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Stephen Chosen to Serve
In Acts 6:1-15, as the number of believers grew, some widows were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. To solve this, the apostles chose seven trustworthy men to help, including Stephen, who was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. As Stephen performed miracles and spoke with great wisdom, some religious leaders argued against him. Unable to prove him wrong, they made false accusations, saying he spoke against God. Stephen was brought before the high council, but instead of looking afraid, his face shone like an angel’s.
Stephen Tells Israel’s History
In Acts 7:1-29, when Stephen was put on trial, he began telling the history of Israel to the high council. He spoke about how God called Abraham, promised to bless his descendants, and led them to a new land. He reminded them of Joseph, who was sold by his brothers but later saved his family, and of Moses, whom God chose to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Stephen explained that Moses tried to help his people, but they rejected him, just as they had often rejected God’s messengers.
Stephen’s Vision and Death
In Acts 7:30-60, Stephen continued telling the council how God sent Moses to rescue Israel, but the people kept turning away from God. He then accused them of doing the same by rejecting Jesus, God’s chosen Savior. This made the leaders furious, but Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up and saw a vision of Jesus standing at God’s right hand. When he said this, they dragged him outside the city and stoned him. As he was dying, Stephen prayed for God to forgive them, just as Jesus had done. A young man named Saul watched and approved of his death.
The Gospel Spreads to Samaria
In Acts 8:1-25, after Stephen’s death, a great persecution began, and many believers fled Jerusalem. Philip went to Samaria, where he preached about Jesus, healed the sick, and cast out evil spirits. Many people believed and were baptized, including a man named Simon, who had been a sorcerer. When Peter and John arrived, they prayed for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon offered money to get this power, but Peter rebuked him, telling him to repent. Simon asked for prayer, and the apostles continued spreading the message of Jesus.
Philip and the Ethiopian Official
In Acts 8:26-40, an angel told Philip to go to a desert road, where he met an Ethiopian official reading from the book of Isaiah. The man was confused about what he was reading, so Philip explained that it was about Jesus. Hearing this, the official believed and asked to be baptized. They stopped by some water, and Philip baptized him. Right after, Philip was taken away by the Holy Spirit, and the official continued his journey full of joy, while Philip went on to preach in other towns.
Saul Meets Jesus
In Acts 9:1-19, Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians when a bright light suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard Jesus’ voice asking why he was persecuting Him. Blinded by the light, Saul was led into the city, where he waited for three days without eating or drinking. Then, God sent a believer named Ananias to pray for him. When Ananias obeyed, Saul’s sight was restored, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was baptized right away and began a new life following Jesus.
Saul Begins Preaching
In Acts 9:20-31, after his conversion, Saul immediately began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. People were amazed because they knew he had once persecuted Christians. Some Jewish leaders became angry and planned to kill him, but his friends helped him escape by lowering him in a basket through the city wall. When Saul went to Jerusalem, the believers were afraid of him at first, but Barnabas introduced him to the apostles. Saul continued preaching boldly, and even when more people tried to kill him, God protected him. The church kept growing, living in peace and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
Peter Heals and Raises the Dead
In Acts 9:32-42, Peter traveled to different towns, visiting the believers. In Lydda, he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years. Peter said, “Jesus Christ heals you,” and Aeneas was instantly healed. Many people saw this and turned to the Lord. Then, in Joppa, a kind woman named Tabitha (also called Dorcas) died. The believers sent for Peter, and when he arrived, he prayed and told her to get up. She opened her eyes and sat up! News of this miracle spread, and many more people believed in Jesus.
Peter’s Vision and a Gentile’s Request
In Acts 10:1-23, a Roman officer named Cornelius, who loved God and helped the poor, had a vision where an angel told him to send for Peter. Meanwhile, Peter had a vision of his own—he saw a sheet filled with animals and heard a voice telling him to eat. When Peter refused because some animals were considered unclean, the voice said, “Do not call anything unclean that God has made clean.” Just then, Cornelius’s men arrived, and the Holy Spirit told Peter to go with them. Peter obeyed, realizing that God was welcoming people from every nation, not just the Jews.
Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
In Acts 10:24-48, Peter arrived at Cornelius’s house, where a large group was waiting to hear his message. Peter explained that God does not show favoritism and that Jesus came to save all people. He told them about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his household, just as He had on the Jewish believers. They began praising God and speaking in other languages. Seeing this, Peter realized they should be baptized, and they were welcomed as full members of God’s family.