Sermon Notes-"Stones" based on Acts 7:54-60

Introduction: I wanted to title the message today “Stoned” but decided that might have a different meaning.  But the more I studied and prayed the more I realized I was to preach this passage while highlighting the “stones” that we throw at one another in the church.  So, as I mention those I will move a stone from the pile to the steps as a symbol of laying it down instead of continuing to use against brothers and sisters.

Review-vs. 54

  • Who is Stephen?-Ch. 6-Seven chosen including Stephen were to be good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, he was full of faith, Stephen was full of grace and power and was doing great signs and wonders, as Brad said he was the head of the hospitality committee-Religion (law and temple)
  • Now when they heard these things—ground their teeth
      • gnashing the teeth is a sign of hostility and rage[1]
    • Vs. 51-Stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit-Comparison
    • Vs. 52-You persecuted the prophets and you killed those who announced the Righteous One and you also betrayed and murdered Jesus-Competition
    • Vs. 53-Received the law and did not keep it-Conceit

Reveal-vs. 55-56

·         Vs. 55-full of the Holy Spirit

o   Gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God-a vision

§  Glory of God-Andy Owen-all of who God is on display for the world to see (holiness, justice, righteousness, mercy, compassion, grace, power, knowledge, wisdom, presence, love)

o   Jesus standing at the right hand of God

§  Often we read in the Bible about Jesus seated at the right hand of God-Why?  Because it is finished.

§  Why is he standing?

·         When do we stand for someone or something?

o   When a family processes into a funeral, when a judge enters a courtroom, when National Anthem is sung

o   No clear agreement but explanations include honor toward Stephen as a first martyr or Jesus as the rightful judge despite unjust actions being done.

·         Vs. 56-Behold I see heavens opened and Son of Man standing at right hand of God

o   Heaven opened

§  God himself has taken the initiative and drawn back the veil, so that heavenly realities can be seen[2]

o   Son of Man standing

§  Reference to Daniel 7:13 & also referenced by Jesus in his trial before the Sanhedrin (seated)

§  Stephen is only person besides Jesus in NT to use the title Son of Man.

Responses-vs. 57-60

·         Vs. 57-Cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed him-Blasphemy

o   Picture a kid covering his/her ears

·         Vs. 58-Cast him out of the city & stoned him

o   Witnesses laid their garments at feet of Saul

§  We are introduced to an important person for the rest of the book of Acts.  Saul who will later become Paul and write many of the New Testament books.  But it seems that Saul seems to be leading this persecution of Stephen since the garments are laid at his feet.  We also know that Saul continues this practice of persecution of Christians in the following chapter of Acts. 

·         Vs. 59-As they were stoning Stephen, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit

o   Similar to Jesus prayer in Luke 23:46

·         Vs. 60-Falling to his knees he cried out

o   Lord, do not hold this sin against them

§  Similar to prayer of Jesus on the cross-Luke 23:34

§  My response would probably have been Bitterness or Unforgiveness

o   He fell asleep

Closing: Stones

·         Reminds me of another stoning story in Scripture in John 8 in which Jesus says, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

·         Throughout the message, I have picked up stones that we in the church are guilty of throwing at our brothers and sisters.  Those have been religion, comparison, competition, conceit, blasphemy, bitterness, and unforgiveness.

·         At prayer on Friday a few weeks ago, I invited the group to pray against several ways we have thrown stones at the body of Christ.  I asked us to pray about it but it’s time for it to stop so that unity in Body of Christ be restored so the world will know Jesus. Judgment, Lies, Gossip, Slander


[1] Peterson, D. G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 266). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

[2] Peterson, D. G. (2009). The Acts of the Apostles (p. 266). Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

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