Tell Me The Story

Abraham: Faith & Promise (Ac. 7:2-8)

The story of the Jewish people begins with Abraham (Ac. 7:2-8). The mess made in Genesis 3-11 is given hope in Genesis 12.

By faith, Abraham departed his homeland to a place where God would give him as a possession and his seed after him (Gen. 12:7; Ac. 7:5; Heb. 11:8-10).

The promises God made to Abraham would not be fulfilled in his lifetime. Yet, Abraham believed the unfulfilled promises of God (Gen. 15; Rom. 4:3, 9, 22; Gal. 3:6; Jas. 2:23).

Joseph: Rejection & Slavery (Ac. 7:9-19)

Stephen highlights Joseph’s rejection by his brothers (Ac. 7:9-10). What was originally meant for evil, God meant for good (Gen. 50:20).

Genesis 39–50 records Joseph’s ups and downs in Egypt and how he always remained faithful to God. In a unique turn of events, Joseph became the savior of his people and the divine means by which God would rescue and preserve Israel (Ac. 7:11-16).

Some seventy-five Israelites initially came to Egypt and that number grew to over 2 million over the next couple hundred years (Ex. 12:37). The situation changed when a new king arose who knew nothing about Joseph (Ac. 7:17-19).

Moses: Deliverance & Wilderness (Ac. 7:20-36)

Hebrew midwives were ordered to kill Hebrew baby boys (Ex. 1:22). This was the worst time in Israel’s history to date. Yet, during the worst of times, the nation’s first real “deliverer” was born (Ac. 7:20-22).

Stephen highlights Moses’ career in three forty-year phases. Moses was a learner (7:21-22), a murderer (7:23-29), and a deliverer (7:30-36).

Israel’s deliverance was short-lived. Moses spoke words of life (Ac. 7:38) yet the people wanted to return to the slavery and idolatry of Egypt (Ac. 7:39-43; Num. 14:1–4).

OUR STORY: REJECT OR RECEIVE (Ac. 7:51-60)

We can live in faith like Abraham (Heb. 11:13-16) and become one of his children (Gal. 3:26-29).

God can use us for His purpose despite our circumstances or failures. Joseph, Moses, David, Paul, and many other examples prove this (Phil. 3:12-14).

Israel got tired of waiting. They forgot about God and decided to take matters into their own hands (Ac. 7:39-41). Wait upon the Lord and do not turn back (Isa. 40:27-31).