Acts 7:51- 8:3
GETTING STARTED:
● Stephen has been arrested and falsely accused of wanting to destroy the holy
Temple and that he speaks against the law of Moses.
● The truth was that Stephen was full of faith – power – grace – and the Holy Spirit.
Through his powerful preaching and teaching marked by signs and wonders –
many were being saved including many of the Jewish priests. He knew the law
of Moses and he understood the role of the Temple.
● The first 50 verses of chapter 7 demonstrate his understanding of the Temple – of
the role of Moses – and of the history of Israel. He basically demonstrates that
God has never been limited to a house built with human hands and that he is
now speaking through Jesus – the one you murdered but who is alive and now at
the throne of God. Listen to what he says to them at the end of chapter 7.
THE BOLD WITNESS OF STEPHEN. Acts 7:51-53
● Stephen understood that 2 things went on at the same time – Jesus was
intending to give his life – and God was using the plotting of evil men who wanted
to kill Jesus. He confronts these leaders with the truth about what they did.
● You can reject Jesus as Lord – but He is still the Lord. They did not want him to
be the Messiah – but He is the Messiah. This truth enraged the hearers.
STEPHEN SAW JESUS STANDING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. 7:54-56
● Look at the contrast – His hearers are full of rage and hatred – but Stephen is full
of the Holy Spirit – filled with boldness and power – but also with amazing grace.
● He sees Jesus – standing for him – thrilled at the bold witness. We know the
Lord’s position is seated at the right hand of God – but here – He stands.
LISTEN: God is for you – not against you. Realize today – that your Savior is standing up
for you – He will always be in your corner. If God is for you – who can be against you?
STEPHEN – FULL OF GRACE – SPEAKS FORGIVENESS. Acts 7:57-8:3
● What a powerful contrast – Stephen with his last breath speaks forgiveness. His
focus is on Jesus as he breathes his last and this focus leads him to forgive.
● In contrast – Saul holds the coats of those who stoned Stephen and gave his
approval to their act of murder.
● But now the weight of Stephen’s witness sits upon Paul. It will eventually
overtake him on the Damascus road. But while he resists the Holy Spirit – his
anger and rage drive him to persecute the church.
THE TRUTH: Paul has been confronted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The convicting
work of the Holy Spirit is on him. It was brought to him by a man who was FULL. Full of
faith – power – AND GRACE. FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. BE THAT WITNESS.