“Luke / Acts Week 35 – Aug 26-30”

Monday, August 26, 2024

Monday – Acts 7:1-29 Stephen’s Speech prt. 1: From Abraham to Slavery
1. Stephen does not directly answer the accusations against him, rather he tells the history of a rebellious people from the perspective of how God is greater than their sacred traditions of the land, Moses, and the temple. How does he start to develop these themes with Abraham?
2. Moving from the Promise Land to Egypt, in what ways does Stephen's recounting of Joseph and Moses’ story contribute to his overall message?
3. What qualities of Stephen do you admire? What will you do to build those same qualities in your life? 

Tuesday – Acts 7:30-53 Stephen’s Speech prt. 2: Rejecting God’s Prophets
1. In the second half of Stephen’s speech, he starts with Israels wilderness wanderings and moves to the present. How does he outline a history of rejection of God’s prophets and the Holy Spirit by the Jews?
2. Stephen concludes with a direct, sharp attack of the religious leaders. What does he accuse them of? How does his speech, up to this point, condemn the leaders?
3. Stephen’s sermon is bold and blunt. When is it appropriate to speak hard words and be more confrontational in presenting the truth? Who in your life might benefit from such tough love?

Wednesday – Acts 7:54-60 The Stoning of Stephen
1. “Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.” Record what you see on the faces of these respected religious/political leaders as they listen to Stephen.
2. At the first threat of persecution, the believers pray for boldness to face the coming persecution, not relief from it (Act 4:23-31). In what ways do you see this prayer answered in Stephen’s life?
3. There is a depth of union with Christ that comes to us only through suffering (Rom 8:17; 2 Cor 1:5; Php 3:10; 1 Pet 4:13-14). Do you sense this truth in Stephen’s last moments of life? Have you ever experienced Christ sharing in your suffering, or yourself sharing in His? If yes, elaborate.

Thursday – Acts 8:1-4 Saul Persecutes the Church
1. The narrative of the early church in Jerusalem comes to a terrible climax with the introduction of a new person in the storyline. Describe Saul’s part in Stephen’s death and its aftermath.
2. When you read Luke’s description “Saul was ravaging the church” (v. 3), what images go through your mind when you read these words (ref. Act 22:4; 26:9-11; 1 Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13; 1 Tim 1:13)?
3. Saul’s persecution serves the progress of the gospel (cf. Act 1:8). To what degree, if any, does it amaze you that “those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (v. 4; cf. 11:19-21)? What does it take to keep preaching, teaching, and believing a message that is leading to persecution, even death?

Friday – Acts 8:5-8 Christ is Preached in Samaria
1. Luke now turns his focus to Philip (ref. Act 6:5), as he flees Jerusalem. With the historical tensions between Jews and the Samaritans in mind (cf. Mat 10:5-6; Luk 9:52-56; Jhn 4:9; 8:48), what is remarkable about his preaching to them and their response?
2. The signs Philip performs confirm his preaching (cf. Mrk 16:16-20; Heb 2:1-4). Do we need to see miracles today to confirm the validity of the Word? Why or why not?
3. How does Philip’s going to Samaria challenge you to step outside your comfort zones and share the Gospel with people who may be different from you or hostile to you?

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