Opening: Are you a storyteller? Do you like to tell family
stories? Life stories? What is your favorite “Did you know” history story?
Scripture: Read Acts 7:1-53.
Insights:
- The high priest in Acts 7:1 is probably Caiaphas, the same man who led the Council against Jesus. Clearly, there is some history here.
- Stephen is responding to accusations that he blasphemed Moses and God, spoke against the Temple and the law of Moses, that Jesus would destroy the Temple, and change the customs Moses handed down (see Acts 6:11-14). He responded with a retelling of Jewish Covenant history.
- Stephen saw that the men who played a really great part in the history of Israel were the men who heard God’s command and were not afraid to obey it. With that adventurous spirit, Stephen implicitly contrasted the spirit of the Jews of his own day, whose one desire was to keep things as they were and who regarded Jesus and his followers as dangerous innovators.
- Stephen insisted that people had worshiped God long before there ever was a Temple. To the Jews, the Temple was the most sacred of all places. Stephen’s insistence on the fact that God does not dwell exclusively in any temple made with hands was not to their liking.
- Stephen insisted that when the Jews crucified Jesus, they were only continuing to pursue a policy they had always followed; for all through the ages they had persecuted the prophets and abandoned the leaders whom God had raised up.
Life Questions:
- Stephen retells the story of people of faith (see another account in Hebrews 11). Who have been the people of faith that have influenced your life? If any are still alive, why don’t you contact them by letter, call or visit, and tell them how they influenced your spiritual life. You will undoubtedly make their day.
- Who might benefit from your retelling the Gospel and your faith story?
Prayer Focus: That we would be true to the legacy of faith
passed down to us, and devoted to passing it on to others.
