1. Acts of the Apostles (Chapters Seven & Eight) Stephen’s Sermon before the council (7:1-52). Theme  Israel’s rebellion against God. - God’s covenant with Abraham (1-8). - Joseph in Egypt (9-16). - Moses’ & Israel’s rebellion (17-43). - Rebuke for rejecting God in Jesus (51-52). - Stoned & Saul was there (58; 8:1).

2. Acts of the Apostles (Chapters Seven & Eight) Saul’s persecution (8:1-3). cf. Acts 22:4, 19; 26:9-11 Philip’s Work (8:4-40). - Preached in Samaria (4-8). - Sorcerer’s conversion: note… “believed” – “was baptized” – “continued with Philip” (13).

3. Acts of the Apostles (Chapters Seven & Eight) The Sorcerer’s sin (8:14-25). Sought to buy the gift of laying on of hands. - Note: “apostles hands” (18). This gift died with the apostles. - Peter’s rebuke:  “Perish” (20).  No “part nor portion” with them (21).  Repent & pray that “may be forgiven you” (22).

4. Acts of the Apostles (Chapters Seven & Eight) It is possible for a Christian to sin so as to be lost after having come to salvation in Christ.  cf. Hebrews 6:4-8  Hebrews 10:26-29  II Peter 2:18-22.

5. Acts of the Apostles (Chapters Seven & Eight) Ethiopian Nobleman (8:26-40). - Note: Preaching Jesus involves preaching baptism (35-36). - Some manuscripts omit vs. 37 – quoted in part by Irenaeus in 2 nd Century. cf. Matthew 10:32-33; I John 4:15 - Baptism involves going “down into” & coming “up out of” water (38-39).