Category: Bible reading plan

Simon, the sorcerer, professed belief. Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the… Continue reading Acts 8 – Most of the chapter is devoted to the tale of two believers.

Take some time to listen to Max McLean read this speech. It is an amazing confirmation of how much of Israel's history of faith Stephen one of the first Deacons in the church actually knew and was able to effectively articulate. Also note his boldness. Act 7:51  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye… Continue reading Acts 7 – Stephen’s amazing speech…

It is interesting that although the 7 were selected for most likely what we would call Deacon duties in today's church, the first of these was more noted for his faithful words than his service of good works. We will see in the next chapter that this persecution leads to the first martyrdom. Act 6:8  And… Continue reading Acts 6 – Stephen – Initial Acts of Persecution

I am skipping over the text about openly lying to the Holy Spirit, but it is worth reading on it's own. At the end of the chapter we see the 2nd phase of the persecution begun earlier when John and Peter were taken and warned before the council. Now they were found teaching even more… Continue reading Acts 5 – Patience and Empowerment to Endure Persecutiion