This week we are going to look at two long chapters, including Stephen’s sermon before he was stoned. Tim Keller said “It took me decades to truly understand this sermon.” I know I was lost in Acts 7 before I listened to Keller. We’ll see what TLC has to say as well.
What helped Keller was practicing two principles of sound hermeneutics: context and repetition of a subject. So we will look at that on Monday before we plunge in.
Sunday: SPYING GOD
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
To Get Started Follow These Steps (They are pretty easy, but if you have trouble, find someone young!)
- Search for “Bible App by YouVersion” in the App Store (if you don’t already have it).
- Tap “Plans” (bottom menu)
- This is where all reading plans live.
- Search for: “The Bible Recap”
- Look for:
- The Bible Recap (New Testament)
- or The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble
- Look for:
- Open the plan
- Tap “Start Plan”
- Customize your start
- Choose
- Then look for “Adjust Plan” or “Start from Day…”
- 👉 Scroll until you find Day 49 in N.T. Tap into that day and follow the directions for each day — It will usually look like this:
- Choose
- Devotional (Prayer)
- Read the chapters (Usually one a day — and highlight)
- Share one thing you learned
- Watch Tara (almost under 10 minutes) Scroll down on the devotional button.
- Share your “God Shot”
Monday: Context and Repetition for Acts 7
- Look back at Acts 6:13-15 and Acts 7:1 to see the context for Stephen’s sermon.
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- Of what two things was Stephen accused in 6:13?
- What question did the high priest ask in 7:1
Stephen’s sermon, Keller explains, was to refute that Jesus spoke against the Temple and the Law. Here is what Keller says about Stephen explaining that Abraham, Moses, and Joseph all met with God with no temple.
As he goes through the history of Israel, almost the whole of the Hebrew Scriptures, he first of all says, “Well, I don’t think we need the temple to find God. Abraham met God, and Abraham didn’t have the temple. God was with Joseph in Egypt, and Joseph didn’t have the temple. God met Moses out in the wilderness at the burning bush, and there was no temple.” Even after the temple was built, he quotes where Isaiah 66 says God does not dwell in a house made with hands. He’s not a tribal deity. He can’t be confined to a box. The first thing he does if you look through the speech is he’s saying, “No, you don’t need the temple in order to find God, in order to meet God.
2. Summarize what Keller said above.
3. Read Acts 7:49-50. How does God show that a temple is not needed to worship Him?
Keller continues, addressing the Law:
By the way, that creates a problem, and it mainly has to do with the law, because the accuser would’ve been sitting there saying, “Well, wait a minute. In the temple you have the sacrifices, so how in the world can you possibly meet God unless you obey the law and then when you don’t obey the law there are the sacrifices?” Then he turns to the law, and as he goes again through the whole history of Israel, first of all, he says, “Under Moses you didn’t obey the law. Under Aaron you didn’t obey the law. Amos says you didn’t obey the law.” He’s going through, and Stephen is saying, “Look. The law is good. I believe in the law. The law of God is important. It’s inviolable. You can’t put it aside. You can’t ignore it, but the problem is you’ve never obeyed it and you never will obey it. So if we’re saved by obeying the law, we have a problem.” He answers, “No, you don’t need the temple in order to meet God.” Secondly, “Yes, you do need to obey the law in order to meet God, but you can’t do it.”
4. Summarize what Keller said above.
5. Read Acts 7:51-53. How does Stephen show them they were not able to keep the Law?
Keller looks at the repetition in Stephen’s sermon and says this:
Thirdly, he brings up something he sees in the history of Israel he wasn’t asked about but in many ways is the key to everything he says. That is, he says, “I’ve noticed a pattern in the history of our people. Every time God sends a deliverer, that deliverer is rejected and persecuted by the very people he was sent to save.
6. Summarize what Keller said above.
Tuesday: Acts 7
7. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
8. What are some ways you worship God all day long without a temple?
9. Give an example of how the gospel or the Spirit of God has helped you obey the Law. Be specific.
Wednesday: Acts 8
10. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
11. Have you ever had a similar experience as Philip did with the eunuch, sensing you should talk to someone about the gospel? Share.
Thursday/Friday: Tara, God Shot
Go back to the devotional and scroll down to see the Bible Recap — should look something like this:
12. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.”
Saturday:
13. Any questions you want to ask of your sisters? Or comments on something one shared?
70 comments
Two big things:
Thank You for praying for the wedding — I love that they chose Philipians 2:1-12. Did you know that was a hymn written not long after the resurrection? Such a powerful passage.
And so grateful to Greg Scharf to all the time he put in to answer Chris’s question. I had not thought of Christ having a dual nature in heaven — but makes sense. I have more questions but Greg and his wife are coming in another week and I’ll ask him in person. It rather seemed like his quotations led to Jesus having that dual nature on earth, which I see, yet also feel He limited Himself.
