18. Stephen's Trial

Vs. 8

What are the things that make Stephen stand out as a remarkable person?

Full of faith and power

Someone with a different translation tell me what word comes up instead of faith here? (Grace)

Grace = God shows favor upon us despite the fact we don’t deserve it

Is this at least a tad bit important?

To know God favors the work of your hands and provides the strength to accomplish that work is everything.

Paris 2024

- Fear...

Performed great wonders and signs

As a deacon, what were Stephen’s responsibilities within the Church? (Caring for the widows)

God empowered this man to do so much more than needed.

What do we learn about God from this verse? (Gracious, present with His own)

Vs. 9

Acts 6:9 NKJV

9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.

Who are we introduced to in this verse? (Synagogue of the Freedmen)

What regions are these people from?

Hellenist Jews freed from Roman slavery

Have someone read Acts 21:39… See any similarities? (Paul was from Tarsus, in Cilicia, very well may have been part of them)

What do we find them doing with Stephen at the end of vs. 9? (Disputing)

Vs. 10

Acts 6:10 NKJV

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Were they successful?

Help me spot some key words in vs. 10

They were not able

Was this an evenly matched debate? (No)

Get dominated on “Are you smarter than a 5th Grader”

Wisdom: Insight mixed with a special skill of well placed words.

Some people grab your attention because fo the wisdom of your words

- Alex Henderson

the Spirit by which he spoke

Who else in Scripture stands out to you as someone who always spoke with Wisdom? (Jesus)

Christ’s promise of the HS telling them what to say before the authorities (Luke 21:12-18)...

emphasize “by which”

You don’t need a Bible College or Seminary degree to be wise, we’ve got it all here!

Again, now in vs. 10, what do we learn about God?

Vs. 11

Have someone read the verse

What do the Jewish leaders and up doing?

Secretly induce = To put someone up to something, it’s a total setup! “Alright, here’s what I want you to say...”

Referees secretly induced to miss calls??

If you can’t beat them, bruise them

Read the end of vs. 11

What might be a key word in their accusation? (Blasphemer)

Putting a target on his head, “Stephen the blasphemer”

Now they have exactly what they need to blow this way out of proportions.

Labelling people today, putting a target on their back..

People go to incredible lengths sometimes in opposing us, just because they hate God… (APPLY THAT)

Vs. 12

Thery make a big ruckus, “We’ve got ourselves a blasphemer!” and they gather together people to turn against him.

What specific groups of people did they get in vs. 12?

Elders: Sanhedrin

Scribes: Pharisees

Higher firepower now.

Seize him and bring him to the council...

Vs. 13

Acts 6:13 NKJV

13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;

Help me break down this accusation, what is Stephen being accused of here?

Vs. 14

Vs. 15