3. Essential Review Essential Background – All Jesus did & taught Essential Role – to be a witness Essential Beginning – The Gift of the Holy Spirit Essential Message – Jesus the Messiah Essential Proofs – Signs and Wonders authenticating the Apostles Message Essential Boldness – to share the word of God Essential Character – avoiding hypocrisy with Godly stewardship

4. Church is Growing Acts 5:42 – Everyday they kept on teaching Jesus is the Christ Acts 6:1 the disciples were increasing in number

5. First Dispute (6:1-6) Arose a compliant – murmuring

6. And the church grew (6:7) 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

7. Stephen’s Arrest (6:8-15)

8. Stephen’s Defense (7:1-53) VersesMain Topic Observations 7:2-8Abraham 7:9-19Joseph 7:20-43Moses 7:44-51David

9. Stephen’s Death (7:54-8:3) Stephen’s response Introduction to Saul (7:58, 8:1) Impact to the Church

10. Essential Sacrifice Stephen’s death brought life to the other regions Do we have a similar willingness?

11. For Next Week Read Acts Chapter 8:4-40 Mediate on: – Who was Philip? – Was Simon saved? – Why did they send Peter and John? – Explain what Philip’s explanation reveals about the interpretation of the Old Testament.