Series: Acts of Peter
Title: The Story of Stephen
Passage: Acts 6:8-8:1
Speaker: Steve Howell (Associate Minister)

Use the following questions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• If you could look like any celebrity, whose look would you want? How might it affect your life? Why?

Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• Look at Acts 6:8-15. What words would you use to describe Stephen?
• Stephen’s speech is long, but worth reading. Read Acts 7:2-53. What points are most impactful as you read? What are the key verses?
• Notice the locations mentioned. Why would Stephen intentionally focus on places outside the Promised Land? How would this challenge the Jews’ notion that God was most concerned with their country? Where is God at work today?
• Who is shown rejecting God’s plan or God’s people? List the situations.
• Do you think the Jews thought they were misaligned with God’s plans? How can we avoid their error?
• Was Stephen’s speech intended to help him avoid prosecution? What do you think was his (and/or the Holy Spirit’s) purpose?
• Based on what he saw in 7:56 and what he said in 7:59-60, what do you imagine was Stephen’s demeanor while being stoned? Would yours be similar? Why?

Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Pray that others would look at our words and actions and recognize Jesus.
• Pray for those across the globe who are facing persecution for their faith in Jesus. Ask for boldness and courage to continue speaking about Him.