Don’t Shoot the Messenger - The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 6:8-8:4)

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Welcome:

Today, we look into a challenging passage from the book of Acts, focusing on the life and martyrdom of Stephen. In this episode, titled "Don’t Shoot the Messenger - The Stoning of Stephen," we explore Acts 6:8-8:4, uncovering valuable principles that we can apply to our own lives.

Episode Notes: Don’t Shoot the Messenger - The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 6:8-8:4)

Introduction:

• Today's episode narrates the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and draws important lessons from his life and testimony.

Stephen’s Arrest (Acts 6:8-15):

• Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs.
• Opposition arose from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen who could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave Stephen as he spoke.
• False accusations of blasphemy against Moses and God led to Stephen’s arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin.

Stephen’s Message (Acts 7:1-53):

• Stephen delivers a powerful speech recounting the history of Israel, from Abraham to Moses, highlighting how the people of Israel repeatedly rejected God’s messengers.
• He emphasizes that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands and accuses the Sanhedrin of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus.

The Reaction to Stephen’s Message (Acts 7:54-8:4):

• The Sanhedrin, furious and enraged by Stephen’s accusations, stoned him to death.
• Stephen’s final words were a prayer for forgiveness for his persecutors, mirroring Jesus’ words on the cross.
• A great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria.
• Despite the persecution, believers continued to preach the word of God wherever they went.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust in God: Stephen’s unwavering faith and peace, even in the face of death, is a powerful testament to the strength that comes from trusting in God.
• Boldness in Witness: Stephen used his trial as an opportunity to boldly proclaim the gospel, emphasizing the importance of seizing every chance to share the message of Christ.
• God’s Sovereignty: The scattering of believers due to persecution resulted in the spread of the gospel, demonstrating how God can use even difficult circumstances to fulfil His purposes.

Reflection: As we reflect on Stephen’s story, let us consider how we can exhibit similar trust, boldness, and faithfulness in our own lives. How can we stand firm in our faith and be courageous in sharing the gospel, even when facing opposition?

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