Acts 6:8-7:1
ACTS STUDY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What new insight did you learn from our study of Acts 6:8-7:60 on Sunday? How were you encouraged or challenged?
What do we learn about Stephen from Acts 6:3, 5, 8, 10, and 15? How does Stephen picture Jesus from start to finish in Acts 6:8-7:60? What do we learn from Stephen about the importance of character, integrity, and Christ-like living in sharing the gospel?
What does it mean that the religious leaders “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which [Stephen] spoke?” What do we learn in Luke 21:13-15, how is it being fulfilled in Stephen, and how does that text encourage you as you share the gospel?
What tactics did Stephen’s opponents resort to when they could not withstand the gospel message he proclaimed, and what does that mean for us (cf. Acts 6:12-14, John 17:14, 1 John 3:13)?
Though we’re likely to experience a similar response, what character, demeanor, and disposition are we to have in sharing our faith according to 1 Peter 3:14-16? What motive and power does Peter point us to for responding in such a way (cf 1 Peter 3:18 and 4:1)?
What do we learn from how Stephen shared the gospel (i.e., how did he begin, where did he anchor his case for Christ, what do all of the Old Testament characters in Stephen’s sermon have in common)?
The synagogue of the Freedmen believed they related to God by strict adherence to the law, participation in the temple, and observance of religious traditions. How did the characters in Stephen’s sermon relate to God prior to the temple (cf. Gen 15:6; Heb 11:8-11, 17-30)? What does Paul say is true of us today if we live by faith in “the Righteous One,” Jesus (cf Rom 4:5, 18-25)?
What is the reaction to Stephen’s sermon and rebuke (cf. Acts 7:54-60)? Who ended up with the smiling face of God (said twice in Acts 7:55 and 56)?
What is Stephen’s dying plea? How is Stephen’s prayer answered in Acts 9:4-6? What amazing good news does Paul later proclaim in Romans 8:33-38?
How does Stephen’s life, death, and vision of Jesus give you hope and lift your heart to worship and celebrate?
