Bible Study Snacks, Acts 7:37-60

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. I hope that everyone had a wonderful week! As always, I'd like to thank you for joining me again as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, we continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Seven, Verses 37-60.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Review Stephen's defense to the charge of blasphemy against the temple and the Law.

2) Note the remarkable manner in which the first martyr for Christ died.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts, Chapter 7:37-60...

Stephen describes how even though God used Moses to deliver them from Egyptian bondage, Israel rebelled against Moses, through whom God gave the Law. Not only in the incident involving the golden calf, but throughout their wilderness wanderings Israel continued to worship false gods.

Turning to the matter of God's dwelling place, Stephen acknowledges the role of the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon, but contends that God does not dwell in temples made with hands.

He concludes by charging the council of resisting the Holy Spirit just like their ancestors, for as their fathers persecuted and killed the prophets who foretold the coming of the Just One (Christ), so they became His betrayers and murderers. Indeed, they were the ones who have not kept the Law!

Cut to the heart, those in the council gnashed at Stephen with their teeth. Full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God with Jesus standing at His right hand. Upon telling the council what he saw, in rage they cast him out of city and began stoning him.

The witnesses who brought the false charges laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul (later known as Paul, the apostle). As Stephen was stoned, he called upon Jesus to receive his spirit, and to not charge his murderers with his death. In this way Stephen became the first martyr for Christ.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) Who did Moses tell the children of Israel would eventually come? (Acts 7:37)
2) What two examples does Stephen provide of Israel's disobedience? (Acts 7:38-43)
3) What two dwelling places did Israel have for God? (Acts 7:44-47)
4) Yet what did God say through the prophet Isaiah? (Acts 7:48-50)
5) How did Stephen describe the religious leaders of the council? (Acts 7:51)
6) What did he accuse them of doing? In what way? (Acts 7:51-52)
7) What final charge did Stephen accuse them of? (Acts 7:53)
8) How did those who heard this react? (Acts 7:54)
9) Filled with the Holy Spirit, what did Stephen see? (Acts 7:55-56)
10) How did the council then act? (Acts 7:57-58)
11) What did they then do? At whose feet did the witnesses lay their garments? (Acts 7:58)
12) As Stephen was stoned to death, what two things did he pray? (Acts 7:59-60)

After completing this weeks' study, go back and read through it again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri