Be Like Jesus

Introduction

Acts 6 - Stephen and Philip

1 Corinthians 11:1 “1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

Before there was Paul, there was Stephen

Stephens Charisma (Acts 6:8-15)

v. 8

full of power and grace

performing great wonders and signs

v. 9

rose up and argued

v. 10

wisdom and spirit

v. 11-14

John 2:19–21 NASB95

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

v. 15

Exodus 34:29 “29 It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses’ hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him.”

Acts: An Introduction and Commentary b. The Controversy over Stephen (6:8–15)

It is a divine vindication of Stephen, and an indication of his inspiration to make his defence

Steven’s Corroboration (Acts 7:1-53)

Defending Himself

Blasphemy god

Blasphemy Moses

Speaking against the law

Speaking against the customs of Israel

vv. 1- 16 God is faithful to Abraham - Rejection of man is not God’s rejection (Joseph)

vv 17-37 Moses was God’s Called man

vv. 38-43 The Law was given and rejected

vv. 44-50 - The tabernacle wasn't meant to be.

Stephen’s Compassion (Acts 7:54-60)

Conclusion (Acts 8:1-3)