Acts 7: Living and Dying for Christ
When the high priest gave Stephen an opportunity to defend himself, why do you think Stephen instead began with a telling of Jewish history in which everyone present was already familiar?
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King James
Moses grew up in the elite Egyptian community and must have received private tutoring in language, science, the arts, and the gods who ruled their land. With that background, why would he have been offended at the mistreatment of a Jew?
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King James
In Stephen’s historical discourse, what theme might best reveal people’s need to hear and follow God?
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King James
Why do you think people turn away from God and credit other causes for their success?
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King James
What kind of temple should be built to house God’s presence?
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King James
Do you think Stephen was wise in not defending himself but accusing the Jews for not keeping the Law? Why?
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King James
Jewish kings had a history of killing the prophets who didn’t speak what they wanted to hear. How did that motivation compare with the attitude of the Sanhedrin?
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King James
In your own words, how would you describe what Stephen saw when he looked toward God and not his accusers?
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King James
In what ways were members of the Sanhedrin impressed when they heard Stephen’s description of what he saw?
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King James
Why do you think the Jewish leaders could stone Stephen, but they could not put Jesus to death?
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King James
To what degree do you think Saul was involved in Stephen’s stoning, physically and emotionally?
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King James
What prompted Stephen to pray that Jewish leaders not be punished for their actions against him?