This is a hard story to read. Stephen is the first Martyr for Christ, but as we learn about the early church, he certainly won’t be the last. Stephen speaks his faith clearly and openly to the Sanhedrin, despite false witnesses being brought against him, and despite him likely knowing the ultimate consequences of these actions. Sadly, his efforts to speak God’s truth falls on deaf ears, and he pays the ultimate price for his faith.

Stephen’s example is often used as the ultimate example of living your faith out loud, especially in the face of opposition and persecution; but it’s also an example of just how hard that can be. For those who know the future, the appearance of “Saul” points toward a hopeful future for the Church—even if in the present of this story, it’s anything but hopeful. May we live our faith out loud, even when it’s difficult.

[Acts 7.54-8.3]

7.54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 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. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 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. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 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.

[Saul Ravages the Church]

8.1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why were The Sanhedrin enraged by Stephen’s speech?

+ What does laying down garments represent?

+ Why is Saul’s appearance important in this passage?

+ How does Saul's persecution of the church set the table for future conversion to Paul?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How willing are you to live and proclaim your faith in the face of rejection and persecution?

+ The Sanhedrin “stopped their ears” and refused to listen to Stephen’s words, how willing are you to listen to God’s correction?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How can I encourage non- believers?

+ Who can I invite to a Sunday gathering or into my community group?