Kingsglory International Ministries Maraban Rido Branch Kaduna

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13/07/2026

BIBLE STUDY! Acts 9:10-19
What a beautiful display of God's grace.
We now witness the Lord's gentle provision for His humbled servant. Saul is blind, fasting, and praying in Damascus. The Lord sends a reluctant but obedient disciple named Ananias to heal him, baptize him, and welcome him into the family of God.

đź“– The Message of Acts 9:10-19a
The Lord speaks to Ananias in a vision, commanding him to go to Saul. Ananias objects, knowing Saul's reputation. The Lord reassures him, and Ananias obeys. Saul receives his sight, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and is baptized. His transformation is immediate and complete.

The Call of Ananias (v. 10-12): The Lord calls Ananias by name, and Ananias responds, "Here I am, Lord." This is the language of readiness (Isaiah 6:8). The Lord tells him to go to "the street called Straight" and ask for Saul of Tarsus. He reveals that Saul has seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming to restore his sight. This is a divine orchestration: both men have been prepared for this moment.

The Objection and the Reassurance (v. 13-16): Ananias is understandably frightened. He knows Saul's reputation: "how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem." He has heard that Saul has authority to arrest believers in Damascus. The Lord's response is one of the great revelations of the New Testament: "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." The persecutor is not merely forgiven; he is chosen for a specific, glorious purpose. The Lord adds, "I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." Saul's calling will include suffering—a powerful reminder that following Christ often means sharing in His sufferings (Philippians 3:10).

The Obedience and the Healing (v. 17-18a): Ananias obeys. He goes to the house, lays his hands on Saul, and calls him "Brother Saul." This is a stunning act of grace: Ananias receives the persecutor as a brother in Christ. He explains his mission: "The Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales falls from Saul's eyes, and he regains his sight.

The Baptism and the Refreshment (v. 18b-19a): Saul rises and is baptized. His first act as a disciple is public obedience to the Lord's command. Then he takes food and is strengthened. The three-day fast is over. The new creation has begun.

🙏 Prayers to Encounter Jesus in Acts 9:10-19a
1. Prayer of Availability: "Here I Am, Lord"

Lord Jesus, Ananias responded to Your call with immediate availability: "Here I am." I confess that I am often distracted, resistant, or afraid when You call me. Today, I say, "Here I am." Send me where You want me to go. Send me to the "street called Straight" in my life—the place of risk, the person I fear, the assignment I dread. I trust You to equip me for whatever You ask.

2. Prayer for the Grace to See Others as You See Them

Father, You called Saul "a chosen instrument." Ananias saw a persecutor; You saw an apostle. I confess that I often label people by their past—their failures, their sins, their opposition to me. Give me Your eyes. Help me to see the potential for transformation in the hardest people. And when I am hesitant to reach out, remind me that Your grace is greater than any sin.

3. Prayer for Those Who Are "Scales" in My Life

Lord Jesus, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes. I pray that You would remove the scales from my own eyes—the spiritual blindness that keeps me from seeing Your truth, Your will, and Your love clearly. Remove my prejudice, my preconceived ideas, my stubborn unbelief. Let me see as You see. And I pray for those I love who are spiritually blind: let the scales fall from their eyes today.

4. Prayer for the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Ananias was sent so that Saul might be filled with You. I thank You that the same Spirit who filled Saul fills every believer. Today, I ask for a fresh filling. Cleanse me, empower me, guide me. Let the fruit of Your presence be evident in my life. And let me never take Your indwelling presence for granted.

5. Prayer of Thanksgiving for Unexpected Brothers

Lord, Ananias called Saul "brother." The enemy became a brother. I thank You for the unexpected brothers and sisters You have brought into my life—those who started as strangers or even opponents, but who are now family in Christ. Help me to welcome others with the same grace. Let me be an Ananias to someone who needs a brother's touch.

đź’ˇ For Your Reflection
Is there a "Saul" in my life—someone I fear, resent, or have written off as beyond God's reach? Am I willing to be an Ananias to them, even if it requires risk?

