Day 191: Acts 7:55
Acts 7:55
The Blueprint — The Verse
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Memorization Practice
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Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
Stephen, one of seven table servants, becomes the first Christian martyr in Jerusalem. His sermon recounts Israel's resistance to God's messengers, climaxing in vision of glorified Jesus.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Before the council, Stephen rehearses Abraham to Moses to prophets who foretold the Righteous One. Enraged leaders drag him out to stone him as he sees heaven opened and Jesus standing.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Acts 7:54
The Stoning of Stephen54When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Acts 7:54) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Acts 7:56
56“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Acts 7:56) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- What does seeing Jesus 'standing' suggest about his welcome of martyrs?
- How does Stephen's forgiveness echo Jesus on the cross?
- What courage does the Spirit provide in persecution?