“Answers For A Study in the Book of Acts” is a weekly post in addition to the regular “Case for the New Testament” posts on the weekend. The original questions are posted on the bottom of the Case for the New Testament” post the weekend before, and the answers appear here mid-week. This gives you time to do your own research and then check your answers here. Keep in mind these will be basic answers with a little depth, but you can go much deeper if you’d like.
Note: The answers will focus on what the text of the Bible says, and commentaries and speculative answers will be noted as such. There are many scholarly commentaries out there but it will be important, as students of the Bible, to keep the text of the Bible as our first source. Commentaries can be used, keeping in mind that they are human thoughts about God’s Word.
Bible Study
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
Read Acts Chapter 7: Then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions.
NOTE: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions.
Stephen is killed for his faith
1. Read Chapter 7:1-50 with your table group (you can break it up into sections)
In the first part of this chapter Stephen, who had been brought before the council because of false accusations (see chapter 6:8-15), began to give a defense (apologetic) for his actions and beliefs:
a. How did Stephen began his “apologetic” (where did he start), and why?
Stephen began with the Old Testament, this was common in this ancient culture, especially Judaism where their historical background was part of their education and religious upbringing.
He reminded them of their history and showed that he knew it and was qualified to teach it as well. It is still an important skill for all Christians to include in their witness. Showing that we know our Christian history, and its connection to the truths of Jesus, gives us greater confidence and hopefully respect from those who question.
b. Make a list, or chart, of the people Stephen referenced in their historical order, and the important events or covenants in each person’s life – Go Deeper by adding the books of the Old Testament where these stories and events can be found:
| Person Stephen spoke about in chapter 7 | Events or Covenants in their life that Stephen spoke about in chapter 7 | Book(s) of the Old Testament where their story is found |
| 1. Abraham | • He left his home country by faith on God’s promises (the Abrahamic Covenant)
• God gave a prophetic statement to Abraham about the 400 year enslavement and eventual return to the land • Goad gave Abraham the Covenant of Circumcision for the generations • Father of Isaac • Obedient to God |
Genesis 12-25 |
| 2. Isaac | • Covenant promise was passed to him from Abraham
• Father of Jacob • Obedient to God |
Genesis 21-28 |
| 3. Jacob (became Israel) | • Covenant promise was passed to him from Isaac
• Father of the Nation – “the twelve tribes of Israel” • Obedient to God |
Genesis 25-50 |
| 4. Joseph | • A foreshadow/picture of Jesus
• Sold into Egyptian slavery • Became 2nd in command ruling Egypt • Saved his family from the famine • Obedient to God |
Genesis 37-50 |
| 5. Moses | • Escaped death and was raised in the Pharaoh’s house
• Highly educated and became a man of power in Egypt • At age 40 he defended his people and killed an Egyptian – then fled to Midian • God appeared to him in a burning bush • Rescued his people after the 10 plagues – Exodus • Parted the Red Sea • Said there will be one coming like me (Messianic prophecy) • Given the Law by God (Mosaic Covenant) • Built the Tabernacle • Wandered in the wilderness with his people for 40 years – due to the people’s disobedience |
Exodus
Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy |
| 6. Aaron | • (Moses’ brother and High Priest)
• Made an idol out of gold for the people • Disobedient to God (along with the people of Israel) |
Exodus
Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy |
| 7. Joshua | • Drove out the nations and brought Israel into the Promised Land
• Obedient to the Covenant |
Exodus
Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua |
| 8. David | • Received the Covenant Promise
• Wanted a permanent dwelling place for the Tabernacle • Found favor in God’s sight – obedient to God |
1 Samuel
2 Samuel 1 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Wrote most of the Psalms |
| 9. Solomon | • Built the “House of the LORD/Temple”
• Obedient (except for his later years) |
2 Samuel
1 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Wrote most of the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs |
c. Discuss: Why do you think it was important for Stephen to review this history in such detail as part of his defense (apologetic)? Is it important for Christians to be able to do this today, and why?
It was customary, and important, for a Jewish man to be able to retell their history, thus showing their knowledge to validate themselves. Stephen went beyond that in his “apologetic” to show how the Jews historically rejected God’s message and God’s prophets.
From the Life Application Bible’s commentary:
“Stephen was specifically pointing out how this council had rejected the Messiah, God’s Son. He made three main points: 1) Israel’s history is the history of God’s acts in the world; 2) people worshipped God long before there was a temple, because God does not live in a temple; and 3) Jesus’ death was just one more example of Israel’s rebellion and rejection of God.”
- It is extremely important for Christians to be able to tell the Bible’s big picture in order to validate the use of “Apologetics” as we seek to defend the faith. Christians must know what they believe and why they believe it, and then share these truths with others – and this starts with Biblical “big picture” knowledge. If we know that the Scriptures point to Jesus and His ministry, death and resurrection, we will be much more equipped to answer questions asked by the culture today.
2. Read Chapter 7:51-60 with your table group
In the last part of this chapter Stephen is martyred for his faith:
a. What did Stephen say that made these men become enraged (7:51-54)? What and who did Stephen see, and how did the crowd then react (7:55-58)?
- Acts 7:51-54 – ““You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him.”
- Acts 7:55-58 – “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
b. What were Stephen’s last words and whose feet did the men lay their robes by as they stoned him (7:58-60)?
When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:58-60
- These last words of Stephen’s are similar to Jesus’ last words. It also appears that he died quickly (fell asleep), just like Jesus did. This helps me trust that Jesus will take care of us in our last moments here on earth. What an example Stephen set for all other Christians to come.
- They laid their robes at the feet of Saul. Saul becomes the Apostle Paul and this event concerning Stephen would have to be on his mind for the rest of his life. I imagine that Paul would later look back on what Stephen had done, and this would give him greater confidence in his own ministry.
c. Going Deeper: Where do you see elements of spiritual warfare being played out in this passage? How does Scripture teach us to respond to spiritual warfare?
We can attribute their reaction to Stephen as demonically influenced (or worse) because their response was excessive and unrestrained:
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. Acts 7:54-57
From gotquestions.org
“The Greek phrase for “gnashing of teeth” literally means “grinding one’s teeth together.” This can mean that one is in pain or agony. Gnashing one’s teeth shows up elsewhere in Scripture in contexts other than feeling pain. In Acts 7:54 the gnashing of teeth is done in anger because of what Stephen had said to the Jewish Council: “They were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.” Psalm 37:12 says, “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them” (see also Psalm 35:16; 112:10; and Lamentations 2:16). In these passages, wicked persons gnash their teeth at righteous persons as the wicked plot against them or disapprove of them. Apparently, gnashing teeth was a sign of great disrespect and anger.”
We can deduce demonic forces were involved here especially in verse 57 where they “covered their ears and rushed at him.” There are similar responses by demons in Scripture when Jesus’ Name is used, or Jesus Himself performs a healing or exorcism.
Ephesian 6:10-18 (the Armor of God) should be a go to passage in our prayers to battle spiritual warfare.
d. Discuss: Write down and share two or three things that you think are important to remember about chapter seven. (Answers will vary)
- Stephen modeled apologetics by using Scripture, and showing how it historically pointed to Jesus
- We gain additional “big picture” information from Stephen’s defense
- We gain insight to spiritual warfare that continues even today, and the importance of prayer and Scripture in our battle against it
Please continue to join us in making our “A Case for the New Testament” along with a study in the book of Acts, and share it with others!
Note: Class presentation, videos, reflections and Bible study question are posted on the weekend – Bible study answers (like these) posted mid-week.
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
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Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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