Stephen's Speech to the Sanhedrin - Acts 7:1-53
Understand It
- What did the high priest ask Stephen? (7:1)
- Why did Stephen make this speech? (7:1-2)
- What was Stephen’s initial response to the leaders? (7:2)
- In his speech to the court, Stephen showed that there was progress and change in God’s plan for His people; how was Abraham an example of this change? (7:2-8)
- As he wove the history of the Jews, how did Stephen show a pattern of opposition to God and His plan for them? (7:2-4, 9, 23-29)
- How did God bless His people outside the land of Israel? (7:2-5, 7-10, 29-34)
- How was the move to Egypt a great change for Jacob’s descendants? (7:9-16)
- How did deliverance under Moses mark progress for God’s people? (7:17-43)
- Where was the law of Moses given to God’s people? (7:38)
- From the tabernacle to the temple, the place of God’s presence changed and progressed; how did Stephen show this? (7:44-50)
- How did Stephen show that the temple is not God’s true dwelling place? (7:47-50)
- What did Stephen say in direct attack on his audience? (7:51-53)
- How did Stephen compare the attitude of those in the Sanhedrin with that of God’s people down through the centuries? (7:51-53)
- Of what did Stephen accuse his hearers? (7:51-53)
- According to Stephen, in what ways did the people resist the Holy Spirit? (7:52-53)
Apply It
- From what older, more mature believer can you learn? How?
- What can you do this week to know Jesus more fully?
- How can you uncover the attitudes that hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
- What can you do this week to learn from the example of other believers in the Old Testament?
The Stoning of Stephen - Acts 7:54-8:1
Understand It
- How did the hearers react to Stephen’s accusations? Why? (7:54)
- Why did the Jewish leaders respond to Stephen as they did? (7:54)
- Faced with the fury of his persecutors, why wasn’t Stephen afraid? (7:55)
- How did Stephen’s heavenly vision prepare him for what was to follow? (7:55)
- How did God prepare Stephen for his death? (7:55)
- What did Stephen say that enraged his adversaries? (7:56)
- Why was Stephen put to death? (7:56-60)
- Why did Stephen’s enemies yell and cover their ears? (7:57)
- How was Stephen taken out of town? (7:57-58)
- Where was Stephen stoned to death? (7:58)
- Why did people lay their clothing at Saul’s feet? (7:58)
- What were Stephen’s two last requests before he died? (7:59-60)
- How did Stephen die? (7:60)
- Who approved of Stephen’s death? (8:1)
- What change in the church did Stephen’s death bring about? (8:1)
- Who left and who stayed in Jerusalem? (8:1)
Apply It
- In what hostile setting could you be a witness for Christ this week? How?
- How can Stephen’s example help you be prepared to handle rejection?
- Which former member of your congregation now living elsewhere can you encourage this week? How?
