StephenRevelation 2:10; Acts 6:1-15. 7:1-60

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

1. What situation in the church resulted in the establishment of servants (deacons) in the early church? (Acts 6:1-6)

The Apostles were busy with various ministries and they occasionally overlooked the needs of some widows. The converted Greek-speaking

Jews were overlooked while the Hebrew-speaking Jews were fed.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

2. List the characteristics of the original deacons. (Acts 6:3)

a. They were menb. Good reputationc. Full of the Spiritd. Wise

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3. What angered the Jews about Stephen? (Acts 6:8-14)

First he was smarter than them which bruised their ego, second he preached

Jesus and grace over laws and traditions.

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4. How did Stephen establish a positive rapport with his listeners? (v. 2a)

He called them “brothers and fathers.” The term “brothers” occurred six times and “fathers” occurred seventeen times in

Stephen’s speech.

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5. How do you find common ground with someone, even when they are hostile towards you?

Refer to people, places or things that you have in common. Be complimentary.

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6. What is the overall pattern or strategy behind Stephen’s speech?

He began with historical narrative covertly (v. 4), then more directly (v. 35), finally

overtly (vs. 52-53).

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7. Find examples in (Acts 7) that support the following major themes of Stephen’s speech.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Major Themes Scripture References

God was not limited to a building

(2b, 5-6, 29-30, 33, 36,44, 4-50)

Israel had rejected the deliveries God had sent

(9, 25-28, 35, 39-41, 52

Israel had disregarded the Law

(41, 53)

8. What should you do when you are rejected after

delivering the Gospel of hope to a non-believer?

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9. How much perseverance do you have when confronted about your beliefs?

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10. Complete the following chart to compare/contrast Stephen’s attitude with the Sanhedrin:

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Stephen (Full of the Holy Spirit) Sanhedrin (Full of Hate)(Acts 7:55-56) Extreme control (Acts 7:54) Extreme Anger(Acts 7:58) Extreme faith calling out to the Lord

(Acts 7:57) Extreme denial covered their ears

(Acts 7:60) Extreme Forgiveness

(Acts 7:58) Extreme violence

11. How was Stephen’s reaction and response similar to Christ as He endured the crucifixion?

Stephen and Christ were both calm, forgiving, prepared and in the center of God’s will. They were at peace because

they were full of the Spirit.

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12. Could you be loving and forgiving of someone who is trying to harm you? What does it take to develop that level of spiritual maturity?

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13. How did God redeem the stoning of Stephen and the persecution of the church?

The church was forced to scatter which meant more Christian’s in more areas of

the country.

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14. How has God “scattered” your church?

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15. In what hostile setting could you be a witness this week? How?

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16. Stephen was faithful even unto death. How can you remain faithful to the cause of Christ this week?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

LIVING FOR THE CAUSE

Call of God

Actions to take

Understanding the cost

Strategy for life-change

Expect the good and the bad

Pastor Francis Chan