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s. In an era of free love, psychedelic exploration, and rebellion against authority, it was embraced as an anthem. Many interpreted it as a celebration of drug use, especially due to the repeated refrain. In fact, radio stations in the U.S. and Britain banned the song out of concern for its perceived drug references. However, a closer examination of the song reveals something more nuanced. Some believe Dylan was satirizing the cultural panic over drug references in music or mocking critics who overanalyze every word of rock lyrics. Others suggest the song reflects Dylan’s personal struggles, such as his difficulties with relationships or the pressures of fame.

Why bring up this song? Because it serves as a symbolic entry point for today’s discussion—“getting stoned” in a spiritual sense. The phrase gains a new, profound meaning when we reflect on the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose tragic yet triumphant death is recounted in Acts 6:8–7:60. This pivotal moment in Christian history illustrates the growing hostility faced by the early church and the lengths to which its opponents would go to suppress the Gospel. Just as the refrain of Dylan’s song suggests an inevitable shared experience, Stephen’s story reminds us that suffering and persecution are part of the Christian journey.

Acts 6:8 -15, 7:51 - 60

The Context of Stephen’s Story
Stephen’s martyrdom occurs at a critical moment in the early church. Following Jesus’s death and resurrection, the apostles had been spreading the Gospel with fervor, gaining many followers. However, this rapid growth also attracted opposition from the Jewish religious leaders, who saw the movement as a threat to their authority. Initially, their opposition took the form of verbal threats, but it quickly escalated to physical violence. By the time we reach Stephen’s story, their desperation had led them to commit murder in an attempt to silence the message of Christ.

Stephen is introduced in Acts as a man of exceptional character. He was one of the seven Hellenistic Jews chosen to serve as deacons—a role focused on ministering to widows and addressing the needs of the growing Christian community. Acts 6:5 describes him as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” He was also known for his wisdom, spiritual grace, and reliance on God’s power, which enabled him to perform miracles and speak with authority. His life reflected the transformative power of the Gospel, making him a respected and admired figure within the early church.

However, Stephen’s faith and boldness also attracted enemies. Acts 6:9-10 recounts how some members of the synagogue began to argue with him but found themselves unable to counter his wisdom and the Spirit’s power. Frustrated, they resorted to deceit, persuading false witnesses to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses, the law, and the temple—serious charges in Jewish society.

Stephen’s Defense and Sermon
When Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish council, the accusations against him were severe. Yet even in this moment of intense pressure, Stephen remained composed. Acts 6:15 notes that his face appeared “like the face of an angel.” While the exact meaning of this description is unclear, it likely signifies the presence of God’s Spirit, enabling Stephen to remain calm and unwavering in the face of false accusations.

Instead of defending himself directly, Stephen seized the opportunity to deliver a powerful sermon. His speech, recorded in Acts 7, is the longest in the book and serves as a sweeping overview of Israel’s history, highlighting key figures such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David. Through this retelling, Stephen emphasized God’s faithfulness to His people and the repeated pattern of their rebellion against Him. His sermon was not a defense but a bold proclamation of truth, challenging the religious leaders to see their own spiritual blindness.

Stephen’s message focused on three key points, which R. Kent Hughes refers to as “the false bases for their confidence in God”: the land, the law, and the temple.

1. The Land
   The Israelites took great pride in possessing the Promised Land, seeing it as a sign of God’s favor. However, Stephen reminded them that God’s blessings were not limited to a specific geographical area. He pointed to figures like Abraham, who was called by God while living in Mesopotamia, and Joseph, who received God’s favor while in Egypt. The land was a gift from God, but it was never intended to define their relationship with Him.
   
   In many ways, this misplaced confidence in the land reflects attitudes today. Some Americans, for instance, perceive their nation’s prosperity and power as evidence of God’s special favor. While it’s true that God has blessed America, such blessings do not ensure His endorsement or approval. Our confidence should be grounded in God Himself, not in our national identity or achievements.
2. The LawThe law was a cornerstone of Jewish identity, but Stephen argued it could not save anyone. He noted that even Moses, who received the law, anticipated the arrival of the Messiah who would establish a new covenant. The law served as a guide, not a means of salvation. Throughout history, the prophets pointed to a future where God’s relationship with His people would surpass the limitations of the law.
   
   Today, many people similarly place their confidence in morality or good deeds, believing that being a “good person” will earn them favor with God. While living a moral life is important, it cannot secure salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
3. The TempleFinally, Stephen challenged the leaders’ belief that the temple was God's exclusive dwelling place. Quoting Isaiah 66:1, he declared, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me?” God’s presence is not confined to a building. This was a radical statement, as the temple was central to Jewish worship and identity. Stephen’s words pointed to a deeper truth: God dwells in the hearts of believers, not in man-made structures.
   
   In modern Christianity, we sometimes fall into a similar trap, placing undue importance on church buildings or institutions. While these can be tools for ministry, they are not the essence of our faith. God’s true temple is the body of believers united in Christ.
   
   

The Martyrdom of Stephen
Stephen’s message was bold, convicting, and deeply offensive to the religious leaders. Acts 7:54 describes how they were “furious” and “gnashed their teeth at him.” Their rage reached a boiling point when Stephen shared a vision of heaven, declaring, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). This statement, affirming Jesus’s divine authority, was the final straw. The leaders dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death.

Stoning was brutal and deliberate, reflecting the leaders’ intense hatred and desperation. Yet even in his final moments, Stephen demonstrated extraordinary grace. He prayed for his executioners, saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60), echoing Jesus’s words on the cross.

Acts 7:55-56 provides an image of Jesus standing at the right hand of God—a departure from the usual depiction of Him seated. Many interpret this as a gesture of honor and welcome as if Christ were rising to receive Stephen into glory.

Lessons for Today
Stephen’s story has implications for us. It reminds us that suffering is an integral part of the Christian life. While we may not face physical persecution, we are not exempt from trials, opposition, or rejection for our faith. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Here are some “takeaways” for us this morning.

• Embrace Suffering as Part of the Christian Life – Stephen’s story reminds us that suffering is inevitable for those who follow Christ. Instead of fearing trials or opposition, we should view them as opportunities to grow in faith and deepen our relationship with Christ.
  
  Suffering, though difficult, deepens our relationship with Christ and strengthens our witness to others. As R. Kent Hughes notes, “Suffering deepens our tie with Christ, and it also enhances our effectiveness in ministry, especially the ministry of evangelism. Evangelism provokes persecution, while persecution energizes evangelism.”
  
  
• Remain Bold and Faithful in the Face of Adversity – Like Stephen; we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with rejection or hardship. Our confidence should rest in Christ alone, not worldly security or approval.
  
  In a culture that often seeks to avoid pain, we must remember that trials are opportunities for spiritual growth. Stephen’s example challenges us to remain bold and faithful, trusting in God’s strength even in adversity. His story also reminds us to place our confidence in Christ alone, not our nationality, morality, or institutions.
  
  
• Find Strength and Joy in Sharing Christ’s Suffering – Rather than avoiding discomfort, we should recognize that suffering for the Gospel is a privilege that strengthens our witness. Knowing that our ultimate reward is eternal life with Christ should encourage us to persevere joyfully.
  
  ​Let us draw inspiration from Stephen’s unwavering faith and pray for the courage to stand firm in the Gospel. May we embrace the joy and privilege of sharing in Christ’s suffering, knowing that our ultimate reward is eternal life with Him. As Stephen’s life and death so powerfully demonstrate, the glory of God far outweighs any trial we may face on earth.

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