June 27, 2021

Ridgeline Study Prompts

 Acts 6:8-7:60

Prayer and Preparation 

This week’s text is a fairly long passage. Make sure you carve out enough time to read through the text slowly enough to really glean truth and knowledge from these verses. Remember, we don’t read the Bible to finish,  we read the Bible to change. 

Study 

We see that Stephen had a good understanding of the Old Testament and was able to contextualize the  Scripture to the situation. He applied the truths of the Scripture to the people around him. What is the  connection he makes between the people of the OT and the audience he was speaking to in this passage?  

Why did the people listening to Stephen become enraged? Are there times that we get mad, uncomfortable,  or unwilling to change when someone speaks biblical truth to us? What causes this reaction in us? 

Acts 7:59-60 are pretty remarkable verses. What is the significance of what Stephen sees and how he  responds to his persecution? 

Application 

Stephen was equipped to speak truth because of his understanding of the entire Bible. Take time this week to  read some Old Testament passages. If you need an idea, try starting with Psalms or Proverbs, or read through  Genesis and rehearse some of the story Stephen was recalling. Write out what you learn during your Old  Testament study that can be applied to something in your current circumstances. Share what you write down  with a spiritual partner over coffee or a meal.