Day 322 (Acts 7-8) - Year 6
The Bible Recap
Deep Dive
Why did Stephen's death lead to the spread of the gospel rather than its suppression?
Stephen's martyrdom caused believers to disperse from Jerusalem, taking the gospel message with them and spreading it to new regions.
Why did Jesus stand at the right hand of the Father when Stephen was martyred?
Scholars suggest Jesus stood to advocate for Stephen before the Father or to welcome him into the afterlife, emphasizing Jesus' ongoing involvement and support.
How did Saul's actions contribute to the escalation of persecution against Christians?
Saul actively hunted Christians, dragging them from their homes and imprisoning them, which intensified the conflict between Jewish followers of Christ and non-believing Jews, as well as between Christians and Roman authorities.
What was the significance of the Ethiopian eunuch's baptism?
The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrated the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, welcoming non-Jews into the faith and challenging ethnic and religious prejudices.
Why was the chapter Isaiah 53 considered forbidden among some Jews?
Isaiah 53 was seen as controversial and was sometimes excluded from Jewish holy books due to its Messianic prophecies, which were deemed too provocative or heretical by some Jewish authorities.
How did the spread of the gospel during persecution reflect God's sovereignty?
Despite attempts to suppress the gospel through persecution, believers continued to preach the word, demonstrating God's ability to turn evil intentions into opportunities for spreading His message.
- Stephen's defense focuses on Israel's historical rejection of God's messengers.
- He sees a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, which scholars interpret as Jesus rising to be Stephen's advocate.
- Stephen's speech builds to a climax where he accuses the Sanhedrin of killing Jesus, the Son of God.
Shownotes Transcript