“The Book of Acts - Making a Good Start”

June 8, 2025 - the Feast of Pentecost

Acts 6:1 - 8:8

"Stephen, the First Martyr"

How do we usually react when someone criticizes us in some way that's not really fair or accurate - it's negative and it's just not true? Ever had that happen to you?

What if it's negative and true? What if they really nail it and we know it's true, - we just don't want to hear it? Do we argue, and try to explain or refute what they're saying? Do we get frustrated, defensive, angry? 

What if they remain calm and reasonable, yet continue to tell us things about ourselves that make us look bad? Wouldn't we naturally feel resentful? And justified in our resentment, and start looking around for some way to get back at them? 

Wouldn't we look to others for support or to be allies? What does any of this have to do with Pentecost and the Holy Spirit? 

Why does Luke include Stephen recounting in such detail, the history of God's people? Who are the people listening to Stephen, and what is he trying to communicate to them? Most of the time, who are we most like in this story?

For This Week... read Acts 6:1 - 8:8, ask why did they resent Stephen so much? Does Stephen's attitude in death reflect Jesus' death? How?

Going Deeper... why didn't Stephen fight back or defend himself? 

Looking Ahead... read Acts 8:9 - 8:40 - about Simon the Sorcerer, Phillip & the Ethiopian Eunuch

~ Pastor Joe