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
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