Such a powerful scripture. I am eager to hear if you learn more about the dual nature of Christ from Greg Scharf. I also had never thought of Christ having a dual nature in heaven. New thinking is great and I am excited to hear from Tim Keller again. 🙂
I’m wondering if you mean he limited himself in terms of his divine nature while on earth? I just read an article which I think made it more clear for me the purpose of his divine and human nature being necessary. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/intercessory-work-christ/
Most of the things in the article I knew, but the meaning of them is more clear considering the two natures of Christ and the necessity of them. I’m curious if this article also answers questions for you. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when you speak with Greg Scharf. Haha.
Sunday: SPYING GOD
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
Dee! That picture doesn’t look like Tim Keller 🤔😁😄
—I think I have shared that while in Texas I attended a Sunday School class where the teacher was 85 year old Marian with a wonderful southern drawl. She regularly sends out a email with prayer requests and updates for the class and then concludes her email with some thoughts of her own. I enjoyed her comments and was particularly blessed by the scripture and brief prayer she shared this week. Knowing Marian’s physical frailties and still living alone in a rural setting she is someone who really leans into Jesus. She is someone who is bold for the Lord and will share Jesus anytime anywhere. I praise God for the privilege of having a Marian in my life. 💕 Here are her thoughts.
“I love “comfort” food – especially meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I also love “comfort” verses from God’s Word. This week, Dt. 31:8, blessed my heart. “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Lord, wherever I go, whatever I do, let me take comfort in knowing You are always with me. love m”
Bev — you made me smile.
Hahaha, Bev! I wonder where Dee got that picture of Tim?
i looove Marian’s take on “ comfort” food and verse! That could pretty much segue to our God hunt! I love that verse she shared.
Oh, Dee and Bev! Love that all went well with your speaking, Dee. I pray for hearts to be touched. I loved the explanation from Greg Sharf.
Bev, you are too funny about the picture! 😅 Thank you for sharing the verse from sweet Marian, and her love of comfort food. 😇Such a powerful verse.
Haha. Love this. 🙂
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
I appreciate everyone here and I think the above verse describes all of you beautiful ladies💐❤️
Thank you, Sharon. This is sweet. I need to pray against fear. When I look at all the Lord has redeemed over the last few years, I am awed. Praying you had a lovely Mother’s Day.
Happy, belated Mother’s Day to all of you lovely ladies, Amen to you, dear Sharon! I appreciate you all and this verse does describe you all! Thank you all for helping me grow in Jesus!
Thank you Sharon! I love this blog with all of you ladies. Happy belated Mothers Day!
Sunday: SPYING GOD
I’m so thankful for the question that came up last week about the dual nature of Christ. I honestly had never thought of this before and though it is a bit mind boggling to think about, it is good for me to stretch my thinking and again remember how small I am in view of God.
Yesterday, I wanted to share a small testimony at our Mother’s Day lunch. I was torn about what to say but prayed yesterday for the Lord to give me something that would touch all the hearts in the room. There are so many mother’s at different stages and backgrounds, as well as SONS-IN-LAWS with difficult histories with their mother’s. I shared Psalm 103:14-17. I wanted to share how the Lord is faithful to us no matter our failures. There were many things that really meant a lot to me yesterday. Many of my kids and in-law kids came and made a special efffort to show their love for me. Even my DIL who divorced my son stopped by and gave be a beautiful bouquet of tulips. My son-in-law, who is struggling and rarely attends or says a word, looked me in the eye and said Happy Mother’s Day. My bio mom who historically is gone riding her horse, came with her friend and was present enjoying company. My step-mom came and was so grateful for us, as relations with her own two sons is strained. My youngest daughter, who has experienced trauma and struggled in our relationship as a result, wrote me a beautiful card in attempt to repair our relationship, as well as buying me a meaningful gift. My sweet adopted son who no one had thought to take shopping for me, took the time to make me a bouquet of flowers out of cardstock and arrange them in a little vase and write me a card. To say I am overwhelmed with the love shown to me yesterday, is an understatement. After all the hardships in our family and the funerals leading up to this time, it was a balm to my soul to have what I can only call a perfect Mother’s Day.
Lastly, one thing struck me as I was reading through last week’s comments. Cheryl said that it stood out to her that the Holy Spirit working in the disciples is the SAME Spirit working in us today. She shared the prayer in Ephesians 1:18-19. This stood out to me as something I need to be more aware of as well-“what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places…” his power is of immeasurable greatness to us who believe. We must not limit his power in our minds and we must be aware of the work he has for us, being united with one another in that work.
Thank you, Dee, for your faithfulness to this study. And thank you all for prayers. I think I’m concentrating again! Praise God.
Oh, Chris! What a lovely Mother’s Day filled with so many honoring you in such sweet and special ways. You have touched so many lives and all in your family see the great Spiritual gifts of Jesus’s love you share so generously! What a blessing you are to so many! So thankful that God answered your prayer for better concentration too. You are loved and appreciated!
And Amen to thanking Dee for the amazing studies. I so appreciate you, Dee. You are always helping us stretch and grow in Jesus!
Chris, what a wonderful Mother’s Day! Being surrounded by those who love us is the best gift ever…so awesome that you were able to share from His word. Thanks for sharing…appreciate your encouragement here❤️
Thank you Patti and Sharon! Love seeing you all here and the work God is doing in everyone’s lives.
