Message: Acts 7
Speaker: Greg Holder
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12
Suffering is a sub-theme of Acts that cannot be ignored.
Read Acts 6
Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:20
DISCUSSION:
What stands out to you about Stephen?
What questions or observations do you have about what happens to him?
What do you think Jesus meant in John 15:20? How have you seen this play out? What good has come from it?
Read Acts 7
Stephen's death will have a great impact on the message of Jesus being proclaimed through a surprising person, Paul, who was once called Saul.
God cannot be contained or controlled. People can think they have shut Him down, but His Word will go forth in the most powerful and unusual ways.
As Stephen died, his words sound like the words of Jesus as he was being killed after also being falsely accused.
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34
DISCUSSION:
What is the good that came from Stephen's death and his forgiving those who were killing him?
What was the significance of Stephen's peace in the midst of his persecution?
How was Jesus himself in the midst of Stephen's story?
What does this mean for us and how we can live with peace in the midst of whatever we are living?