BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

The message of the Kingdom spreads across Jerusalem, and the number of disciples continues to grow. More leaders are needed, so a man named Stephen steps up to serve the poor as the apostles continue to share the message of Jesus. Stephen demonstrates the power of God’s Kingdom, and many Jewish priests believe and begin to follow Jesus. But there are still many others who oppose and argue with Stephen. They can’t handle the wisdom of Stephen’s responses, so they find false witnesses to accuse him of dishonoring Moses and threatening the temple. 

In response, Stephen gives a powerful speech retelling the story of the Old Testament to show how their mistreatment of him follows a predictable pattern. He highlights characters like Joseph and Moses, people who were disowned and persecuted by their own people. Israel’s been resisting God’s representatives for centuries, and so it’s no surprise that they are now resisting Stephen. Hearing this, the religious leaders are enraged. They chase him out of the city and pick up rocks to smash him to death. As Stephen is being pummeled with stones, he commits himself to the way of Jesus, who also suffered because of the sins of others. Stephen becomes the first of many martyrs as he cries out, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them.”

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Read Stephen’s retelling of the Old Testament story. Notice what portions of the Hebrew Bible he quoted and what details he chose to emphasize. What do you observe?
• Compare Stephen’s words about the violent pattern against the prophets (see 7:51-52) to the listener’s violent reaction to Stephen (see 7:57-58). What do you notice? 
• Compare Jesus’ merciful words on the cross (see Luke 23:34, and 46) with Stephen’s merciful words during his death (Acts 7:60). What do you observe? What does this tell you about Jesus, his true followers, and the nature of forgiveness? 
• Do you follow Jesus? If so, what does it look like for you to share his message? How does Stephen’s bold example encourage or challenge you?
• Let your reading and reflection prompt a prayer from your heart. Ask God to reveal any ways you may be resisting his Holy Spirit and to help you follow him instead. Tell Jesus how you feel about his merciful forgiveness towards you and receive from him the strength you need in order to forgive others.