ACTS 7
- Why did Stephen not directly answer the charges against him, but instead recount some of the most important moments in Israel's history? What was the main purpose of Stephen's speech?
- How did Stephen begin to answer the charges brought against him? (7:1-5) How do you think you would have answered them? What can we learn from Stephen's response?
- What does Stephen mention that God promised to Abraham? (7:5) What obstacles does he also mention concerning this? (7:5-6)
- What does God say he wanted the Israelites to do after they came into the Promised Land? (7:7) Is this true for us too?
- What is mentioned that God gave to Abraham? (7:8) What was its meaning? Why don't we still do this today?
- In spite of Joseph's troubles, how did God bless him? (7:9-10) In spite of your troubles, how has God blessed you?
- What brought Jacob and his family to Egypt? (7:11-15)
- Before the Exodus, how did Pharaoh oppress the Israelites? (7:18-19)
- Who raised Moses as a child? (7:20-21) What kind of education did he receive? (7:22)
- What did Moses do when he was 40 years old? (7:23-24) Why? (7:25) What was the reaction of his own people? (7:25-28) Because of this, what did he do? (7:29) Have you ever mis-judged how to carry out God's will? How?
- What happened to Moses when he was 80 years old? (7:30) What does this tell us concerning old age and serving the lord? How did god call you into his service?
- What was God's assignment to Moses? (7:34) How was this ironic? (7:35) What has been God's assignment to you?
- What are some of the things that Moses did in leading God's people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land? (7:36,38)
- What prophecy did Moses give concerning Jesus? (7:37)
- What kind of words did Moses receive and pass on to us? (7:38) Do you look at them in this way?
- In what way did the Israelites reject Moses and God? (7:39-41) In what ways do you reject God?
- How did God punish them? (7:42-43) How has God punished you?
- What name does Stephen give to the Tabernacle? (7:44) Why?
- In spite of the fact that Solomon built a temple for the lord, why does Stephen say that the most high does not live in houses made by people? (7:48-50) Where does he live?
- What charges does Stephen make against the members of the Sanhedrin? (7:51-53) What does "you stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears!" mean? (7:51) Would any of these charges be true against you?
- What is their response to this? (7:54)
- What vision did Stephen have at this point? (7:55-56) Have you received visions from God? What were they?
- What was the Sanhedrin's response to Stephen's vision? (7:57-58)
- What did Stephen do while he was dying? (7:59-60) What does this tell us about Stephen?