After watching the stoning of Stephen Saul becomes a weapon in the Pharisees hand. He becomes the Christian’s biggest persecutors. We are told, by Saul/Paul himself that he was a “Pharisee of Pharisees.” In other words, he grew up under the teachings of the Pharisees, as his own father was one as well. He learned […]
We have reached the first of Jesus followers to be killed for his faith, Stephen. He dies only after delivering Jesus’ message of redemption. The Christian faith considers Stephen to be the first martyr for the faith. AFTER Jesus he was, but scores of people died before him defending the message of the Lord. Most […]
Things are heating up for the apostles; both good and bad. MULTITUDES are added to their number every day, and the high priest does NOT like it! The first part of our story today deals with a conniving couple. They want to look good in everyone’s eyes; those who were fully sharing all they had. […]
The church is young and not suffering severe persecution; yet. The early acts of Jesus’ followers are AMAZING and bring in more believers. One thing that struck me as I read this passage in scripture is the age of the man who is healed. He has been being laid at the Beautiful Gate for YEARS. […]
Jesus has been taken to Heaven, making way for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to be poured out on all people. It is the birth of the Church! Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit and His work throughout His ministry. He even stated that the Spirit had revealed to Peter that Jesus was the Christ. […]