The Acts of God - Part 6
Hi!!
Have you ever been really passionate about something? That is, have you ever really believed something so much that you would do anything to make it known. Well, the first disciples did. In fact, they became martyrs for Jesus. That means they were killed for their beliefs. That’s amazing! Let’s learn about the first martyr, Stephen.
God bless!
Emet
Let’s find out what the Bible says…
Bible Reading
Acts 6: 51-60
51 You stubborn and hardheaded people! You are always fighting against the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors did. 52 Is there one prophet that your ancestors didn't mistreat? They killed the prophets who told about the coming of the One Who Obeys God. And now you have turned against him and killed him. 53 Angels gave you God's Law, but you still don't obey it.
Stephen Is Stoned to Death
54 When the council members heard Stephen's speech, they were angry and furious. 55 But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. 56 Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”
57 The council members shouted and covered their ears. At once they all attacked Stephen 58 and dragged him out of the city. Then they started throwing stones at him. The men who had brought charges against him put their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!” 60 He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, don't blame them for what they have done.” Then he died
Acts 8: 1-3
1 Saul approved the stoning of Stephen. Some faithful followers of the Lord buried Stephen and mourned very much for him.
Saul Makes Trouble for the Church
2 At that time the church in Jerusalem suffered terribly. All of the Lord's followers, except the apostles, were scattered everywhere in Judea and Samaria.
Consider this…
What was Stephen telling the religious leaders? (Vs 51-53)
2. Would they have liked this?
3. What did Stephen see ? (vs 55-56)
4. Read vs 60? Who else said this?
5. Read 8:1. Was this a good thing?
To Think About
I wonder how you would have acted if you were Stephen. I know that I would have been scared but I would hope that God would make me strong. You may like to read more of Stephen’s speech in Acts, Chapter 7.
Memory Verse
“And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.””