Oh Chris — how you were blessed, deservedly, on Mother’s Day!
Oh my gosh Chris! What a lovely day you had for Mother’s Day!! I’m so happy for you 💐💐♥️♥️
1.Of what two things was Stephen accused in 6:13?
Stephen is accused of speaking against the holy and the law.
2.What question did the high priest ask in 7:1.
“Are these things so?”
As he goes through the history of Israel, almost the whole of the Hebrew Scriptures, he first of all says, “Well, I don’t think we need the temple to find God. Abraham met God, and Abraham didn’t have the temple. God was with Joseph in Egypt, and Joseph didn’t have the temple. God met Moses out in the wilderness at the burning bush, and there was no temple.” Even after the temple was built, he quotes where Isaiah 66 says God does not dwell in a house made with hands. He’s not a tribal deity. He can’t be confined to a box. The first thing he does if you look through the speech is he’s saying, “No, you don’t need the temple in order to find God, in order to meet God.
2. Summarize what Keller said above.
We don’t meet God by going to a temple. We meet God directly from our heart and our soul, in our own quiet prayer time alone, we seek Him. It is a relationship, it is not a magic trick that happens when you enter a certain building. As Paige Brown would says: “it’s the heart, stupid.”
Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Deuteronomy 4:29 ..you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.”
Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you”.
3. Read Acts 7:49-50. How does God show that a temple is not needed to worship Him?
The things of heaven and earth that God created are HIS Kingdom, how can man compete with the Heavens above in making a temple to God. Acts 7:48 states:…the Most High does note dwell in houses made by human hands…..
Ephesians 2:19-20 “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus, Himself Bing the corner stone.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Keller continues, addressing the Law:
By the way, that creates a problem, and it mainly has to do with the law, because the accuser would’ve been sitting there saying, “Well, wait a minute. In the temple you have the sacrifices, so how in the world can you possibly meet God unless you obey the law and then when you don’t obey the law there are the sacrifices?” Then he turns to the law, and as he goes again through the whole history of Israel, first of all, he says, “Under Moses you didn’t obey the law. Under Aaron you didn’t obey the law. Amos says you didn’t obey the law.” He’s going through, and Stephen is saying, “Look. The law is good. I believe in the law. The law of God is important. It’s inviolable. You can’t put it aside. You can’t ignore it, but the problem is you’ve never obeyed it and you never will obey it. So if we’re saved by obeying the law, we have a problem.” He answers, “No, you don’t need the temple in order to meet God.” Secondly, “Yes, you do need to obey the law in order to meet God, but you can’t do it.”
4. Summarize what Keller said above.
‘Saying you know God and the law and repeating rituals is not the answer. Knowing God’s load and continually breaking it is not working. It is knowing God’s Word in your heart and living it out in your life. Sacrifices and laws did not change their hearts and their behavior. The law is good, but since no one is able to obey, God sent the ultimate sacrifice for you…Jesus……but you are still not getting it!
5. Read Acts 7:51-53. How does Stephen show them they were not able to keep the Law?
Stephen is reminding them that they are acting like the uncircumcised pagans. They killed those who announced the coming Christ and now they are twisting his words, so that they may kill him too….they have become those same murderers.
Keller looks at the repetition in Stephen’s sermon and says this:
Thirdly, he brings up something he sees in the history of Israel he wasn’t asked about but in many ways is the key to everything he says. That is, he says, “I’ve noticed a pattern in the history of our people. Every time God sends a deliverer, that deliverer is rejected and persecuted by the very people he was sent to save.
6. Summarize what Keller said above. I sort of answered this, but v 53 says that they received the law as ordained by angels, but did not keep it.
Thank you for the verses Patti!
Sunday: SPYING GOD
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
I was presiding over our P.E.O. organization’s last meeting before our summer break and had several important items to address. Moreover, a friend was our guest speaker for the evening. Details often stress me out, and I just kept on asking God to lead and not stew on the minors. Nothing spectacular, but just an acute awareness of His presence and His working out in ways that please Him. The meeting went overtime, but nobody seemed to have minded; the important things were taken care of. The ones I felt were not discussed, I believe, were ones that God will take care of later. I am thankful for this sisterhood of like-minded women putting their efforts together to help other women pursue their educational goals.
Ah, Bing. You do have a servant’s heart. Details are important and I get hung up there as well. My kids often complain that I plan too much and need to be more open to spontaneity.
Bing, What sweet blessings God gave you. The awareness of His presence and His working in ways that please Him. I love that your heart is always in His will.
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
I have struggled lately and felt like I am David in the Psalms, begging for mercy from God. I have even compared myself, from inside, to Job in the last month or so; it’s been rough. The devil is throwing arrows from all areas of my life.
I have been asking God to just give me a little relief somewhere. He finally did! Yesterday, I was trying to finalize my class for the summer that I’m teaching at a local community college and was running into quite a bit of trouble. I was nervous about it on Saturday and sent an email to a person in IT. Not sure if I would get an answer by yesterday, but I did! Her answer allowed me to complete what I needed to within about 45 minutes and I’m all set to go for the semester. One major thing off my platter and onto the next thing. Thank you, Jesus!
