Day 1- CASE STUDY #2- STEPHEN

This week you will read what happened to Stephen, the first martyr for Christ. You most likely will not be martyred for your defense, but you need to understand that your opponents may respond in an evil way. It is not easy to defend the gospel but if your hope is in your eternal life and your desire is for others to obtain it through belief in Christ, you will be surprised how bold you will be in the scariest of circumstances.
Read Acts 6:8 -7:60
Take notes and write down anything you learn.
Who were Stephen’s opponents? Why were they mad?
What are all the things they did to Stephen? Did Stephen do anything wrong?

Day 2- HOW STEPHEN HONORED CHRIST

Today re-read the passage about Stephen and look for how Stephen revered Christ as Lord.
Read Acts 6:8-7:60 again
How did Stephen revere Christ as Lord with his words?
How did Stephen revere Christ as Lord with his actions? What can you learn from Stephen?

Day 3- STEPHEN’S HOPE

Stephen gives his opponents an account of Jewish history because they are Jews. He is presenting his defense in a way the Jews would understand. He is showing that Jesus was part of God’s plan, even in their history. You are going to read the same passage again today.  This time make a list of how Stephen gave his defense of the gospel. How did he give an answer for the reason he has hope?
Read Acts 6:8-7:60
How does Stephen give a defense for the reason he has hope?
Do you think it is important to present the gospel in a way your audience would understand? Do you think it’s important to know your audience as you share or defend the gospel? Why or why not?
Re-Read Acts 7:55-56. How did God show Stephen his hope was real?
What do you learn from Stephen?

I PROMISE YOU

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” – Luke 12:11-12

Day 4- STEPHEN’S GENTLE AND RESPECTFUL ACTIONS

Stephen is very bold in his words. It is clear he is filled with the Holy Spirit, so we know his words are from God. God wanted him to be bold. Stephen is an example of someone who was gentle in his actions and bold with his words. He was also respectful of the culture of the people he was giving a defense to. Read the story about Stephen again and list all the ways that Stephen showed gentleness and respect.
Read Acts 6:8-7:60
How was Stephen gentle in his actions? How was Stephen bold with his words?
Had Israel worshipped God for what He had done for them, or did they turn to idols?
Read Acts 7:60
How did Stephen show the ultimate gentleness and respect for the people who killed him? Did Stephen hate his opponents? What can you learn from Stephen?

DID YOU KNOW

It is easy to feel hatred for people like Stephen’s opponents, but remember God wants you to love your enemies and pray for them. We don’t know the outcome of salvation of all the opponents from that day, but we do know the outcome of one very important opponent. Acts 7:58 tells us about one of them named Saul. Saul was one of Stephen’s opponents, but just a few short chapters later you read about Saul’s encounter with Jesus and he changes his name to Paul. Paul goes on to share the gospel with the entire world and is the author of most of the New Testament. Don’t underestimate what God can do in the lives of your opponents!

Day 5- THE RESULTS

Stephen’s death probably rocked the believers of Jesus. But it shouldn’t have. A couple of months earlier the same people had killed Jesus. Jesus warned His disciples why people would treat them badly.
Read John 15:18-21
Why will your opponents hate you? Where does Jesus say His disciples belong?
How does what happened to Stephen confirm this passage?
Did Stephen end up where He belongs?
Hopefully you will never have to be martyred for your faith, but because the world opposes Christ they will oppose you. This is why standing firm in God’s Word and surrounding yourself with Christian community is so important. As you lock arms with each other, you can encourage each other to stand strong in times of persecution. Finally, if you are focused on the comforts and things of this world, just like Jesus explained in the parable of the seed and soil (Matthew 13), the ways of the world will choke out your voice for the gospel. In Acts 7, Stephen experiences the worst day of his earthly life.
But because he was focused on where he belonged, he got to experience the best part of his life…the eternal part with Jesus forever. Are you ready to stand for the gospel of Jesus Christ?