A practical step this week: Identify one person you have "written off" spiritually. Pray for them by name every day this week. Ask God to show you how you might reach out to them—even in a small way. Like Ananias, you may find that God has been preparing them for your touch.

Saul's transformation is now complete. He immediately begins to preach Jesus in the synagogues of Damascus. We will continue to Acts 9:19b-31, where Saul's bold proclamation astonishes the Jews, the Greeks seek to kill him, and he escapes by being lowered in a basket through the city wall—later arriving in Jerusalem where he is initially feared by the disciples but is welcomed by Barnabas, and the church enjoys a season of peace and growth

11/07/2026

BIBLE STUDY! Acts 9:1-9

We now arrive at one of the most dramatic and pivotal conversions in all of Scripture. Saul of Tarsus, the chief persecutor, is intercepted by the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. This encounter changes everything. The enemy becomes the apostle. The wolf becomes the shepherd.

đź“– The Message of Acts 9:1-9
Saul is breathing threats and murder against the disciples. He obtains official authority to arrest any followers of "the Way" in Damascus. But his journey is interrupted by a light from heaven and a voice that will forever change his life.

The Relentless Persecutor (v. 1-2): Saul is not merely opposed to the church; he is "still breathing threats and murder." The Greek is vivid: he is exhaling violence. He approaches the high priest for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, authorizing him to arrest any followers of "the Way" (the earliest name for Christianity) and bring them to Jerusalem for trial. His zeal is unmatched. He is the enforcer, the hunter, the destroyer.

The Light from Heaven (v. 3-4): As Saul approaches Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashes around him—brighter than the sun (Acts 26:13). The Greek word for "flashed" means a sudden, brilliant, overwhelming radiance. Saul falls to the ground. He hears a voice: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" The double use of his name is a Hebraism of intimacy and urgency (as with Abraham, Jacob, Moses). The question is piercing: Saul believes he is serving God, but he is actually opposing God's Messiah.

The Identity of the Glorified One (v. 5-6): Saul asks, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice replies: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." This is the staggering revelation. Jesus is risen. Jesus is glorified. Jesus speaks from heaven. And—most astonishing—Jesus identifies Himself with His people. To persecute the church is to persecute Christ. The body is so united with the Head that an attack on the members is an attack on the Master. Saul's response is immediate surrender: "What shall I do, Lord?" The persecutor has become a disciple.

The Blinding and the Waiting (v. 7-9): The men traveling with Saul hear the voice but see no one. Saul rises from the ground, but when he opens his eyes, he is blind. He is led by the hand into Damascus. For three days, he is without sight, and he neither eats nor drinks. This is a period of profound disorientation—physically blind, stripped of his former identity, fasting, praying (Acts 9:11). It is a Holy Spirit-wrought "wilderness" experience that prepares him for his new calling. The proud Pharisee is humbled; the persecutor is silenced; the enemy is being remade.

🙏 Prayers to Encounter Jesus in Acts 9:1-9
1. Prayer of Awe at the Risen, Glorified Jesus

Lord Jesus, You revealed Yourself to Saul as the risen, ascended, glorious King. I worship You as the one who sits at the right hand of the Father, who is alive and active, who still intercepts the proud and the rebellious. Let the same light that shone on the Damascus road illuminate my heart. I do not need a blinding flash, but I need to see You as You are: Lord over all, including my enemies—and Lord over me.

2. Prayer for Identification with Your Suffering Church

Jesus, You asked Saul, "Why are you persecuting me?" You so identify with Your church that an attack on Your people is an attack on You. I confess that I have sometimes treated other believers as separate from You—my differences with them, my criticism of them, my neglect of them. Forgive me. Let me see Christ in every brother and sister. Let me love them as I would love You. And when I suffer for Your name, let me know that You suffer with me.

3. Prayer of Surrender: "What Shall I Do, Lord?"

Lord, Saul's first response to Your revelation was surrender: "What shall I do, Lord?" I confess that I often ask, "What shall I do for myself?" or "What shall I do to advance my plans?" Today, I ask Your question. Show me what You want me to do. My will is Yours. My plans are Yours. My future is Yours. I surrender my agendas, my ambitions, and my self-sufficiency. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.

