ACTS - WEEK 11

GRACE AND POWER FOR BOLDNESS

Read Acts 6:8-15 & 7:51-60

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

DISCUSS:

1. What does Verse 8 show about the origin of Stephen’s exceptional qualities?

2. In what way is Stephen treated unjustly?

3. Rather than debating Stephen, or rationalising with him, the Synagogue leaders create lies about him to demonise him. Where do you see a similar things happening today in order to silence those speaking the truth?

4. How might this response have tempted Steven to slink back, or become more quiet about his faith?

Read Acts 7:51-60

51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

DISCUSS:

5. This section shows the final part of Stephen’s speech and the response of the Sanhedrin… Why do Stephen’s words fill them with rage?

6. What does the fact that the members of the Sanhedrin cover their ears and yell show about their relationship to the truth?

7. How is Stephen’s death similar to Jesus’?

8. What reality is Luke pointing to by referring to Stephen’s death as ‘falling asleep’? Why is this reality crucial in a context when Believers are facing death for following Jesus?

Apply

9. Where do you feel pressure to not speak the truth about Jesus?

10. Have you experienced times in which spending time in proximity to Jesus, being aware of his grace and power has caused you to be bold and courageous ?

Pray.
- For courage and boldness in the face of opposition.
- That we, like Stephen would be filled with Jesus’ grace and power.