Stephen’s trial and murder remind us that we follow in the footsteps of heroes of our faith who counted the cost and believed following Christ was worth any price, even death. If you and I are going to stand strong as disciples of Jesus in a hostile world, we need to learn from Stephen’s example, because he lived “Like Jesus”.
Discipleship Questions:
Since Acts 7 has 60 verses, we don’t have time to read all of it in the Worship service. But your small group time is ideal for doing it. Reading scripture out loud is powerful. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to read chapter 7 out loud, so if you want to, rotate readers and hear the whole story imagining yourselves there with Stephen.
1. What stands out to you most as you read the story of Stephen’s trial? What do you appreciate most about him and what he did here?
2. Where principles from Stephen’s are most helpful to you in being more prepared for our own 1Peter 3;15 opportunities?
3. Have you ever experienced significant push-back from anyone for your faith? Or have you ever had someone really angry at you about your faith? How did you handle it? How would you respond differently if you had a chance?
4. How does Stephen’s story encourage you in evangelism?
5. How does Stephen’s story reflect the need to count the cost of following Jesus? In your view, is following Jesus worth any cost?
6. How does God’s sovereignty give you reassurance as you read a story like Stephen’s?
**Additional resources on Christ’s advance in hard places: Dispatches from the Front video series, Frontline Ministries. Also, Open Doors International website. Also, Nik Ripkin, The Insanity of God.
