1. Acts 6-7: the early church First church conflict: Grecian Jews vs. Hebraic Jews - food distribution. Solution: Select seven men who are filled with the Spirit and wisdom to be in charge of servant ministry. Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas.

2. Acts 6-7: the early church The seven men were presented to the apostles who prayed for them and laid hands on them. This freed the apostles to continue with their primary task of spreading the Gospel of Jesus. The church grew rapidly including many priests.

3. The Ministry of Stephen A man full of God’s grace and power - did many miracles. Stephen debated members of the Synagogue of Freedmen - they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit in him. So they seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin - with false witnesses A man full of God’s grace and power - did many miracles. Stephen debated members of the Synagogue of Freedmen - they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit in him. So they seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin - with false witnesses

4. Stephen’s Defense The book of Acts allocates 50 verses to Stephen’s Defense - important? Primary allegation: we have heard him say that “Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” All who were there saw that Stephen’s face was like an angel…. The book of Acts allocates 50 verses to Stephen’s Defense - important? Primary allegation: we have heard him say that “Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” All who were there saw that Stephen’s face was like an angel….

5. Stephen’s Defense -1 Stephen begins with Abraham and Joseph in verses 2-8, quotes Gen 12 God revealed himself to Abraham and Joseph & Moses prior to the temple - even prior to Israel living in holy land (Pt #1): God’s presence is not a function of the physical temple. Stephen begins with Abraham and Joseph in verses 2-8, quotes Gen 12 God revealed himself to Abraham and Joseph & Moses prior to the temple - even prior to Israel living in holy land (Pt #1): God’s presence is not a function of the physical temple.

6. Stephen’s Defense -2 (pt 2) Stephen demonstrates the many times that God’s chosen messenger is denied by the Jewish “big dogs”. Joseph is turned over to slavery even though he was God’s chosen (v 9). Moses was repudiated by his people more than once (v27). He continues with other old testament prophets. (pt 2) Stephen demonstrates the many times that God’s chosen messenger is denied by the Jewish “big dogs”. Joseph is turned over to slavery even though he was God’s chosen (v 9). Moses was repudiated by his people more than once (v27). He continues with other old testament prophets.

7. Stephen’s Defense -3 Pt 3. You have rejected Jesus in the same way. You stiff-necked people. Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? You even killed those who predicted the coming One. You have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it. (v 51-53) (Is 66) Pt 3. You have rejected Jesus in the same way. You stiff-necked people. Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? You even killed those who predicted the coming One. You have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it. (v 51-53) (Is 66)

8. The Sanhedrin Responds They were furious! Stephen concludes with: “I see… Jesus sitting at the right hand of God”. They cover their ears, scream, rush Stephen, drag him out of city (v 57). The witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. The beginning of the stoning process… They were furious! Stephen concludes with: “I see… Jesus sitting at the right hand of God”. They cover their ears, scream, rush Stephen, drag him out of city (v 57). The witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. The beginning of the stoning process…

9. Sanhedrin stones Stephen Stephen is stripped and placed four paces from a hole that is 10 ft deep. He is asked to confess - matters not. The witnesses then shove him face first into the hole. If killed it is over. If still alive the high priest drops a heavy rock on the mans heart. If still alive everyone throws stones. Stephen is stripped and placed four paces from a hole that is 10 ft deep. He is asked to confess - matters not. The witnesses then shove him face first into the hole. If killed it is over. If still alive the high priest drops a heavy rock on the mans heart. If still alive everyone throws stones.

10. Saul Makes his Move Saul is a tent-maker by trade and also works for Gamaliel - a high priest. The witnesses place their garments at the feet of Saul - demonstration of his position as acting ‘high priest’ Saul give his approval unto Stephen’s death - another sign of Saul’s role here and in what is yet to happen. Saul is a tent-maker by trade and also works for Gamaliel - a high priest. The witnesses place their garments at the feet of Saul - demonstration of his position as acting ‘high priest’ Saul give his approval unto Stephen’s death - another sign of Saul’s role here and in what is yet to happen.

11. Discussion Questions Why was Stephen able to face death courageously? Does that encourage How would you summarize the charges against Stephen? How would you summarize his defense? What parallels are drawn between Moses and Jesus? The Sanhedrin knew the OT - why did they kill Jesus Why was Stephen able to face death courageously? Does that encourage How would you summarize the charges against Stephen? How would you summarize his defense? What parallels are drawn between Moses and Jesus? The Sanhedrin knew the OT - why did they kill Jesus

12. Know Do and Be How can we BE like Stephen? How can we take care of the poor - especially widows? Be one who prays daily and deligently Be one who reads Gods word daily and faithfully. Be bold even when it might mean discomfort (or worse)! How can we BE like Stephen? How can we take care of the poor - especially widows? Be one who prays daily and deligently Be one who reads Gods word daily and faithfully. Be bold even when it might mean discomfort (or worse)!