"Truth over Tradition" - Acts 6:8-15
- Series: "Pandemic" - The Gospel Unleashed
- by: Chris Mayfield 01/24/10
Acts 6:8-15 "Innocent and Accused"
Stephen is described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” and “full of God’s grace and power.” Is it any wonder then that he was singled out by the enemy to have his faith sifted? It’s easy to live a life of cheap and untested faith. But Stephen’s faith, even to this point had cost him much and required much sacrifice.
Stephen receives the same accusations that were hurled at Jesus (Mark 14:56-64). And like his Lord, his life is empowered and distinguished by the power of the Holy Spirit. Truly Stephen is enduring exactly what Jesus said would happen in John 15:20.
Engage the Text
1. What actions of Stephen's brought such great conflict that he was placed before the council? Was it his distribution to the needy widows?
2. Stephen did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Why would anyone want to oppose him?
3. What does it tell us about Stephen and about his prosecutors that they charged him with blaspheming against the Law of Moses, and yet, in order for them to get men to say these things against Stephen they had to break the Law by lying?
4. What caused Stephen's face to appear "like that of an angel" in verse 15? (Read Exodus 24:29-30,35 and Matthew 17:2)
From Thought to Action
1. What can we learn from Stephen's diligence in meeting both physical and spiritual needs, participating in not only the daily distribution but also the sharing of the gospel to the Greek-speaking Jews?
2. How would you have responded if you were in Stephen’s position? Who is his and our ultimate judge?
3. Read Galatians 5:22-26. Which of these “fruits” do you need to grow in? How are you going to do that? How can your community group help?
