1. Something worth dying for – Acts 6:8 - 7:60 1. The person who is a witness a. Their character/life - 6:8,15 Gal 5:22,23 a. Their character/life - 6:8,15 Gal 5:22,23 b. Their work – Stephen had special gifts b. Their work – Stephen had special gifts - “wonders & signs”- 6:8 cf. 2Cor. 12:12 - “wonders & signs”- 6:8 cf. 2Cor. 12:12 - dialogue – v.9,10 cf. Acts 17:2,3 - dialogue – v.9,10 cf. Acts 17:2,3

2. 2. Witness to Jesus a. Hostile environment – 6:9-15 b. Witness through his words - 7:1-53 1. The temple 1. The temple - Abraham – 7:2-8 - Abraham – 7:2-8 - Joseph – 7:9-19 - Joseph – 7:9-19 - Moses – 7:20-44 - Moses – 7:20-44 - David & Solomon – 7:45-50 - David & Solomon – 7:45-50 Jesus is the new temple – cf. John 2:21-22 2. The law – the story of Israel was one of rejecting God’s servants and breaking God’s law 2. The law – the story of Israel was one of rejecting God’s servants and breaking God’s law

3. Witness to Jesus c. Witness through death – 7:54-60 1. Rage of accusers - 7:54,57,58 1. Rage of accusers - 7:54,57,58 2. Spirit-filled suffering - 7:55f 2. Spirit-filled suffering - 7:55f a. Knowing Christ’s presence - 7:55,56 a. Knowing Christ’s presence - 7:55,56 Heb. 12:2; Phil. 3:10 Heb. 12:2; Phil. 3:10 b. Displaying Christ – 7:59,60 cf. Lk. 23:34,45 b. Displaying Christ – 7:59,60 cf. Lk. 23:34,45 c. The impact of his death – on Saul & the spread of the Gospel – 22:20; 8:1,2,4 c. The impact of his death – on Saul & the spread of the Gospel – 22:20; 8:1,2,4

4. 3. Witness to Jesus today a. God is in charge b. Jesus is where we meet God c. What is my witness to Christ like? - my life - my life - my words - my words - my willingness to give everything - my willingness to give everything d. Our building plans?