Big Ideas

1. Stephen’s seminary
This text is primarily made up of a sermon that Paul delivered on the Sabbath. He began with the calling of Abraham and followed the story of God through Egypt, King David, and the prophets, claiming that the entire story was about Jesus. Where did Paul learn to preach Christ from the Old Testament in this way? Paul heard a very similar sermon from the lips of Stephen whose death Paul condoned (Acts 7). It is impossible not to hear Stephen’s voice in Paul’s sermon. Though Paul approved of Stephen’s death, Stephen’s sermon would continue to bear Gospel fruit in the ministry of a radically changed Paul.

2. Getting the Gospel right
Gospel confusion is not uncommon, but Gospel clarity is everywhere in Acts. Whenever the Gospel is preached, it always entails the announcement that Jesus is Lord over all and that there is forgiveness of sins in his name alone. You won’t find much about how Jesus meets and fulfills all of our felt psychological and emotional needs. You won’t find anything about how Jesus will take away all of your sadness. But you will find plenty about the need for repentance, the coming judgment, and the salvation that Jesus offers to all.

3. Conflict and conversion
Nobody is indifferent to the announcement that Jesus is Lord. Neutrality is a myth. When the Gospel is proclaimed, some respond in repentance and faith to the good news that Jesus is Lord. Others respond with anger, hatred, and judgment because the Gospel threatens their sense of autonomy. The Gospel always produces conflict and conversion.

Study Questions

1. Stephen’s teaching clearly had a profound impact on Paul. What Christian teachers or pastors have had a profound impact on your understanding of the Gospel?

2. Take a moment to go back and read the sermons in Acts 2:14-36, 7:1-53, 13:16-41. How would you summarize these sermons? What is the Gospel according to them? Is it different from what you tend to think the Gospel is?

3. Conflict and rejection are normal responses to the Gospel in Acts. How might this encourage or challenge you in personal evangelism?