Oh, Laura, I lift you up to the Father for help in all you do. Praise Him for an answer to prayer.
I meant praising him with you. 🙂
Thanks Chris!
Laura, What a great answer to prayer, when you needed God’s encouragement. I join Chris is lifting you up to our Heavenly Father. Praying that your husband is doing well and praying for encouragement in all the areas that are causing you stress. You are loved.
Monday: Context and Repetition for Acts 7
Look back at Acts 6:13-15 and Acts 7:1 to see the context for Stephen’s sermon.
Of what two things was Stephen accused in 6:13? Speaking against the temple and the law.
What question did the high priest ask in 7:1 Are these charges true?
2. Summarize what Keller said above. You don’t need a temple to worship God.
3. Read Acts 7:49-50. How does God show that a temple is not needed to worship Him? God is the creator of everything, so how will we make a place suitable for Him?
4. Summarize what Keller said above. You do need to obey the law in order to meet God, but you can’t do it.
5. Read Acts 7:51-53. How does Stephen show them they were not able to keep the Law? They killed the prophets and even the Messiah.
6. Summarize what Keller said above.EverydelivererGodsendsisRejectedbythosehesendsthemtosave.
Tuesday: Acts 7
7. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot. What stands out are a few things- Stephen seems to be an echo of Jesus in several ways: 1. He doesn’t answer the high priest directly regarding the accusations against him. 2. He has a face like an angel-people are afraid of him and can plainly see he is from God. 3. He proves all he said with scripture which only enrages the leaders more. 4. He sees a vision of heaven and is said to be full of the Holy Spirit. 5. He cries out for Jesus to receive his spirit. 6. He asks the Lord to not hold this sin against the council.
8. What are some ways you worship God all day long without a temple? I continually pray to God throughout the day about praises, requests, etc. I play worship music on the radio anytime I’m in the car. I try to always praise God for the things happening around me.
9. Give an example of how the gospel or the Spirit of God has helped you obey the Law. Be specific. The biggest way is in obedience/submission to my husband. This took some time for me to come to terms with as I have an independent nature and of course want my way. Over time studying the Word and as my husband has shown himself to be a man searching to please God, we have come to a place where we rarely have an issue in this area. There were times in the beginning when my submission was not from the heart but only in wanting to please God or keep the peace with my husband. It is one thing for one person in the relationship to submit, but when both do it brings peace. Sometimes it takes the submission of one to bring around the submission of the other. 1 Peter 3:1 speaks about winning over those who do not obey the Word by the conduct of their wives. There were definitely times when I had to keep my peace in order to wait for my husband to come around in obedience to God and I am sure likewise for husband on my part.
1. Of what two things was Stephen accused in 6:13?
“The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses.”
Acts of the Apostles 6:13 NLT
2. What question did the high priest ask in 7:1
“Are the accusations true?”
Monday: Context and Repetition for Acts 7
Look back at Acts 6:13-15 and Acts 7:1 to see the context for Stephen’s sermon.
Of what two things was Stephen accused in 6:13
—Speaking against the holy Temple and the law of Moses.
What question did the high priest ask in 7:1
—He asked “Are these accusations true?”
2. Summarize what Keller said above.
—He points out that Stephen was refuting the accusations against him. Stephen related back the history of the major patriarchs of the Hebrews and explained they did not have the temple but they met and experienced God with out it.
3. Read Acts 7:49-50. How does God show that a temple is not needed to worship Him?
—Stephen quotes from Isa 66:1-2 where God speaks and says he is far above needing a temple built by human hands. He has heaven as his throne and earth as his footstool and he created both heaven and earth.
4. Summarize what Keller said above.
—He addresses Stephen’s acknowledgement of the law as important and good and not to be put aside but the problem comes in not obeying it. He was saying you don’t need the temple to meet God but you do need to obey the law to meet God but they couldn’t accomplish it.
5. Read Acts 7:51-53. How does Stephen show them they were not able to keep the Law?
—Because of their stubborn hearts which were resistant to the Holy Spirit it was in their wrong responses to the truth and to God’s prophets whom they killed they deliberate disobedience God’s law.
6. Summarize what Keller said above.
—Stephen pointed out to the religious leaders that he was seeing a pattern in their history that every time God sent a deliverer, that deliverer was rejected and persecuted by the very people he was sent to save.
Bev, So good to point out that over and over their disobedience to God was deliberate.
7. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
God’s people have never were patient enough to Wait on the Lord. They often heard His word, but it did not stay in their hearts. The leadership twisted the words of the prophets, to keep from losing their own power.
8. What are some ways you worship God all day long without a temple?
Speaking to God silently in Praise and thanksgiving first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Breathing prayers for family and those in need. Thanking God for the opportunities to serve Him. Loving others in our hearts, words and interactions. Thanking God for His beautiful creation.
