Acts 6.8-7.53 - Stephen's speech

One of the longest sections of Acts, the actions of Stephen's trial, speech, and stoning are an important story.  Stephen tells God's story through Moses and the old testament prophets and patriarchs.  Stephen's speech encapsulates the story of the witness of Israel to God in a way that convicts us even today.  The message of God the Creator's justice and mercy trumps everything else.  Humanity's disobedience is great; God's power is greater.  We have received the same law and the same righteous one.  How do we receive him, with humility and repentance? Or do we reject him?

Acts 5.12-42 - Gamaliel's Speech

The apostles reach a crossroad.  They've been hauled before the authorities once already.  This time, a new voice is heard.  We would expect to hear Joseph of Arimathea stand to defend the disciples, since he himself was a disciple of Jesus. But instead we hear the voice of Gamaliel, who taught Paul back when we was Saul of Tarsus.
The effects of Gamaliel's speech are clear. And his point resounds to us today. If what we do is human in origin, it will fail.  If what we do is of God, we cannot fail. Following God's plan, God's way, is the goal of life.  Following our own way is the road to destruction.  May we follow the pathway of God.

Acts 4.32-5.11 Great Grace

This weeks story shows us a marked contrast.  On the one hand, we have Barnabas, the cheerful giver who encourages others.

On the other hand, we have Ananias and Sapphira, who plot to withhold from God.
The penalty seems harsh (death), yet the matters are serious.

We know that we can lie to others and often get away with it; we deceive ourselves when we lie to God.  We often live worried about what others will see and as though God cannot see.
How can we live lives that show integrity and honesty to God? How can we encourage others?
The grace of God is great. His giving never ends.