May 3 | Acts 7 | Stephen

  1. When has a story—a book, a movie, an account you heard—upset you? And why?

  2. Briefly review Acts 6. What factors contribute to Stephen’s rise to prominence? Three times we are told that Stephen is full of the Holy Spirit. What is the role of the Spirit in Stephen’s life and ministry?

  3. Review Acts 7:1-53. How do you think Stephen - a Greek-speaking pilgrim - must have felt being dragged before the high priest and his council? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in this exchange?

  4. Two great Old Testament truths (God’s independence from the Temple, and Israel’s chronic spiritual resistance) point to Jesus as “the Righteous One” (v52) to whom we must each respond, either with faith and devotion or with stiff-necked resistance. How can we apply Stephen’s sermon in our own lives today?

  5. Read Acts 7:54-60. What details stand out to you as Stephen is martyred? Why do you think Luke goes to such great lengths to draw parallels between Stephen and Jesus? What is the Spirit’s role at this moment in Stephen’s life?

  6. How do you feel when you think about Jesus standing in honor of Stephen? Spend time in prayer together. Surrender to the Spirit’s work in your own lives, and worship Christ enthroned in glory.

Robb EsperatComment