Bible Reading
Acts 6:1–15; Acts 7:51–60 (ESV) —
Acts 6:1–15
> Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Acts 7:51–60 — > “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Observation Questions
- What specific qualities were the apostles looking for when choosing men to serve the widows in Acts 6? How is Stephen described? ([44:05])
- What was the conflict in the early church that led to Stephen’s selection for service? ([40:37])
- How did Stephen respond when he was falsely accused and brought before the council? ([51:57])
- What did Stephen see as he was being martyred, and how did he respond to those who were killing him? ([01:10:28])
Interpretation Questions
- Why do you think the apostles emphasized being “full of the Spirit and wisdom” for a task that might seem ordinary, like serving food to widows? What does this say about how God views “small” acts of service? ([44:05])
- The sermon said, “God does not call us to be famous, but to be faithful.” How does Stephen’s story challenge our ideas about what is important in Christian service? ([34:56])
- Stephen was faithful in his message, even when it brought opposition and danger. What does his example teach us about holding fast to the gospel in difficult situations? ([51:57])
- The sermon mentioned that “every Christian may not be called to die for Jesus, but every Christian is called to die with Him—laying down our own will, our comfort, and our rights daily.” What does it look like to “die to self” in everyday life? ([01:01:12])
Application Questions
- Think about a task or ministry you are involved in that feels unnoticed or unimportant. How might God be using your faithfulness in that area, even if you never see the results? ([49:40])
- Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to “coast on your giftedness” instead of relying on the Holy Spirit? What would it look like to seek Spirit-filled obedience in those areas? ([01:03:28])
- Stephen was chosen because he was trustworthy, Spirit-filled, and wise. If someone were to describe you, would these qualities be at the top of the list? Why or why not? ([44:05])
- The sermon compared faithfulness to finishing a marathon, not just starting it. Is there something in your spiritual life or service where you have been tempted to quit? What would it take to “finish the race” in that area? ([39:40])
- Stephen forgave those who were killing him and prayed for them. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or pray for, even if they have hurt you? ([01:10:28])
- The impact of Stephen’s faithfulness was hidden at the time but became a catalyst for the spread of the gospel. Can you think of a time when someone’s quiet faithfulness made a difference in your life? How might your faithfulness impact others, even if you never know it? ([01:09:49])
- The sermon said, “Dying to self is a daily, ongoing act of faithfulness.” What is one specific way you can practice “dying to self” this week? ([01:01:12])
