Archives for May 2026

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome. 

Acts 16:19-28  Paul and Silas cast into prison

¹⁹ And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,²⁰ And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,²¹ And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. ²² And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.²³ And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:²⁴ Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.²⁵ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.²⁶ And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.²⁷ And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Paul and Silas are beaten and cast into prison in Philippi. The jailer thrusts them into the inner prison, securing their feet in stocks. At midnight, Paul and Silas sing praises to God in prison. A great earthquake shakes the prison, opening doors and loosening bonds. The keeper wakes and sees the prison doors open.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome. 

 Acts 12:1-25 Peter in prison

12:1-5 Peter put in prison 

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

12:6-11 Angel of the Lord leads Peter out of prison

⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12:12-16  Unbelief of the praying saints

¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.¹⁴ And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.¹⁵ And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

12:17 Peter’s testimony

¹⁷ But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

12:18-25 Herod’s response and death

¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.²⁰ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. ²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Herod puts Peter in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers. Peter is kept in prison, but prayer is made for him. Peter is sleeping between soldiers in prison, bound with chains. The angel of the Lord leads Peter out of prison. They pass the first and second ward, leading to the iron gate of the prison.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome. 

Acts 5:17-24 The high priest and Sadducees “put the apostles in the common prison.“

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,¹⁸ And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.¹⁹ But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,²⁰ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.²¹ And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.²² But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,²³ Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

The high priest and Sadducees “put the apostles in the common prison. “Angel of the Lord opens the prison doors. Tells them to speak the words of life. The high priest sends to the prison to have them brought, but they are gone. The officers find the prison shut, the keepers outside, but no one inside.

Acts 12:1-25 Peter in prison

12:1-5 Peter put in prison 

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

12:6-11 Angel of the Lord leads Peter out of prison

⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12:12-16  Unbelief of the praying saints

¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.¹⁴ And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.¹⁵ And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

12:17 Peter’s testimony

¹⁷ But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

12:18-25 Herod’s response and death

¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.²⁰ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. ²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Herod puts Peter in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers. Peter is kept in prison, but prayer is made for him. Peter is sleeping between soldiers in prison, bound with chains. The angel of the Lord leads Peter out of prison. They pass the first and second ward, leading to the iron gate of the prison.

Acts 16:19-28  Paul and Silas cast into prison

¹⁹ And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,²⁰ And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,²¹ And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. ²² And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.²³ And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:²⁴ Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.²⁵ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.²⁶ And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.²⁷ And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Paul and Silas are beaten and cast into prison in Philippi. The jailer thrusts them into the inner prison, securing their feet in stocks. At midnight, Paul and Silas sing praises to God in prison. A great earthquake shakes the prison, opening doors and loosening bonds. The keeper wakes and sees the prison doors open.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome. 

Acts 5:17-24 The high priest and Sadducees “put the apostles in the common prison.“

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,¹⁸ And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.¹⁹ But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,²⁰ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.²¹ And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.²² But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,²³ Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

The high priest and Sadducees “put the apostles in the common prison. “Angel of the Lord opens the prison doors. Tells them to speak the words of life.The high priest sends to the prison to have them brought, but they are gone.The officers find the prison shut, the keepers outside, but no one inside.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the King James Version (KJV) of the Book of Acts, explicit references to “persecution” primarily highlight the intense opposition against the early church, notably in Acts 8:1, which mentions a “great persecution” in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers. Other key instances include persecution acts in Acts 5:17-42 and Acts 8:1-4. 

Persecution

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1)

What was the result of the persecution?

Acts 4:3-4 ³ And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.⁴ Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Acts 5:29-33 ²⁹ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.³¹ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.³² And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.³³ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Acts 8:4-8 ⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.⁶ And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.⁸ And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 9:17-21 ¹⁷ And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.¹⁸ And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.¹⁹ And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.²⁰ And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.²¹ But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the King James Version (KJV) of the Book of Acts, explicit references to “persecution” primarily highlight the intense opposition against the early church, notably in Acts 8:1, which mentions a “great persecution” in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers. Other key instances include persecution acts in Acts 5:17-42 and Acts 8:1-4. 

