WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2019 Theory — Question 9

Model answer

(a) STEPHEN'S DEFENCE BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN (Acts 6:2-6, 8-9; 7:1-10) Stephen was one of seven deacons appointed to oversee the welfare of the poor and needy in the early church, distinguished by being full of faith, grace and power, and performing wonders and signs among the people. Some Jews, unable to withstand his wisdom and spirit in argument, instigated men to bear false witness against him, accusing him of blasphemy against God and Moses — particularly claiming Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change the customs Moses delivered. By Jewish law, this was a capital offence. In his defence, Stephen argued that God's presence was never confined to the temple, tracing Jewish history: how God appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia and called him to Haran and then Canaan; how God told Abraham his descendants would be enslaved for four hundred years but that nation would be punished; how the covenant of circumcision was given, and Isaac, Jacob and the patriarchs followed; and how the patriarchs, out of jealousy, sold Joseph into Egypt — yet God was with Joseph and rescued him from affliction. (b) LESSONS FROM STEPHEN'S DEFENCE i. One should have strong faith in God. ii. One should be courageous to declare the truth in the face of trials. iii. We should rely on God to defend us in times of persecution. iv. There is a need to remember our history. v. We should be prepared to defend our faith even in the face of opposition. vi. We should know the scriptures.