Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.5 This proposal pleased the whole group.
They managed to come up with an idea that pleased everyone!!
v.5 This proposal pleased the whole group.
They managed to come up with an idea that pleased everyone!!
v.11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
When, "they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him (Stephen)" (v.10) they made up lies.
We shouldn't be surprised when people tell lies about us.
v.11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
When, "they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him (Stephen)" (v.10) they made up lies.
We shouldn't be surprised when people tell lies about us.
v.2 It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
We all have a part to play and we need to know what area of ministry God would have us devote our time and effort to. That way it becomes easy to say "yes" when something fits our ministry area and "no" when it doesn't.
v.2 It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
We all have a part to play and we need to know what area of ministry God would have us devote our time and effort to. That way it becomes easy to say "yes" when something fits our ministry area and "no" when it doesn't.
v.14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.
(From Peterson's commentary) "His (Jesus) teaching and practice called for radical reflection on the meaning and application of the law…In due course, it would become clear That the inauguration of the New Covenant by Jesus would involve a total reassessment of the role of the law in the life of God's people." Pg. 243
Peterson, D.G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
v.14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.
(From Peterson's commentary) "His (Jesus) teaching and practice called for radical reflection on the meaning and application of the law…In due course, it would become clear That the inauguration of the New Covenant by Jesus would involve a total reassessment of the role of the law in the life of God's people." Pg. 243
Peterson, D.G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
v.3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
They were looking for character traits, not gifts of administration or other gifts/talents.
v.3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
They were looking for character traits, not gifts of administration or other gifts/talents.
v.15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Some versions say his face was “bright” which perhaps should have made them think of Moses whose face shone after he spent time with God. “An angel” perhaps should have made them think he was a messenger from God.
v.15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Some versions say his face was “bright” which perhaps should have made them think of Moses whose face shone after he spent time with God. “An angel” perhaps should have made them think he was a messenger from God.