Acts: Go & Be Chapters 1-9Sample

What is this passage saying?

After being put on trial and all the false witnesses that were before him, Stephen spoke the words of The Lord. He gave the history of Israel and how they numerous times resisted The Holy Spirit. Stephen says this all plainly before them in truth even as he is on trial. He let them know they killed many before the announcement of the coming of The Lord, and now they have even killed the one who they were waiting for, Jesus. They have the law, but they do not keep it.

What is this passage teaching?

Even the people of God miss what God is trying to do. There was a security among the religious with knowing the law, but they did not keep it. Stephen, a man filled with The Holy Spirit, is trying to get the message across to them. Don’t just know it do it. He traces the story all the way back through the prophets they all respect and love, but lets them know they also resisted them in their time. They weren’t being changed; they were staying the same. Don’t just rely on tradition or knowledge to save you, repent and turn to Jesus.

How do I respond?

Spend time being changed by the scriptures, not just knowing them. You must put into practice the commands of God, not just what you think they are. You must know them by going to them and reading them. The Holy Spirit will convict and direct you, just come repentant and ready to learn from God. Then obey.