Stephen’s Sermon
Acts 7
Introduction.
1. What is the aim of gospel preaching? What should the response be of an audience?
a. The aim of gospel preaching is to present God’s message to a lost and dying world.
b. The response of an audience can be varied, depending on what is inside the heart.
i. In Acts 2, preaching of the gospel produced repentance.
ii. In Acts 7, preaching of the gospel produced murder.
2. Was Stephen trying to provoke an adverse response from his listeners?
a. He was preaching the gospel.
b. The same sun that melts butter hardens concrete. The HEART is the important factor.
3. Stephen’s sermon was much like Peter’s on Pentecost.
a. Perhaps he had been there that day.
b. The sermon was designed to communicate truth and produce faith in Jesus as the son of God.
I. The Conduct of the Patriarchs
A. Joseph, the innocent son, is sold by jealousy.
1. Father’s love of a favored son. Gen 37:3
2. Joseph’s talent with dreams, his ability, provoked hatred. Gen 37:5
3. His brothers hated him without a cause. They rejected him Gen 37:8, 20.
4. He rescued his brothers Gen 45:
B. Jesus, the innocent Son of God, is killed by jealousy.
1. The Almighty Father loved him so much he gave him. John 3:16.
2. The Pharisees despised Jesus because of his ability with the multitudes. Matt 26:1-5 The Pharisees resorted to subtlety to kill Jesus because of his popularity.
3. Though Jesus was innocent, he was crucified as a criminal.
a) Jesus had not sinned, as the Sanhedrin claimed.
b) He endured the pain and humiliation of death to become our Savior. Heb 5:8-9.
4. Jesus became the deliverer of those who hated him.
a) Luke 23:34 Father forgive them…
b) Acts 2:36: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

5. Steven was actually putting these people in touch with the salvation they needed. Just as their fathers had rejected Joseph, they rejected Jesus.
II. Moses.
A. Moses the deliverer of God’s people:
1. Was a favored son in Pharaoh’s house. V 20-22
2. He was smart and handsome, V20-22. A sure recipe for envy.
3. Was rejected by his own brethren. V 25-28. He tried to set them straight. (Set them at one again, KJV).
4. Was sent by God. V25
5. did miracles and signs before Pharaoh v36.
6. They would not obey Moses. V39.
B. Jesus was the deliverer of God’s people.
1. Was the favored son of God. Matt 3:17… This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.
2. He left heaven and took the form of a servant. Phil 2:5-7
3. He was misunderstood and many of his disciples left. John 6:67.
4. Was rejected by his own brethren. John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
5. Was sent by God. John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven.
6. Jesus did miracles and signs before the people. Acts 2:22.
7. They rejected and crucified the Son of God. Acts 2:36
III. The Audience’s Response.
A. On Pentecost, “they were pricked in their heart…”
1. Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO???
2. 3,000 were baptized.
B. At the conclusion of Stephen’s speech, “…they were cut to the heart.
1. Same phrase as in Acts 2.
2. Only here, they rejected the lesson and killed the messenger.
IV. What will be your response to the gospel? Are you cut to the heart? Do you believe?

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"that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18