Acts 7&8 Notes

Acts 7:1-53 what is the significance of all the references which Stephen used in his answer to the high priest. Isn't it interesting that instead of trying to defend himself he makes a stand for Christ. He talks about what God has done throughout history, and never mentions himself even though we are told in the last chapter that the charges against him were made off of false witnesses. If someone said something untrue about you which would be your first reaction, to defend yourself and your innocence, or to tell the history of God?

Acts 7:54-60 Stephan's prayer as he is stones to death is very intense. He did not think I'll of those who wronged him, and even begged God to not hold that sin against them. Even under the influence of intense pain, this man is very spirit filled. 

Acts 8:1-3 This is our first glimpse into the life of Saul. This is the before picture in the befo and after sequence. 

Acts 8:4-8 Even as the church is being persecuted they teach the word. They do not shrink back and hide because of uncomfortable circumstances, but instead trust God completely, and are so in love with Him that they can't help but tell others about Him, even when it means endangering their own lives. 

Acts 8:9-25 What can we learn from Simon the sorcerer? His first attraction to faith was because of the miraculous signs the disciples were doing. Then he thought that money could buy Spirit. Do we ever make mistakes like Simon? If so let us repent and guard against such things. 

Acts 8:26-40 This passage show how God can work in the unexpected, and that His timing is perfect. Phillip trusted God to lead him to the eunuch, and God timed it perfectly to give Phillip the opportunity to share the good news with the man. Isn't God's timing so fantastic?!? In what ways could we trust God more because of what we have seen of His faithfulness and His perfect timing?