In v. 1a refers to a person named Saul. He approves of Stephen's murder. He seems to have had some authority as a passive overseer of the coats of those who murdered Stephen, as he watched their coats (7:58). Moreover, this Saul begins become an organizer to imprison those who shared the same convictions and practices as Stephen (v.3). Discuss the moral shaping of Saul from observer of coats, to approver, to one who imprisons. How do these experiences build on each other and extend?

v. 1b speaks of the persecution breaing our and the church in Jerusalem and the scattering of the church into Judea and Samaria. Why would the apostle's not scatter? What does this say about them? In v. 2, after the persecution and scattering, the text describes the care of the body of Stephen and the subsequent mourning for him. What does this say about their relationship with Stephen, their friendship with him? Describe the context in which they do this and what risks their activities bring them? What type of moral formation would they have had to undergone to engage in such activities?

Vv. 4-8 describes the aftermath of the campaign against the church, and Stephen's martyrdom. Why doesn't the persecution of the church work to intimidate and shut these believers up? Why does it have the inverse effect? What does Philip proclaim to the Samarians? What is the significance of the precise language used, preaching "the Christ"? How does this relate to Stephen's sermon in Jerusalem? If Jerusalem struggles with this message, what would you expect the Samarians to do? What keeps the Samarians with him? What is the significance of Philip's acts? Why are they glad? Does the text say that anyone has converted by this point?

It might be good to share stories of series of events that have led to your moral formation, the linkages, the person's, how those experiences pushed you one way of the other, how they moved you to see the world anew and then shaped behavior as a result (or vice versa!). How has good used even mournful things to bring you to today?

Have a wonderful evening!