Acts Chapter 7

Acts 7 is a mouthful! After Stephen is brought before a council of Jewish leaders, he is given a chance to defend himself. However, instead of thinking of himself, through the power of the Holy Spirit he testifies about how leaders of the Israelites and prophets throughout history have prophesied and foretold the coming of the Messiah and how Jesus was the fulfillment of those prophesies. Stephen's testimony also exposes the sins of the Jewish leaders who are confronting him. In the end, Stephen is stoned to death. The amazing part is that Stephen's eyes are so fixed on God that he actually sees the glory of God and Jesus standing in the place of honor at the right hand of God! With Stephen's last breath, he pleads with God to forgive those who are persecuting him. I love how innocent and pure Stephen is.

Acts Chapter 6

Here's a little story about Stephen!

Acts Chapter 5

Read Acts Chapter 5 to get more background information.

Acts Chapter 4

In Acts 4, the top religious leaders pull Peter and John aside. They warn Peter and John to stop speaking and performing miracles in the name of Jesus. Peter and John respond something like this: "Is it more important for us to obey God or to obey you? What do you think? As for us, we can't help but testify to who Jesus is and what he has done!"

Acts Chapter 3

I love this story!

Acts Chapter 2

In Acts chapter 2, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised would come, filled and empowered the followers of Jesus. Amazing signs and wonders were happening in those days, and all of those were pointing to God. The miracles alone, though, were not what pierced the hearts of men and women. The testimony of Jesus Christ being the ultimate sacrifice for mankind, as was prophesied long ago in many times and in various ways, is what compelled people to change their lives and to align themselves with the heart of God.

Acts Chapter 1

I am reading the book of Acts from the bible this month and writing a song about each chapter. Here is the first song! Acts 1 is about a time of transition from when Jesus was here in person to when the Holy Spirit filled those who were followers of Jesus. Believers were empowered and encouraged by the Holy Spirit to testify to who Jesus is and what Jesus had accomplished.