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Apostolic Writings Discussions

True and False Witnesses in Acts 7–8: The Hidden Legal Story Behind Stephen’s Stoning

https://hallel.info/wp-content/uploads/file/081108%20Acts%207v57-8v3%20-%20True%20and%20false%20witnesses%20at%20the%20death%20of%20Stephen.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:15 — 6.9MB)Subscribe: RSSStephen’s death in Acts 7:57–8:3 is more than a tragic end—it exposes the clash between true and false witnesses, empty religion and genuine righteousness. In this study, we explore how Stephen mirrors Jesus in forgiveness, how Saul’s violent zeal sets the stage for his […]

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 7 for Beginners: Understanding Stephen’s Message to the Religious Elite

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.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 6:9 – 7:2 — What Is Blasphemy? Lessons from Stephen Before the Sanhedrin

Stephen, one of the seven servants the 12 picked to serve the Yerushalayim congregation, is brought before the Sanhedrin on a number of serious accusations that the law of God indicates are worthy of death. Before looking at his defense in Acts 7, we should look at what blasphemy is.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 6:7-10–What Stephen’s Story Reveals About Real Faith and Spiritual Power

https://hallel.info/wp-content/uploads/file/080830%20Acts%206vv7-10.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:42 — 7.5MB)Subscribe: RSSDiscover how Acts 6:7-10 shatters common assumptions about the early church. In this study of Stephen’s ministry, we explore why “a great many of the priests” believed, how signs and wonders relate to the Word of God, and whether Paul really changed the Torah—or […]

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 6:1–7 — ‘deaconing’

https://hallel.info/wp-content/uploads/file/080823%20Acts%206vv1-7.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:13 — )Subscribe: RSSThe apostles, who were busy teaching and praying for the thousands of new believers in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah, appoint seven exceptional men as deacons to manage a dispute over "equal treatment under the Torah" of needy Greek Jews and Hebrew Jews in the […]

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 4:32 – chapter 5 — Unity Without Uniformity: What Gamaliel Saw That Others Missed

https://hallel.info/wp-content/uploads/file/080809%20Acts%204v32-ch5.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:35 — 9.9MB)Subscribe: RSSWhat does real unity in the Body look like—and how can careless words like “pagan” and “heathen” quietly tear it apart? In this study of Acts 4:32–5, we explore Spirit-led generosity, the shocking judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, and Gamaliel’s surprising defense of the […]

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 4:32 — ‘of one heart and one mind’

The early believers in Yeshua as God’s special Anointed One, His Messiah, had the Spirit of God bringing them together in “one heart” and “one mind.” Though the sharing of resources was a temporary necessity for pilgrims far from home and hungry for God, the commonality they experienced is something all believers throughout time must embrace.