Teaching Notes are Bible studies we taught before GraceLife Ministries began publishing articles online in 1995. Some were presented as sermons, others as group studies.
Our hope is that these older studies will be a blessing to you in your life and ministry. Please use them in any way God leads you.
These teaching notes are part of a study in the Book of Acts about Stephen.
[These notes are from a Bible study taught more than 40 years ago. The notes are in outline form.]
Turn in your Bibles to the Book of Acts chapter 6. Let’s begin reading with verse 1 –
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” Acts 6:1-10
There is much we can learn from the life of Stephen. He was a model believer and leader of the early Church. There are four things in the life of Stephen that should be a part of every Christian’s living faith.
A. He was a man of ‘Divine’ wisdom. (v 10)
B. He was a man of daring courage.
- Before the council he did not compromise in spite of opposition.
- At death he bore suffering without fear or complaint. He died as he had lived – noble and brave.
C. He was a man of definite conviction. He was willing to die rather than compromise.
D. He was a man of great power.
- He was full of the Spirit. (6:3 & 7:55)
- He had faith in God. (6:8 & 7:58-60)
- He was in fellowship with Christ. (7:55-56)
How many of us measure up to the spirituality of Stephen? How many of us have his wisdom, courage, conviction, and power?
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from more than 40 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you, your family and your ministry.]
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Founder & Director of GraceLife Ministries View all posts by gracelifethoughts
