Book of Acts - Sunday morning class
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a concise review of Acts chapter seven, reminding students of the seven men chosen to serve the Greek widows, the laying on of hands by the apostles, and the recorded ministries of Stephen and Philip. The teacher highlighted how the early church’s numbers grew in Jerusalem and noted the unusual obedience of many priests to the word, setting the stage for the conflict that would soon arise. Transitioning to Acts eight, the focus turned to Saul’s fervent agreement with Stephen’s execution and the broader persecution that erupted immediately after Stephen’s martyrdom. The teacher explained how this led to believers scattering from Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and even as far as Gaza. Using maps and a visual illustration of Saul at Stephen’s stoning, the session emphasized the contrast between Jewish opposition and the spreading of the gospel. The class also referenced Paul’s own admission in Acts 22, confirming Saul’s early involvement in the persecution before his dramatic conversion. The overarching message underscored how God’s work persists through trials, urging believers to remain faithful amidst adversity.
Key Scriptures
And when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they cried out and said to Stephen, "You speak contrary to Moses and to God by saying that this holy garment, which you have been given, should be removed from the holy place, and that your fellow priests should no longer be able to offer sacrifice in the holy place, but that instead you should be the only one who offers it." And they cast him out of the city, and they stoned him with stones, and they laid hands on him, and they went and stood over him, and they kept throwing at him until they had covered him with stones. Now, when they had finished stoning him, they took him up and laid him on the ground, and they went to the mount called the Mount of Olives, and they took him up there and laid him on the ground, and they went down to Jerusalem, and they were filled with joy because they had been given the privilege of bearing the name of Jesus. And they began to speak to all who were in Jerusalem about the things that had happened. And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death.
And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And the persecution of the church in Jerusalem began immediately after the death of Stephen, and the disciples were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.