9. Give an example of how the gospel or the Spirit of God has helped you obey the Law.
When I have a thought that could turn into a sinful word to another or a sinful action, I think of how that will also hurt God, who I claim to love. I pray for the Holy Spirit to take control of my heart, mind and tongue. How often I think of words from Tim Keller, Alistair Begg and Paige Brown on this subject. I am also so thankful for this blog, Dee, which keeps me accountable.
I have been MIA for my events in Seattle but you carried on very well without me. So thankful for all of you. The wedding was beautiful and Seattle was showing off at her best in May. Sunshine, Mount Rainier out clearly, green green green mansions, and Magnolias and Azaleas in bloom everywhere.
That sounds lovely! Glad you had a good trip.
2. Summarize what Keller said above.
there is no need for a temple to worship God.
3. Read Acts 7:49-50. How does God show that a temple is not needed to worship Him?
He says heaven is his throne and earth is his footstool. He says no human [sic] could build him anything better.
I am not sure how well I responded to Monday’s and Tuesday’s questions:
Monday: Context and Repetition for Acts 7
1. Look back at Acts 6:13-15 and Acts 7:1 to see the context for Stephen’s sermon.
A. Of what two things was Stephen accused in 6:13?
They accused Stephen of speaking against the law and the holy place.
B. What question did the high priest ask in 7:1
Are the charges true?
Stephen’s sermon, Keller explains, was to refute that Jesus spoke against the Temple and the Law. Here is what Keller says about Stephen explaining that Abraham, Moses, and Joseph all met with God with no temple.
2. Summarize what Keller said above.
We can meet God anytime and anywhere. There is no assigned physical place to meet with God.
3. Read Acts 7:49-50. How does God show that a temple is not needed to worship Him?
Heaven is His throne and earth, His footstool. He is everywhere as the Creator of all things.
Keller continues, addressing the Law:
4. Summarize what Keller said above.
You are not able to meet the law on your own.
5. Read Acts 7:51-53. How does Stephen show them they were not able to keep the Law?
They just kept repeating what their ancestors had done; that is, persecuting the prophets, resisting the truth.
Keller looks at the repetition in Stephen’s sermon and says this:
Thirdly, he brings up something he sees in the history of Israel he wasn’t asked about but in many ways is the key to everything he says. That is, he says, “I’ve noticed a pattern in the history of our people. Every time God sends a deliverer, that deliverer is rejected and persecuted by the very people he was sent to save.
6. Summarize what Keller said above.
He brought the history of Israel into the conversation and highlighted the fact that there is a pattern of Israel persecuting the deliverer that God has sent to save them.
Tuesday: Acts 7
6. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
I see the power of the Holy Spirit in Stephen. And I was amazed at how nobody interrupted him while he was talking until vs. 51-53! So grievous that instead of listening to the truth, the Sanhedrin responded with fury and ended up stoning him.
And the act of taking Stephen out of the city speaks of their hardened hearts. I looked this up: “taking someone out of the city to stone them in New Testament times was both a legal execution and a symbolic act of exclusion and judgment. It carried cultural weight as a public display of authority and rejection, and in the Gospel context, it pointed to the cross of Christ as the fulfillment of sacrificial atonement.”
My God shot is that He takes care of His beloved when they are persecuted and killed. I can just imagine how painful that would be, but the presence of the Holy Spirit must have sustained him. Stephen was just like Jesus, asking God not to count the sins of his persecutors and murderers against them.
8. What are some ways you worship God all day long without a temple?
Worshiping God is being aware of His presence and His character through the ordinary and the extraordinary. Washing dishes (I love to do dishes by hand!), digging in the dirt, doing my exercises, driving, etc. I find myself tuning in more to Him, especially when I am alone. A spirit of thankfulness pulls me into His presence.
9. Give an example of how the gospel or the Spirit of God has helped you obey the Law. Be specific.
I have experienced that the gospel is the only thing that has helped me obey God’s command to love my neighbor. Whenever I feel unloving toward someone, I look to the cross and see how much Jesus loves me, so I cannot stay unloving. Though it is a struggle at times, the Spirit is true to his character of empowering me to love that person.
Bing, this is great. You’ve answered every question completely and I love how you see the Spirit empowering you to love others. My husband recently shared with me how he sometimes finds himself angry with someone and how he will let that build up in his head until the Lord brings him around to pray for that person and then the anger dissolves.
I agree with Chris. All of your answers are God’s truth and you stated it all so clearly. Love your heart for God and others, Bing.
Love this from Bing:
I have experienced that the gospel is the only thing that has helped me obey God’s command to love my neighbor. Whenever I feel unloving toward someone, I look to the cross and see how much Jesus loves me, so I cannot stay unloving. Though it is a struggle at times, the Spirit is true to his character of empowering me to love that person.
Wednesday: Acts 8
10. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
Saul approved Stephen’s stoning and went on to arrest many Christians, men and women. Philip went to Samaria sharing the gospel and performing miracles. Simon the magician believed and was baptized. Peter and John were sent to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit (this was new to me-don’t we understand the Spirit is given with baptism?) Simon’s heart is not right and needs prayer. They went on to Jerusalem to pray for villages of Samaratins. An angel of the Lord sends Philip to Gaza where he shares the good news with an Ethiopian eunich, a court official in charge of the queen’s treasure. The man asks to be baptized and Philip is then carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to Azotus where he preaches the gospel through towns until he reaches Caesarea.
