In this message, Stephen emphasizes the profound significance of Christ's birth as prophesied by Isaiah, particularly in Isaiah 9:6-7. He highlights that Isaiah, living around 800 B.C., provided detailed prophecies about Jesus, emphasizing His dual nature as both human and divine—"a child is born" and "a son is given." Stephen explains that Christ's birth was not merely for personal salvation but also to establish God's eternal kingdom on earth. The titles given to Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace—reflect His divine work in purpose, plan, strength, grace, and peace. The core purpose of His coming is to set up His government, which began with His earthly ministry and will increase until it fills the earth, as foretold in prophecy and typified in Scripture. Stephen stresses that God's original plan entrusted dominion to man, but sin caused Satan to usurp that authority. Christ's mission is to reclaim and establish God's righteous and just government through His church, which is the spiritual kingdom on earth today. He urges believers to submit fully to Christ's lordship, allowing His government to reign in their lives, so that His kingdom may be fully manifested in the future. Ultimately, Stephen calls for faith and spiritual preparation, recognizing that God's zeal will accomplish His divine purpose.
5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,
1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.