Acts 6:8-15; 9:1-8

Go Deep

(Acts 6:8-15; 9:1-8)

Read Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60; 9:1-8 and jot down everything that impresses you.

Read Acts 6:11. Does it surprise you that ostensibly religious people would resort to deceit and false testimony? Explain.

How is the trial of Stephen reminiscent of the trial of Jesus?

Read Stephen’s last words in 7:60. Do you think these words had any impact on the people who were stoning him or on those watching? Explain.

What is the relationship between the murder of Stephen and the great persecution that broke out that same day (7:60-8:1)?

Read 9:1, which in Greek says that “Saul was still breathing out threats and murder…” How could a devout man want to murder people?

What was Saul’s reason for wanting to imprison and kill believers in Jesus?

This same kind of thing happens in some Islamic countries today. What are the authorities so afraid of?

When Jesus stopped Saul on the road to Damascus (9:3-4), he said, “Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?” How was Saul persecuting Jesus? Does this hold meaning for us today?

Saul asks (9:5), “Who are you, Lord?” How could he not know?

Read Acts 26:12-18, where Paul tells the story of his conversion in his own words. What does Jesus mean, “It is hard to kick against the goads” (v. 14)?

In verses 16-18, Jesus explains why he appeared to Saul. Is there a sense in which Saul’s mission is shared by Christians today? Explain your answer.

We often hear that we are saved by faith. Here (26: 18) we learn that people are sanctified by faith. What does it mean to be sanctified and what part does faith play?

Have you seen a chain of events in your own life that demonstrates God’s power and foresight? If so, what was it?

What can we apply from these texts to our own lives and to our church?