Acts 7–8

We come to one of the most powerful and sobering passages in the entire New Testament. In Acts 7 we witness the church’s first martyr — and one of the greatest sermons ever preached. In Acts 8 we watch the Gospel explode out of Jerusalem through the very persecution that was meant to destroy it. Read both chapters fully before working through this lesson.

Verses 1-53: The Longest Sermon in Acts

Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin — the same council that had condemned Jesus — and rather than defending himself, he preached one of the most comprehensive sermons in the New Testament. He walked through the entire history of Israel: Abraham called out of Mesopotamia, Joseph sold into Egypt and exalted to Prime Minister, Moses born in Egypt raised in Pharaoh’s house then rejected by his own people, the tabernacle in the wilderness, the temple of Solomon.

His point was not merely historical. He was making a theological argument that cut deeply: God has always operated outside of buildings, outside of the religious establishment, and ahead of where Israel expected Him to be. And Israel has always resisted Him.

Stephen traced a pattern through Israel’s history: God sends a deliverer, Israel rejects him, God redeems the situation anyway. Joseph rejected — became their savior. Moses rejected — became their deliverer. The pattern culminated in Jesus: the Just One — rejected and murdered by the very people who claimed to follow God.

Verses 54-60: Stoned to Death

When they heard Stephen’s words the council was cut to the heart with rage. They gnashed their teeth. Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He declared what he saw.

They cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, ran at him with one accord, cast him out of the city, and stoned him. A young man named Saul watched over the cloaks of those who threw the stones, consenting to Stephen’s death.

As the stones fell Stephen called on the Lord: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried with a loud voice: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Verses 1-4: Scattered but Not Silenced

At that time a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem. They were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria — except the apostles. Saul devastated the church, going from house to house, dragging men and women off to prison.

But what the enemy meant to use to destroy the church, God used to spread it. Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word. Every refugee from Jerusalem became a missionary. The persecution that was designed to extinguish the fire only scattered the embers. Everywhere the embers landed, new fires started.

Verses 5-25: Philip in Samaria

Philip — one of the seven deacons — went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ. Unclean spirits were cast out with loud cries. The paralyzed and lame were healed. There was great joy in that city. The significance of Samaria cannot be overstated — Jews and Samaritans had no dealings. The Gospel had no such prejudice.

When word reached Jerusalem that Samaria had received the Word of God, Peter and John came and prayed for them to receive the Holy Ghost — for as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus but had not yet received the Holy Ghost. Peter and John laid hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost.

Simon the Sorcerer had amazed the city with his sorcery and believed and was baptized. But when he saw that the Holy Ghost was given through the laying on of hands he offered money to purchase that power. Peter rebuked him sharply. The gift of God cannot be bought. Ministry is not commerce. The anointing is not for sale.

Verses 26-40: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

An angel of the Lord told Philip to leave the revival in Samaria — at its peak — and go south toward Gaza on a desert road. Philip obeyed without argument. On that desert road he encountered a man of great authority: the treasurer of Candace, queen of Ethiopia. He was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah 53.

The Spirit told Philip to join himself to the chariot. Philip ran to him and asked: “Understandest thou what thou readest?” The eunuch’s answer: “How can I, except some man should guide me?” He invited Philip up and Philip, beginning at that same scripture, preached Jesus to him.

As they traveled they came to water. The eunuch said: “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” Philip answered: “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” The eunuch confessed his belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. They went down into the water and Philip baptized him.