Recap

• Ananias and Sapphira revealed that their heart was deceitful.
• Miracles and signs were done to validate the word of God.
• The root for Peter and John was that they would obey God over man.
• In spite of them being arrested for teaching Jesus the church grew.
• The Hellenistic Jews were scattered among the gentiles and had been saturated by that society and even spoke Greek.

The Assyrian Conquest 722 bc

The Babylonian Captivity 586 bc

Acts 6:1-15 ESV

Stephen Is Seized

Acts 7:1-60 ESV

6:1-7

• At this point the church was less than 6 months old and there were problems arising already.
• There was pride from the Hebraic Jews because they didn’t live among the gentiles and jealousy from Hellenistic Jews because of it.
• This is much like what you have experienced when you have been a believer for years and new people begin to follow Christ.
• We feel that they should or shouldn’t do things and they feel judged because they don’t measure up.
• If you’re looking for perfection you won’t find it as long as you are there.

James 4:1-10 ESV

• This is the start of deacon’s stepping up to help manage these things.
• Introduction of other leaders.
• The problem that was being addressed was a physical problem of favoritism but the issue began in the heart of the individual.
• The heart is what the Holy Spirit specializes in.
• Here it was pride but it may be something else in your life.

6:8-15

• Stephen was doing great signs and wonders the purpose for them was to validate the word of God.
• Some rose up from the Hellenistic Jews to dispute Stephen but they couldn’t out do the wisdom and Spirit that spoke through him.
• Stephen was brought before a council and lied about.
• Even the council could see the Spirit shining through him.

7:1-53

• Stephen was asked a yes or no question that took him 52 verses to answer.
• He started with Abraham and concluded with the crucified Jesus.
• He was speaking to people that knew all this already but didn’t realize that they were repeating history.

7:54-60

• They stoned him for speaking truth.
• We are looked at differently because of our faith.
• At times we are mocked or scrutinized for our way of life.
• Stephen was literally buried for the cause of Christ and we may feel buried by the jokes and insults.
• But are we buried or planted.
• His witness is the first time we are introduce to a man named Saul.

Conclusion

The church started with a deep understanding of what God promised throughout history.

Genesis 12:1-3 ESV

• In Exodus 3-4 God calls Moses and tells him over and over I’ll be with and lead you and give you favor.

Joshua 1:1-9 ESV

• Jesus even gave this same promise at least 2 times.
• Matthew 4 he called Peter and Andrew by saying I’ll make fishers of men.
• Matthew 28 he calls us to make disciples everywhere.

God doesn’t call polished people He has called us.

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