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?
33 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!
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!
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.
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.
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.