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Stephen, one of seven exceptional men the 12 selected as special ministers for the needs of the congregation in Yerushalayim, is accused of blaspheming God and Moshe and speaking against the temple and “the law,” specifically, saying that Yeshua would destroy the temple and “alter the customs Moses handed down to us.” Was Yeshua Messiah or manipulator? Stephen responds with a Peter-like cutting-to-the-heart retelling of Israel’s history.
Food for thought from the recorded discussion
Download study notes in PDF format.
Was Stephen blaspheming against God? Against Moses? The Temple? How did Stephen respond to the question?
Acts 7:2 — How does Stephen start his defense? How does he introduce God?
What does Stephen say about Moses? (Acts 7:20, 22)
Why did Stephen backtrack this far in his defense?
How were Peter and Stephen’s defenses similar to the method of the prophets in the Tanak?
What did it mean that Stephen “had the face of an angel”?
Acts 7:2-8 — What does Stephen say about Abraham? What does Stephen tell us about the consequence of Abraham’s obedience?
What does Stephen say about Joseph (Acts 7:9-15)
How was Joseph’s betrayal by his brethren similar to the Sanhedrin’s betrayal of Yeshua?
Who recognized Joseph’s calling?
Who recognized Yeshua’s calling?
What does Stephen say about Moses? (Acts 7:20-44; Hebrews 11:23)
How was Moses’ very early life similar to Yeshua’s?
What did Moses’ learn during his 40 years in Midian?
What is the lesson that Stephen wants his audience to remember about Moses?
How do these points lead to Yeshua?
Why does Stephen speak about these 3 men (Abraham, Joseph and Moses) specifically?
What could Stephen have said about the Temple? (John 2:19)
Was there a danger of the temple becoming an idol? (Jer. 7)
After Stephen answers the accusations against him, what accusations does he raise against the Sanhedrin? (Acts 7:51-54)
Why was Stephen killed for blaspheming God or “blaspheming” the Sanhedrin?
Speaker: Jeff.