- As you read this passage about Stephen’s ministry, the opposition that arose to him, how he responded to that opposition, and ultimately his death, what stands out to you or stirs you? Does anything surprise, intrigue, or disturb you?
- False witnesses accused Stephen of speaking against the temple (vs. 6:13–14). How were Stephen’s accusers misguided in their accusations? (See John 2:19–22).
- In his response to this accusation, Stephen points out that God is not restricted to the temple, or to any building built by human hands, for that matter (7:48–50). “God transcends human structures.” Have you ever thought of God as being restricted by place?
- The religious authorities wanted to keep God restricted to the temple. For us, this could look like thinking, God, you can speak to me on Sunday morning, but Friday night is off limits. How are you doing walking with God not just on Sunday mornings, but throughout the week? Is there a time or place that you’ve made “off limits” to God?
- The religious authorities murdered Stephen because they valued structure over the Spirit. Can you think of a time when you chose to value structure over Spirit? What about a time when you honored the Spirit over structure? Were these choices hard? What fruit did they bear? How might they have played out differently?
- How did the rulers respond to the message of Stephen? Was it surprising? Where do you see this type of response in our culture?
- In the vision of Jesus that Stephen sees, what stands out about the presence of God? How does this theme fill you with confidence for your trials?
- Why are the rulers so angry? How does this response show the exclusive message of Jesus Christ and the way it has always divided people from one another?
- How is Stephen’s death victory? How is this victory practically seen?
- When have you had an opportunity to take a courageous stand for Jesus? How did it go?
- Have you forgiven those who’ve harmed you like Stephen does? What makes forgiveness so hard? Begin to pray that God will help you to truly forgive.
- Pray for three people in your life who don’t yet know Jesus. Pray that God’s Spirit would give you courage to share the gospel with them and that He would draw them to faith in Jesus.
