Journey Of The Seed - Catch The Bible's Big Picture In 60 DaysSample

ANOTHER STONING

[Scheduled Reading: Acts 8-14]

Guess who stood over the body of Stephen to witness and sign off on Stephen’s execution? A man named Saul.

Ironically, Saul went on to have his own conversion experience. He also received a new name, “Paul” (see Acts 9).

And in early church fashion, Paul went on to preach just like Stephen did… by sharing Bible history (see Acts 13:16-41). 

Like Stephen, during one preaching session Paul shares the history of Israel: their escape from Egypt, the wilderness wanderings, entrance into the Promised Land, the era of judges, the emergence of kings (Saul and David).

Like Stephen, Paul takes time to carefully connect Israel’s history to the person of Jesus Christ. 

Some days after his speech, guess what happens to Paul?

He is stoned! Yes, just like Stephen. 

The people left him for dead, but he miraculously stands up to his feet and resumes preaching the very next day (Acts 14:19-20).

There’s a frightening pattern throughout the book of Acts. 

Godly men get fired up about The SEED and preach Bible history. 

Evil men become angry at these words, and they kill the messengers.

This happens to Stephen. It almost happens to Paul. 

It happens to James the brother of John who was killed by Herod the King (Acts 12:2).

During early church history, the fate of the disciples is similar to the Old Testament prophets. 

Spreading the truth about the history of The SEED was costly! 

Family Talk

Take time as a family to discuss Stephen (Acts 7) and Paul’s (Acts 13) speech. What do you admire about his speech? 

Have you had opportunity during this reading journey to discuss the Bible with someone else (either a believe or non-believer)? Share any experiences you may have had.