Book Of Acts Essay

The book of Acts was written by Luke around 60-62 AD as a record of the rise and advancement of Christianity and the church. It is written in the form of speeches and ancient historical writing that describes what the Holy Spirit does through the Apostles Peter and Paul. It was written principally to the Roman official, Theopolis, to spread the word of the gospel and convey what Jesus Christ can do for believers. It carries the history of the church with Peter preaching in Jerusalem through the time Paul preaches in Rome and is imprisoned. The major events that take place begin with the birth of the church then move toward the expansion of the church. During that time, the church flourished and “many Jews became disciples.” Despite this,

The Bible gives no indication of Stephen’s date or place of birth. He is first introduced as one of the original seven deacons that had been appointed by the Apostles. Deacons were appointed due to the fact that the Hellenistic (Greek) Jews felt that their widows were being slighted when it came to their care (i.e. distribution of food). The Bible tells us in Acts 6:8 that Stephen was “a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” Opposition arose against Stephen’s ministering, however, the people of the synagogue could not argue with him since the Holy Spirit gave him wisdom as he was speaking. The people of the synagogue plotted against Stephen to give false testimony that he had blasphemed against God and Moses. He was then forced to appear before the Jewish legal court (the Sanhedrin). Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin is the longest speech in the book of Acts and encompasses the majority of chapter seven. During his speech he emphasized that God does not live in one place, such as the temple, and addressed Israel’s disobedience to God. He tells them they are “stiff-necked” and that they “always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51). This infuriated the members of the Sanhedrin but Stephen looked up and saw heaven open with Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). At that, they dragged Stephen out of the