Here's a little story that must be told
Unfold grace and boldness before it turns cold
Along with, 6 others, this brother was one of the first deacons
Yes, I am referring to Stephen
(Full of) grace and power, signs and wonders
And irresistable wisdom, since the Spirit was with him
(But the) haters now are hypin' stuff up
Bearin' witness against him. Sense the wickedness in them?
They sieze him and bring him before officials with issues
Sayin' he's dissin' Moses and the Temple
So they ask "is this true?"
This is his defense to the charges, listen in for the whistle
This is the story of Israel's history
The God of glory appeared, revealed mysteries
To Abraham he gave the plan
Said forsake your fam, He displayed the land
And although he had no child breathin
He departed the land of the Chaldeans
Cause God promised to give a land to his offspring
Sarah was old they doubted but God brought him (Isaac)
I'm aware you're lovin your tradition
To Abraham He gave the covenant of circumcision
Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Joseph
Joseph-his favorite, his bros watched and noticed
They threw em in a pit, he was sold to Egypt
He didn't throw a fit, but he'd boldy predict
The dreams of Pharoah, he gave him favor
A famine struck now here come the traitors (his bros)
They needed grain, he'd see their pain
His deeds were brave, and he forgave
They dwealt in Egypt and multiplied
A new king rose up exalted high
Killed our infants, he was foul and was bitter
Moses sent down the Nile found in the river
Pharoah's daughter adoped him
In Egypt, taught by men but he'd go slaughter
An Egyptian, for afflictin .one of his kinsmen
Moses was so bothered
An Israelite asked if he'd kill again
This instilled fright so he fled to Midian
Let me step in and interrupt this history lesson
To make sure that you catch what he's stressin'
He's still answerin' their questions, but peep his direction
And use truth to prove what he's says fam
So far he's provin' that both Moses and Joseph were persecuted
Notice him focus in as you're searchin' through it
This ain't the end though, listen on as the story continues
He still has yet to address the temple
Forty years later the Lord appeared
In a burning bush Moses surely feared
He stood on holy ground... in this place
So he hid his face... in his disgrace
The Lord said, "I've seen my people's pains and groans
I'm sending you to go to Pharaoh's thrones
To free them, I've seen all your suffering"
Moses said, "Send me??? I.I'm always stuttering"
This same Moses whom they despised
Performed wonders and many signs
He hit a rock, water sprayed like faucets
And he told them to await a greater prophet (Jesus)
God gave him the law, the Ten Commandments
They saw Moses was gone, the men abandoned
The Lord their God, these fools would craft
A golden calf... angered God.holy wrath
Then Moses made the tabernacle
Wherever they went they smashed in battle
To build God a house David was ponderin
But this task... he gave it to Solomon
(But) God doesn't dwell in houses made by men
He created them, that's no place for Him
So look to God and not the best steeple
But you resist the Spirit... stiff-necked people
Which of the prophets did you not persecute?
Even the Messiah, you've murdered too!!
His defense is seen by these to be offensive
Preachin' through Jewish history redemptive
They're ticked and wish to get him grind thier teeth agains him
But he looks in the heavens and says then:
I see the heavens opened and Christ stands
Right next to the Father at His right hand
They cry out with a loud voice and stop their ears
So they don't hear, then rush the dude and dragged him out of there
They cast him outside of the city and stone him
While young Saul is holdin' their coats then...
By God's grace I seem so fearless
Lord Jesus receive my Spirit!!!
As the stones hit him he falls to his knees
About to sleep, ending his life with this final plea:
Lord don't hold it against them
This life will pass... I 'll go to the next one!!