Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin is a powerful moment where he confronts the religious leaders with their resistance to God's work through the Holy Spirit. Calling them 'stiff-necked' echoes the language used by prophets in the Old Testament to describe a people who are obstinate and unwilling to follow God's commands. The metaphor of 'uncircumcised hearts and ears' suggests a deeper spiritual insensitivity, indicating that despite their outward religious practices, their inner lives are not aligned with God's will.
Stephen accuses them of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did. This highlights a pattern of behavior where they repeatedly reject God's messengers and the new things God is doing. His words serve as a warning and a call to self-reflection for all believers, urging us to consider whether we are truly open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It's a reminder to be vigilant against spiritual complacency and to strive for a heart that is responsive to God's leading.
