Today’s passage: Acts 6:8-15
Helpful thoughts:
- Jews from at least three different synagogues (Jewish places of worship away from the temple) all debated with Stephen.
- The “Freedmen” would have been the descendants of Jews who had been captured and enslaved in the Roman Empire.
- The fact that the accusations against Stephen were false indicates these Jews were unable to find fault in Stephen’s teaching. They couldn’t prove him wrong, so they spread lies.
- The same tactic was used to deny the resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15)
- If Stephen had been lashing out in anger, or defending himself by speaking hatefully toward his accusers, it would have been impossible for his face to look like that of an angel. (Romans 12:14-21)
Questions to consider:
- What information does verse 8 give us that may help us to understand why Stephen became a target for the Jews?
- Do you have to be mean to win an argument? What does this passage teach us about how to carry ourselves in our belief in the face of opposition?
- Stephen could not control what other people were going to think about him, but what could he control? If people are against you or against our church, what should be the cause of their frustration? If we remember who we were before Christ and why we are saved, how should we view those who oppose us? What does God want us to do for them?