Big Ideas

1. The entire Old Testament points us to Jesus.

As Stephen responds to his accusers, he recounts the entire metanarrative of the Old Testament. He speaks of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and the prophets to name a few. His point? The entire Old Testament points to Jesus! Faith in Jesus is not a blasphemous departure from the Old Testament as Stephen’s accusers falsely claimed (Acts 6:11). Rather, failing to believe in Jesus is a failure to understand what the Old Testament is all about.

2. Sometimes, Gospel preaching elicits rage and anger.

While Luke has recorded a number of conflicts in Acts, this is the most violent opposition the Church had faced so far. It resulted in the murder of Stephen. Today, it is all too common to assume that the Gospel is some warm, fuzzy story that makes everyone feel good inside. However, in this text, the Gospel caused men to be filled with anger and led them to scream and gnash their teeth in dark defiance. Why? Because the Gospel declares that Christ alone is Lord and that we are not.

3. The grace and boldness of Stephen.

How did Stephen respond in the midst of blood-thirsty, false accusations and murderous threats? He didn’t cower in fear nor did he explode in anger, both of which would have been understandable given the situation. Rather he boldly proclaimed the Gospel and prayed for the forgiveness of those who stoned him to death. His actions mimicked those of Jesus as he was crucified (Luke 23:34).

Study Questions

1. The Old Testament is all about Jesus. What are some ways that we tend to misunderstand the Old Testament and/or make it about something other than Jesus?

2. Why do you think the men, who heard Stephen preach the Gospel, were so angry? What does this teach us about the Gospel and faith in Jesus?

3. What stands out most about Stephen’s response in this text? How does his response encourage and/or challenge you?