Dying to Live

DAILY READING

Acts 7:35-60

FIELD NOTES

Stephen, an early leader in the church and the first martyr for the Christian faith, was put on trial being accused of blasphemy. The religious authorities of the time claimed that he had both dishonored their temple and Old Testament law. For Stephen, the grace of God far outshined any building or set of rules.

At his trial, Stephen presented his case boldly and logically. He laid out the history of the Jewish faith by invoking names such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses and David. He then pivoted and directly attacked the current establishment. He compared their treatment of Jesus with earlier Jewish rejection of God’s messengers and leaders. If you look at v.48, he even takes aim at the Temple by saying, “…the Most High does not live in houses made by men.”

It is interesting to note that while Stephen was being stoned to death, in a similar way to Jesus, he died forgiving those that were killing him. Among those stoning him was Saul, or the apostle Paul. Taking part of Stephen’s death and witnessing his prayer of forgiveness to those killing him certainly had a profound affect on Saul’s own ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• How would you react if you were put on trial for your faith? How would you justify your faith in Christ? What would you say?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• How can you defend your faith from those that may criticize you for being a Christian? How can you receive the courage to do so?

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear Lord, give me the courage to defend my faith like Stephen. And when I falter and fall short, work in me like you worked in Saul, transforming me to be capable of doing your work on earth. I ask these in your Holy Name. Amen. 

40 DAYS: A LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

Our Discipleship Team has put together a 40-day devotional for you to ponder and reflect during Lent. You can read the devotional here through the Daily Field Guide starting March 7.