week of 3/17

Unit 31 Session 3

THE MURDERED SERVANT

ACTS 6-7

Stephen preached the gospel with wisdom and boldness and was faithful to Jesus even at the end of his life.

Persecution of the early church was increasing in the book of Acts. The leaders in the early church had been imprisoned, beaten, and threatened with murder, but so far none of them had been put to death. However, all of the opposition boiled over in Acts 6-7. The religious leaders took extreme measures to stop the spread of the gospel. Stephen's account teaches us that even through suffering, God is sovereign and on His throne. Stephen preached the gospel faithfully, yet the religious leaders responded with hate and murder.

Points to consider:

✞   Sharing the Gospel requires wisdom.

     * Why is it important to have both wisdom 

        and the Spirit?

     * What lies against the gospel, God, the Word, 

        or His people are prevalent today?

✞   Sharing the Gospel requires boldness.

     * What are some examples of things we might 

        find "salvation" in other than Christ?

     * Why is it important to acknowledge our sin 

        and disobedience as  main part of the gospel 

        message?

✞   Sharing the Gospel requires sacrifice.

     * What kinds of sacrifice do believers endure 

        today to spread the good news of Christ?

     * How should Stephen's response serve as a 

        model for how we respond to those who 

        persecute Christians?