NT Fire Starters – Day 168: Acts 7:1-53
READ: Acts 7:1-53
THINK: Notice that in face of extreme pressure and injustice, Stephen didn’t get defensive or even address the false charges. Instead, he simply stated the truth–the message on which he had staked his reputation and life. Yet, even when you do this, realize that most people will remain stubbornly defiant toward God, refusing to accept the truth.
RESPOND: In what ways did Stephen’s speech summarize the message being spread by Jesus’ followers? (See 7:2-53 note.) How do God’s Old Testament people relate to the New Testament message of Christ and the Church? (See 7:38 note.) Who were some key people in Israel’s history (vv. 2, 8, 9, 20, 45-47)? Reviewing this passage, what prophecies did God reveal to His people about what would happen to them (cf. vv. 5-7, 34, 37, 43)? What promises did God make and fulfill to His people throughout history (vv. 6, 7, 37)? In what ways did God provide for His people (vv. 8, 10, 14, 17, 35-38, 45)? How did the people rebel against Him (vv. 9, 39-43, 51-53)? What can happen to people who persistently rebel against and reject God? (See 7:42 note.) What was the significance of the tabernacle’s precise pattern in regard to God’s plans fulfilled by Jesus? (See 7:44 note.) What “patterns” has God given in His Word to show us how to live by His plan? After being reminded of how God’s plan unfolded throughout history and how their ancestors rebelled against God, why would the Jewish leaders still defy God, reject Jesus and “resist the Holy Spirit” (v. 51)? (See 7:51 note.) In what ways do people “resist the Holy Spirit”? How can you guard against this tendency in your own life?
PRAY: Ask God for insight from His Word to understand how His plan has unfolded and progressed through history, culminating in the work and message of Christ. Pray that you’ll follow the pattern His Word has set for ultimate living and that you’ll never rebel against His plan for your life.
ACT: Take your Bible with you and review Stephen’s speech from this passage a couple times today. It provides a concise and relevant summary of the history of God’s people and His plan as it unfolded. This is key to understanding how the Old Testament laid a foundation for the New Testament and all that would be fulfilled through Jesus.