I’m curious. We are given a man (previously known to practice magic) who wants to use the gifting of the Holy Spirit to gain treasure for himself at first, though prays to change his heart. Next we are told of a man who likely has everything he ever wanted, but still wants the gospel and for the right reasons. The chapter starts with Saul persecuting the church and ends with Philip being spirited around to share the gospel at lightning speed. It would seem the message is that the gospel is for everyone and nothing can stop it.
11. Have you ever had a similar experience as Philip did with the eunuch, sensing you should talk to someone about the gospel? Share. I have often felt the desire to share my faith. Nothing stands out as a particular moment, although once when my mom was struggling we had a great talk where I believe the Spirit gave me the words to say. My mom did not really respond, but I feel our relationship has been improving since that day.
Love this “nothing can stop the gospel”
10. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
There is so much in this chapter.
It starts with Saul, endorsing the stoning and killing of Stephen.
Saul is also putting men and women, who profess Jesus, in prison. Not at all like, who he would become. How much guilt he must have carried after he became a believer.
Meanwhile, Philip is in Samaria, speaking about Christ and showing signs to the crowds. Many were healed and unclean spirits were driven out.
Simon was also doing amazing things and some thought he was doing this with the power of God, but he was using magic. Simon believed what Philip said about Jesus, and he offered to pay for the powers the disciples had, to lay his hands on others and bestow the Holy Spirit. Peter told him that this showed that his heart was not right before God.
Philip felt called to go to Jerusalem, where he saw the eunuch reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit directed Philip to speak to the eunuch, who accepted Jesus as Lord. The eunuch was baptized by Philip and then Philip disappeared. It is so interesting that it says “the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip .
My God Shot is that God gives opportunity to those who are seeking Him in their hearts.
Wednesday: Acts 8
10. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
I am always amazed at how God used Philip as detailed in Acts 8. The Spirit took him away, and he ended up in another town? Was his “movement” supernatural, or does this mean that his steps were just directed to Azotus as God’s Spirit led him? Just like when we find ourselves taken to a place and when reality sets in, you are thinking that was never in your plan to be there? Then you realize as well that you are meant to share Jesus with the ones you find in that place?
The eunuch was diligently searching the Word, and Philip just “happened” to be there to make the Word understandable to him.
My God shot is that God ordains our comings and goings (“in the water now and out of water next” as Philip discovered). He orchestrates meetings between people so that the gospel can be shared.
Our responsibility as Christians is to share the Word when we have the opportunity. We may not even see the results of our “work,” but we leave that up to God, who calls people to Himself.
“How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?” Romans 12:14
I love what the biblehub.com has to say: The mandate to preach the Word is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15 This directive establishes the global and universal scope of the preaching mission, affirming that the message of salvation is intended for all people, regardless of their background or status.
11. Have you ever had a similar experience as Philip did with the eunuch, sensing you should talk to someone about the gospel? Share.
Yes. Given the circumstances with a couple of people I shared it with, I am still waiting on God on how to follow through. One is struggling with religion vs. relationship, and the other with work-oriented righteousness. This study has prompted me to keep praying for these two friends, and that I may have another opportunity to lead them both to Christ.
4. Summarize what Keller said above.
Keller is saying that Stephen said we don’t need a temple to worship God. We also need to follow the law, but because we don’t need a temple then we really don’t need sacrifices. We haven’t obeyed the law fully in the past anyway, we are human, so why should it distress us now?
5. Read Acts 7:51-53. How does Stephen show them they were not able to keep the Law?
They (the ancestors) persecuted and killed the prophets who tried to tell them of the coming Messiah. They murdered Jesus.
I smiled at we haven’t been able to follow it anyhow. That indeed is why we need Jesus. I think you will find TLC’s explanation of 3 kinds of laws helpful.
6. Summarize what Keller said above.
Keller said Stephen told them that every prophet sent as a deliverer was either persecuted or murdered. It was a pattern of the Israelites.
Tuesday: Acts 7
7. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
I’m not sure why he goes into the long history of the Israelites when he is asked about his behavior; that of (hypothetically) preaching against the temple, Moses and the laws. It doesn’t make sense to me.
8. What are some ways you worship God all day long without a temple?
Praying, singing, dancing.
9. Give an example of how the gospel or the Spirit of God has helped you obey the Law. Be specific.
I guess you mean the Law of God? Not the law of our land?
If you follow the fruits of the Spirit then you will love your neighbor well. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
If you look at Psalm 119, you see how often it uses law interchangeably with the Word. But I understand it is confusing. TLC will help. But think of it as God’s moral law such as loving Him and loving your neighbor.
