Verse 1 introduces the speech. Why is it asked by the High Priest? How does the high priest and the mob from the synagogue of the freemen view authority in this situation?

Vv. 2-7: To whom does Stephen address his speech? Why would he use language of family? With whom does Stephen identify? Why would Stephen begin his defense with Abraham? How does this relate to the charge that Jesus was to destroy the temple? Why would he emphasize that God gave Abram no land, especially not the land that they are on? What is the relationship between the election of Abram, his lack of land, and the quote from Exodus 3:12 in v. 7?

vv. 8-16 Behind this section, the issue of land is still seemingly at work. Circumcision is a sign of God's election of the Jews. Why does Stephen mention this and then go into the story of the descendants of Abraham? Why would he call Jacob Jacob and not Israel? Why does he rush to the story of Joseph? What is his point about the story of Joseph? What is he unfolding in his summary of Genesis? Who is Stephen a part of here? Who are his accusers? How is this a "closing argument" in his trial? What is the relevance of his summary of Genesis? How is the mention of famine in Egypt and Canaan (note, not Israel) relevant to the real reason that he was arrested? Do you remember the purpose of Stephen's office? What is he saying about this Jewish Messianic practices that we have seen so far in Acts?

In some ways it is hard for us to see the importance of Stephen's speech for we who are Gentile believers in the Jewish messiah. But how does our lives reflect the life of the election of the Jews? If we share in this same root, what does this story suggest about our lives? How is our life as a congregation like that of a synagogue? What can the synagogue teach us as Messianic belivers?

Have a wonderful evening!