Persecution

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1)

Peter and John threatened (Acts 4:18-20)

¹⁸ And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, explicit references to “persecution” primarily highlight the intense opposition against the early church, notably in Acts 8:1, which mentions a “great persecution” in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers. Other key instances include persecution acts in Acts 5:17-42 and Acts 8:1-4. 

Persecution

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1)

Stephen falsely accused, defense, stoning (Acts 6:8-7:1, 7:2-57,  7:58-8:1a)

Falsely accused (Acts 6:8-7:1)

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.⁹ 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.¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.¹¹ Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.¹² And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,¹³ And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.¹⁵ And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Then said the high priest, Are these things so? 

Defense (Acts 7:2-57) Summary outline

2-7 God deals with Israel

8-16 God uses Joseph to save Israel and Egypt from starvation

17-28 Moses born/Kills Egyptian

29-36 God chooses Moses to deliver the people of Israel from the Egyptians

37-44 Wilderness wanderings 

45-53 Accusations against the religious leaders

Stoning (Acts 7:58-7:1)

⁵⁸ And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was consenting unto his death. 

Saul persecutes the church (Acts 8:1, 3, 9:1-4, 22:4-5)

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. ³ As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,² And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.³ And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:⁴ And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

⁴ And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.⁵ As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Peter and John threatened (Acts 4:18-20)

¹⁸ And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

What was the result of the persecution?

Acts 4:3-4 ³ And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.⁴ Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Acts 5:29-33 ²⁹ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.³¹ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.³² And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.³³ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Acts 8:4-8 ⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.⁶ And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.⁸ And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 9:17-21 ¹⁷ And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.¹⁸ And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.¹⁹ And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.²⁰ And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.²¹ But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, explicit references to “persecution” primarily highlight the intense opposition against the early church, notably in Acts 8:1, which mentions a “great persecution” in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers. Other key instances include persecution acts in Acts 5:17-42 and Acts 8:1-4. 

Persecution

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1)

Saul persecutes the church (Acts 8:1, 3, 9:1-4, 22:4-5)

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. ³ As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,² And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.³ And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:⁴ And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

⁴ And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.⁵ As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, explicit references to “persecution” primarily highlight the intense opposition against the early church, notably in Acts 8:1, which mentions a “great persecution” in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers. Other key instances include persecution acts in Acts 5:17-42 and Acts 8:1-4. 

Persecution

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1)

Stephen falsely accused, defense, stoning (Acts 6:8-7:1, 7:2-57,  7:58-8:1a)

Falsely accused (Acts 6:8-7:1)

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.⁹ 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.¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.¹¹ Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.¹² And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,¹³ And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.¹⁵ And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Then said the high priest, Are these things so? 

Defense (Acts 7:2-57) Summary outline

2-7 God deals with Israel

8-16 God uses Joseph to save Israel and Egypt from starvation

17-28 Moses born/Kills Egyptian

29-36 God chooses Moses to deliver the people of Israel from the Egyptians

37-44 Wilderness wanderings 

45-53 Accusations against the religious leaders

Stoning (Acts 7:58-7:1)

⁵⁸ And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was consenting unto his death. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Preaching in the Book of Acts (KJV) highlights the explosive growth of the early church through the bold proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection, the Kingdom of God, and salvation by grace. Key references show apostles and believers preaching in cities like Samaria, Antioch, Athens, and Rome, often amidst persecution. 

Preaching by:

Subject:

Acts 8:12: Philip preached the things concerning the kingdom of God.

 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 

Acts 10:36: The word… preached [preaching] peace by Jesus Christ.

³⁶ The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 

Acts 14:15: Paul and Barnabas preached that people should turn from vanities to the living God.

¹⁵ And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 

Acts 17:18: Paul preached Jesus and the resurrection in Athens.

¹⁸ Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. 

Acts 20:25: Paul went among the Ephesian elders preaching the kingdom of God.

²⁵ And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com