Acts of Jesus Study Guide: Acts 7

Overview

In our last chapter we were introduced to a man filled with the Spirit of God called Stephen. He spoke God’s words and was innocent of any wrongdoing, and yet he was persecuted just as Jesus was. In Acts 7 Stephen gives a long speech recounting the people of Israel’s longstanding pattern of rejecting the work of God. All of this leads to his final conclusion that Jesus is the true Messiah, and the Church, not the Temple, is now the centerpiece of God’s redemption in the world. Enraged, they stone Stephen, and as the first martyr of the Church, He is welcomed into eternity by the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.

~Read Acts 7~

Key Questions

Why do you think Stephen chose that moment to give a speech about the history of Israel? Peter also referenced the patriarchs in his speech earlier in the book. What is the connection they are trying to make for the Jewish leadership?

Stephen highlights that they didn’t follow a sacrificial system when they were wandering through the wilderness. Why does that matter, and why do the listeners find it so upsetting?

Solomon’s temple was one of the great wonders of the world at its time and yet God does not dwell in temples built by human hands. What did happen at the inauguration of Solomon’s temple? How did they misunderstand the symbolism of that moment?

Later, scripture records the symbol of God’s presence departing from the temple. The current temple that existed was a newer construction, and we have no recording of divine fire or smoke to symbolize the presence of God. What is implied by that?

Stephen’s controversial point is implied. What was it?

 What is the irony of Stephen being filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit? 

Jesus is standing at the right hand of the throne of God. In most descriptions of the ascendent Jesus He is described as seated on the throne. Why is He uniquely described as standing here?

Applying Truth

The radical truth of the early Church was that God’s presence now dwells in His people. David in the Psalms pleaded for God’s Spirit and asked that it not be taken from him. The Prophets were led by the Spirit to speak God’s truth and yet it was temporary. Men and women of God longed for the day when He would dwell with His people, and they would be changed from the inside out.

That happened in Stephen’s day and continues until this very moment. Does it matter to you? The prophets longed for it, Stephen died for it, and we forget about it. May God remind us of the most precious gift of His Holy Spirit, and may we be caught up in the joy of walking in Him.