Week #19 — STEPHEN’S SERMON PART 1: PATRIARCHS AND PROMISE
In law school, I participated in a moot court competition and an appellate advocacy class. Those are highbrow legal names for classes that require public speaking. Everyone was given a set of facts for a case and given time to research the law and prepare speeches. Then, participants stood up before a panel of judges and argued the merits of the case in their client’s favor. Success required diligent preparation, practice, and rehearsals, as well as the ability to “read” the judges. In most cases, you knew the material and arguments better than they did, but you had to frame it in ways they could understand and receive. At no point, however, were you at risk of bodily harm during this experience (though it felt like that from time to time!).
In Acts 7:1-16, Stephen finds himself in a similar, but far more dangerous, situation. The religious leaders have accused him of blaspheming God, dismissing the Tabernacle, and despising Moses. And because of that, he stands up before the rulers of Israel and an angry mob, prepared to speak boldly on his own behalf. Where will Stephen begin, and what will he say? Instead of becoming defensive, shouting personal attacks, or taking the leaders to task, Stephen begins (surprisingly) by walking through the history of the Lord’s work in and among his people—something all who are there already know. He reminds them of what God has done, beginning with the call to Abraham. Stephen sets the stage, preparing them to hear, in a different way, things they already know. He plans to show them how God has fulfilled their history in Christ. How would you have responded?
Read the passage together and then go through the discussion questions below.
In Christ,
Pastor Ken
Week #19 — Questions
- For context, reread Acts 6:8-15. What charges does Stephen respond to in his speech in Acts 7? To whom is he speaking? What stresses and fears do you think he felt at this moment?
- The narrative shifts focus from the apostles to Stephen at this point in Acts. What does this teach us about the role of faithful witnesses beyond the original twelve? For non-clergy today?
- Stephen begins his speech with God’s work in creation and the calling of Abraham. How does this remind us that God is active in history and in the lives of his people?
- Pick apart the stories Stephen chooses to highlight. How does Stephen highlight God’s providence in protecting and guiding his people (consider Joseph being sold into Egyptian slavery, but preserved)? What does this teach about trusting God amid hardship in our own lives?
- Pastor David explained the link between the Old Testament sign of circumcision and the New Testament sign of baptism. Why do we, as Reformed Christians who believe in covenant theology, connect the two? What are the implications for this as to the meaning of baptism?
- Who should and who should not be baptized, and why? Have you or your children been baptized, and if not, why not?
- In what ways have you personally experienced God’s protection, guidance, or providence in situations that seemed threatening or beyond your control? Does that make the next time easier?
- Instead of arguing about Jesus right away or first defending himself against the charges, Stephen tells the leaders what they already know about God’s providential protection. Why would he use this strategy? Can we use a similar approach in our own evangelistic conversations?