Hope Has a Name: With Bible Study FellowshipНамуна

Why Stephen?

When we seek to understand Jesus’s life and work, we commonly look to “the Twelve.” This title refers to the dozen disciples Jesus called to live and serve with Him. (1) Even after Judas betrayed Jesus, the eleven remaining disciples (apostles) were still called “the Twelve.” Although these apostles led the early ​church, they did not lead alone.

In Acts 6, the apostles select Stephen and six other men to serve with them as deacons in Jerusalem. Believers today can relate to Stephen. In fact, he lived in our day, since we also live in the “age of the Holy Spirit” or the “day of grace.” This time began when Jesus ascended into heaven. (2) Then, 50 days later, God transformed the day of Pentecost into a magnificent hinge in His redemptive history. The Holy Spirit descended and began indwelling believers permanently for the first time. (3)

Like us, Stephen lived in times marked by division and persecution. Jewish religious leaders arrested him on false charges of blasphemy. They tried to silence him. But Stephen, “full of the Spirit and wisdom,” explains how ​​the Old Testament promises and previews the good news of Jesus Christ.

Stephen also models how to live by faith when others mistreat us and do wrong. We can experience Stephen’s God-given confidence in Jesus. We can follow his faithful example of sharing Jesus’s story of hope rising from Scripture. Like Stephen, we can speak truth where sin and injustice thrive and trust God with the results.

Genesis for Today

Acts 7 describes Stephen’s testimony and trial. We benefit by hearing his Old Testament highlight reel that hints at our ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. How prepared are you to give the reason for your hope in Jesus? ​His life and work fulfill all God’s covenant promises and Messianic prophecies. Notice Stephen’s method:

- Know God’s Word.

- Speak in dependence on the Spirit’s power.

- Trust God to accomplish His purposes.

Stephen starts at the beginning of Israel’s history when God calls Abraham. In verses 2 to 8, Stephen underscores God’s grace with key points from Abraham’s story in Genesis.

“The God of glory appeared … while [Abraham] was still in Mesopotamia.” – When God came to Abraham, he lived among moon worshippers far from God’s Promised Land. Stephen’s point is that God’s grace never depends on a place or the written law. (4)

God promised that Abraham and his descendants would possess the land – At the time, Abraham had no children. It turned out the only land he ever owned was a tomb. (5) Far better, Abraham trusted God to fulfill His promises in His way and time.

God promised to deliver Abraham’s descendants – God’s Word provided hope while generations lived as “strangers … enslaved and mistreated.” (6) Freedom was coming to live and worship God in His Promised Land! (7)

God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. – God pledged Himself to Abraham. Circumcision was an outward sign for Abraham and his descendants to remember God’s promises and their responsibilities to Him. (8)

In verses 9 to 16, Stephen mentions Joseph, Abraham’s great-grandson. His story is also recorded in Genesis. (9) First, ​God chooses Joseph to lead and save his family. But his jealous brothers reject him, selling him into slavery. Undeterred, God rescues Joseph and exalts him as a ruler in Egypt. When famine drives Joseph’s brothers to Egypt, Joseph eventually:

- reveals his full identity.

- says his suffering was by God’s will for their good.

- forgives sins committed against him.

- initiates and accomplishes reconciliation.

- reunites his family as prophesied by God.

Everyone listening to Stephen would have known the details of Joseph’s life. And, looking back, it’s clear to see how Joseph’s life experiences foreshadow those of Jesus. Through Joseph, God was offering hope and hinting at the kind of ultimate delivery that would come through the Messiah.

Training for Today

Why is Stephen preaching instead of defending himself? The trial judges may be wondering the same thing at this point. When people attack you unfairly, how can you avoid being defensive or discouraged? Like Stephen, believers can find hope for today and act on these truths about God. He:

- is with us.

- gives us His Word.

- empowers our response.

- accomplishes His glory and our good.

Perfect truth, justice, and mercy are found in God alone. When might you most need to testify faithfully and trust Him with the outcome?

Questions

3. Describe Stephen based on this start to his testimony. (See Acts 6 for the background and context of his trial.)

INSIGHTS: Sample responses include: Stephen was faithful; He was “a man full of God’s grace and power” (6:8); The Holy Spirit was dwelling within him; He was unjustly accused (6:13); He calls his opponents“brothers and fathers” (7:2), identifying with them as Jews; Stephen is prepared; he focuses on God’s faithfulness through Israel’s history; he does not protest or attempt to justify himself.

4. What truth about God’s relationship with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and his brothers is most meaningful to you, and why?

5. What does Stephen model in these verses that you most appreciate, and where would following his example make the biggest difference for you?

Related Verses

1 The Twelve: Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-19; Luke 6:13-16

2 Ascension: Acts 1:1-11

3 Day of Pentecost: Acts 2:1-41

4 Temple and law: Acts 6:13

5 Land: Genesis 13:14-17; 23:3-20

6 Descendants: Genesis 12:2; 15:1-21

7 Deliverance: Exodus 3:12

8 Circumcision: Genesis 17

9 Joseph: Genesis 37-50