ACTS CHAPTER 7

MAIN THINGS

This chapter shows a great example of meeting people where they are, but still being filled with the Spirit and speaking what God has told you to speak independent of the circumstance or the people to whom you are speaking. It is so amazing that Stephen looked up and saw Jesus before dying, what an awesome confirmation that he had fulfilled the role that he was called to. I am deeply challenged by his last statement (the same statement of Christ) to forgive them and not hold this sin against them. I couldn’t imagine being one of those that were stoning Stephen and hearing that as his last words that had to make you even more mad, but also make you wonder how someone could have the strength to still make such statements.

QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS

Are you challenged by Stephen’s story? Would you be in tune enough with the Spirit to speak hard words that would cause people to turn against you? It is cool to see that Jesus was standing here in the presence of God, when most of the time He is noted as seated at the right hand of God. Some theologians have taken this to mean that Jesus was approving and applauding Stephen while preparing to welcome him and give him the crown of life. That is an awesome picture of the way to die to me. How do you envision dying? I want to go out more like Stephen than just comfortably. We have one chance here and one death, I think we have lost sight in our culture as to what an honorable death looks like. Would you be able to follow in the path of Jesus, Stephen, and Jim Elliot to be able to look upon the people that killed you with forgiveness? Why do you think they were able to forgive their murderers?