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship? I had an incident at my work this past week where I had to open a set of surgical instruments that I had done. When I opened them, I found that I had missed placing a sterile indicator in the set. That would have caused the set to be rejected in the operating room. My co-worker commented that I was lucky that I had to open the set. I shared with her why I believed that it was providential that I had to open the set and not just random luck. And why it was teaching me not to be frustrated or angry when circumstances arise that seem like they’re just making me get behind and giving me more work to do. God has a reason for everything that is happening in my life.
I love your perspective, Dawn. And nice to see you here again 🙂
I’ve also been trying to give God credit for the things happening in life. Our thinking in this regard is important. He deserves the credit and we should want to glorify Him for his work in our lives. Praising God with you that a problem was avoided in the operating room.
Dawn, It is so good to see you here. Thank you for sharing this. I love the way God’s voice spoke to your heart and you gave Him the glory!
He is faithful. It reminds me of the verse: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
I keep learning how much better it is to let go of my stubbornness and follow Him.
So good Dawn!
12. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.”
Notes:
Stephen recounts the Old Testament to the “supreme court” and essentially presents a case against them! He lets them know that God’s people have never followed his law and now they are actually responsible for killing his Son! They become filled with rage, while he is filled with the Holy Spirit and filled with peace. He has a glimpse of heaven in a vision and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. TLC says this may be that he was standing to defend Stephen before God. This raises my curiosity about Jesus intercession for us. The rulers drag him out of town to stone him. Saul is standing as a witness and afterwards begins throwing Christians into prison.
In the meantime, those believers who scattered at the persecution went on to preach the word. Philip went to Samaria. Crowds heard him and believed and miracles were performed. The apostles go to confirm the Holy Spirit is received. Simon wants the Holy Spirit but for the wrong reasons. Philip goes on to meet the Ethiopian and baptizes him. God uses what is meant for evil to do good. The response to persecution is more sharing of the gospel.
I love how you put this, Chris: Stephen recounts the Old Testament to the “supreme court” and essentially presents a case against them!
New things I learned in Acts 7-8:
1. Jesus stands when he is seen by Stephen in his vision. I never noticed this detail and I’m curious about its significance. IN this article by Kevin DeYoung in the Gospel Coalition he says this: “ It is for this reason: He has stood to receive Stephen’s testimony and to be his advocate. He has stood that he might come forward to be the judge of those who will trample upon God’s prophet. Jesus is rising from his throne to come to Stephen’s defense and to judge his persecutors.” https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/when-jesus-stands/
2. Saul’s name was not changed but he had 2 names.
3. Even in Bible times at the start of the church, baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit was a sticking point among believers.
4. I’m realizing God uses two opposing stories in chapter 8 to show us the importance of a right heart when receiving the gospel/Holy Spirit and in the case of believers in Samaria, it took the laying on of hands from the apostles after the baptism. Simon wants a spiritual gift but is bound by his sin.
5. This lesson has spurred me to read a book I have had for a while: “What Every Believer Should Know About Spiritual Warfare” by Marcus Warner. I’m curious about the way sin can hold back the gifts of God as it did for Simon.
6. In all of the discussion this week regarding the Good News and salvation, a conversation with my husband stood out that relates. We speak of being saved from our sin and saved from hell, but my husband says that John MacArthur puts it another way. He says we are saved from God and his wrath. That perspective just shifts my thoughts a bit from blame to acceptance of my own sin. I think this is a necessary change in perspective. Even though we admit to our sin, there is a great deal of blame and excuse that is largely accepted in our culture-even in the Garden. But when we put our focus on God and his wrath, we are forced to see ourselves for what we are-our sin for what it is. Anyone else feel that shift when saying we are saved from God?
7. TLC sees her take away as what the enemy means for evil, God uses for good. We see this consistently throughout scripture and it can be seen in our own lives. I agree that is a take away from this lesson and when something hard is happening in life, I do look for what God is doing in it.
So much in these two chapters!
Prayer request: I feel there is a spiritual battle going on for my son-in-law. His name is Zach. I believe I asked for prayer for him here about wanting him and our daughter to join our small group. Our study starts this coming Thursday. Please continue to pray he says “yes”. I feel this is so important.
Chris — it is so good you brought out Steven’s standing — I remember Keller sharing that in a sermon and Kevin DeYoung’s article is excellent. Thanks for the link — it’s short so I hope many will read it.
And may Zach and your daughter join your small group if that is God’s best!
I was listening to Alistair Begg and he said Saul would be a modern day terrorist, willing to die flying an airplane into a building for the truth he thought was right.
It’s really something to think about the conversion of such a person. The people God chooses to use…
This is such a rich study and you have brought out so many important points, Chris. I have been thinking of the characters in these two chapters, all week. I agree that it is something to think about! The conversion of Saul! All these unlikely people that God uses, give me great hope for lost friends and family.
Friday
—I just took time to read both chapters of this weeks lesson
and then listen to the TLC Recap.
