Acts 7: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The high priest asks Stephen if the accusations against him are true (v 1). Stephen begins his defense by recounting God’s covenant with Abraham in Mesopotamia, his call to leave, and the promise that his descendants would inherit the land (vv 2-5). He narrates Joseph's story, detailing how jealousy led his brothers to sell him into Egypt, where God was with him (vv 9-10).

Key verse

“and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
Acts 7:56 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 7:1–8 Stephen's Defense Begins
Acts 7:9–19 Joseph's Story
Acts 7:20–34 Moses and His Call
Acts 7:35–43 Rejection of Moses
Acts 7:44–50 Tabernacle and God's Presence
Acts 7:51–60 Stephen's Martyrdom

Discussion questions

In v23, what prompted Moses to visit his brothers, the children of Israel?
What does the phrase 'stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears' in v51 imply about the audience?
Stephen's reference to the 'God of glory' in v2: how does this shape his argument before the Sanhedrin?
The vision of Jesus in v56: what does it signify for Stephen's understanding of his own martyrdom?
When have you experienced rejection similar to how Moses was rejected in v27?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 7: Luke 23, Exodus 3, Isaiah 66.

Before next time: read Acts 8.