Click here to see the sermon discussion questions or see them listed below. We highly encourage you to listen, think, and talk about the sermon. These are questions you can reflect on by yourself, with your family, or with your small group.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. In our passage this week the Jews have seized Stephen for preaching Christ.  Stephen’s preaching has been so full of grace and power, and accompanied by such great wonders and signs that the Jews could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.  Why then, do you think the Jewish leaders, even with all the irrefutable facts in front of them, had such a hardened heart towards Jesus Christ?  Do you think this same hardened heart can still be found among religious people even within the church?  If so, how so and why?  If not, why not? 
2. Although falsely accused, Stephen’s tone and demeanor towards his persecutors appears calm and respectful.  He addresses them as “brothers and fathers.”  Why do you think Stephen could respond this way and what does it tell you about where his deepest concerns lay?  What do you think Stephen knew that his tormentors did not?  How might Stephen’s response inform and help us when we face similar circumstances?
3. In verses 2-6, Stephen describes Abraham’s life of faith. What made Abraham’s faith so remarkable?  How does Abraham’s faith differ from that of Stephen’s accusers?  Think about your own life.  Does your faith rest upon the blessings and provisions of God? Or does your faith endure even when God’s plans and provision are shrouded in uncertainty?  How would you know what kind of faith you really have?
4. Since only true faith can save us, why is it dangerous to assume a person is a Christian because they said a prayer, had an emotional experience, or walked down an aisle, but now give no indication of any spiritual life? In spite of the danger, we see this happening all the time.  Why?
5. In re-telling the familiar story of Joseph - how he was sold into slavery by his brothers, (the eventual patriarchs of Israel), and how they did not recognize him on their first visit to Egypt - Stephen was showing his persecutors that from the very beginning, the Jews initially did not recognize God’s plan of salvation.  Why do you think he was doing this? What do you think Stephen was desperately trying to help his “brothers and fathers” understand?  What hope does this give us as we present the gospel to friends and family who have rejected Jesus Christ?