I.
We turn our attention this week to Stephen (both his actions and words) and the reactions some had to him.

First, let’s see what we know about Stephen.

You may want to review the Acts 6:1-6 where we learn a little more about Stephen.

II.
Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue)

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

III.
What have you discovered about Stephen?

Acts 6:1-6 indicates he was one of seven selected by the community for what task?

What do you think it might mean when he is characterized as “full of grace and power”? Are the “wonders and signs” he did related to that?

Why did some “[stir] up the people as well as the elders and the scribes” against him? What did he do wrong?

And, let’s ask what he did right?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}