A comment she made about Stephen’s discourse to the Sanhedrin stood out to me. She said something to the effect that Stephen like Jesus didn’t give the answer to their questions but gave them information they needed to know. His purpose in reiterating the Hebrew history of rejecting the message of their prophets and killing them was a pattern and how it had culminated in them personally killing God’s own Son the ultimate Prophet. Then as chapter 7 ends with the story of Saul watching and guarding the cloaks of the ones throwing the stones to kill Stephen I couldn’t help but think about Saul and what God let him see and hear that day. Even though he was enraged with the others and was spurred on to persecute and kill any Christian he could find the day was soon coming that Jesus stopped him in his tracks. Stephen’s prayer asking God to not charge them with the sin of killing him was certainly answered in Saul’s case. God saved him. And what an example of God being able to save anyone. Even the hardest of hearts.
One other thing I found to be completely new to me and also very interesting was the Saul/Paul name thing. I had never heard that before but had always thought he had an actual name change. It’s another example of needing to have a clearer understanding of the cultural implications for getting biblical interpretations correct. Appreciated that side note.
Ok lastly some comments this week that blessed me.
First Dee, Hearing about your trip to Seattle brought back sweet memories of when our daughter lived there. My favorite time of year to visit was Spring. The beauty of the flowers is breathtaking. The great Northwest is so lush with foliage and beautiful trees and flowers. I loved it. One year we visited the tulip fields up north of Seattle. Unbelievable beauty and color. I miss those visits.
Bing’s answer to question 8 has sweet insight to worshipping God in the ordinary. Thanks Bing!
What are some ways you worship God all day long without a temple?
“Worshiping God is being aware of His presence and His character through the ordinary and the extraordinary. Washing dishes (I love to do dishes by hand!), digging in the dirt, doing my exercises, driving, etc. I find myself tuning in more to Him, especially when I am alone. A spirit of thankfulness pulls me into His presence.
This comment by Chris was insightful and delightful to me.
“It would seem the message is that the gospel is for everyone and nothing can stop it.”
I liked Patti’s God Shot:
“My God Shot is that God gives opportunity to those who are seeking Him in their hearts.”
Thanks for the reminder that it is a heart issue. ❤️
And it was so good to hear from Dawn. Thanks for your story of God’s faithfulness to you personally in your workplace and the testimony you had for Him as a result.
This morning was a good way to end my week on the blog and the valuable teaching from Acts 7&8.
Bev, I love this: Stephen’s prayer asking God to not charge them with the sin of killing him was certainly answered in Saul’s case. God saved him. And what an example of God being able to save anyone. Even the hardest of hearts.
We need to remember to pray for our enemies, even those who seem beyond saving in our estimation.
I love how you encourage, Bev.
10. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
After Phillip baptizes the eunuch he is “snatched away” by the Holy Spirit. I’m not sure what this means. Did he just leave quickly because he felt he needed to go? Why wouldn’t he stay with the man since he was just baptized? It seems wrong.
11. Have you ever had a similar experience as Philip did with the eunuch, sensing you should talk to someone about the gospel? Share.
Not very many times. When I have tried to tell others I flop. I’m not very good at it. I stumble on my words. It makes me wonder if I am an authentic believer. Why can’t I tell others easily? It is always hard.
I have told the story before…I had a colleague who allowed her 14 year old daughter turn into a boy. I felt so awful for her. She is not a believer. It happened to be at Easter and I tried to explain that Jesus died for our sins. I remember her saying that He didn’t care about those who suffered with being gay or different. It was sad. What I remember is I couldn’t change her mind. Her girl is a boy now. She is still an atheist. I made no difference at all.
Oh Laura. We never know what seeds will take root over time. You have many talents and you are using them, especially with kids, your grandchildren and your students.
I would think being whooshed away by the Holy Spirit would have impacted the eunuch profoundly — this WAS OF GOD! 🙂
Laura, you make a great difference. We cannot control what people are willing to accept. Often, people may think about it later. I think if God prompts your heart, He can use your words. You were obedient to Him! You make a difference in many lives for sure.
Thursday/Friday: Tara, God Shot
Go back to the devotional and scroll down to see the Bible Recap — should look something like this:
12. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.”
There were 53 verses, nothing was mentioned about Stephen; all about the gospel!
The Sanhedrin is like the Supreme Court.
Go keeps pursuing people; his people continue to reject him and persecute His prophets. Filled with rage, but Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit.
At the closing of the chapter, Stephen saw Jesus standing instead of sitting next to the Father. He is praying for us
TLC highlighted that Paul was both a Roman and a Jew, and his names, Saul and Paul, were the same in different language origins.
I can be like Simon, wanting the power of God, not the presence of God.
“Say hi to the guy!” (Funny on Philip going to talk to the eunuch)
God’s people, though persecuted and dispersed, went and told the gospel instead of hiding.
God wants to be known more than we want to know Him.
My God Shot is that God is always pursuing us.
Great God Shot.
I could relate, Bing to sometimes wanting His power, when I am needing to just desire Him.
12. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.”
God pursues His people and the people continue to reject.
This is a repeated history through the Bible and continues today.
What the enemy intends for harm, God uses for good.
He turns the enemy back on himself.
Simon selfishly wants power, the Ethiopian humbly wants God.
There is so much in these two chapters and I learned from everything all of you posted!