4. Prayer for Those Who Are Spiritually Blind

Father, Saul was physically blinded so that his spiritual eyes might be opened. I pray for those in my life who are spiritually blind—who cannot see the light of the Gospel because of pride, tradition, or hardness of heart. Intercept them as You intercepted Saul. Let the light shine into their darkness. And if my own heart has grown dim, restore my sight. Let me see Jesus clearly, and let me follow Him with undivided devotion.

5. Prayer for the Hardest Enemies

Lord, if You could save Saul—the chief of sinners—You can save anyone. I bring before You the hardest person in my life: the one who seems most opposed to You, the one I have given up on. I ask You to intercept them. Knock them down with Your grace. Blind them to their self-sufficiency. Bring them to their knees. And transform them, as You transformed Saul, into a vessel of Your glory. I believe that no one is beyond Your reach.

đź’ˇ For Your Reflection
What "Damascus road" encounter do I need? Is there an area of my life where I am actively opposing Jesus—perhaps not in persecution, but in stubbornness, unbelief, or disobedience—and I need to be stopped by His grace?

A practical step this week: Spend three days in focused prayer and fasting (or a modified fast) as Saul did—not for the same dramatic conversion, but for deeper surrender. Use those three days to ask, "What shall I do, Lord?" Journal whatever comes to mind. Let the blind, fasting, silent season be a time of genuine listening.

The narrative continues with the Lord sending Ananias to heal Saul and baptize him. We continue to Acts 9:10-19a, where Ananias, initially reluctant, obeys the Lord's command, calls Saul "brother," and Saul receives his sight, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and is baptized—immediately beginning to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues

10/07/2026

BIBLE STUDY! Acts 8:26-40.

We now follow Philip on a divinely orchestrated journey. The Spirit leads him away from the revival in Samaria to a desert road, where he encounters a single seeker—an Ethiopian official reading the Scriptures. This encounter demonstrates the personal, sovereign guidance of the Spirit and the centrality of Jesus in every page of the Old Testament.

đź“– The Message of Acts 8:26-40
This is one of the most beautiful examples of Spirit-led evangelism in Scripture. The Spirit guides Philip to a specific person, opens the Scriptures to reveal Jesus, and a life is transformed.

The Divine Commission (v. 26-28): An angel of the Lord speaks to Philip: "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert road—not a bustling city, but a lonely place. Philip obeys immediately. There he meets an Ethiopian eu**ch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He is a God-fearer (a Gentile who worshipped the God of Israel), returning from Jerusalem where he had gone to worship. He is sitting in his chariot, reading the prophet Isaiah. This is a man of status, wealth, and religious devotion—yet he needs a guide.

The Spirit's Direction (v. 29-31): The Spirit tells Philip to "go over and join this chariot." Philip runs up and hears the eu**ch reading Isaiah aloud. He asks a brilliant question: "Do you understand what you are reading?" The eu**ch's response is humble and honest: "How can I, unless someone guides me?" This is the universal human condition. We can read the Bible but need the Spirit and a teacher to understand its meaning. The eu**ch invites Philip to sit with him.

The Scripture Opened (v. 32-35): The eu**ch is reading Isaiah 53:7-8, the great Suffering Servant passage: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter... In his humiliation justice was denied him... For his life is taken away from the earth." The eu**ch asks, "About whom does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" Philip seizes the opportunity. "Beginning with this Scripture," he tells him "the good news about Jesus." Every prophecy, every sacrifice, every shadow—all point to Christ. The eu**ch's confusion is resolved: the Suffering Servant is Jesus.

The Immediate Response (v. 36-38): As they travel, they come to some water. The eu**ch asks, "What prevents me from being baptized?" His faith is genuine and immediate. Philip agrees, but only on the condition that he believes "with all your heart." The eu**ch responds: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." They go down into the water, and Philip baptizes him. The barrier of the eu**ch's status (he was physically a eu**ch, excluded from the assembly in Deuteronomy 23:1) is shattered by the grace of the new covenant.

The Spirit's Transport (v. 39-40): As they come out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord "carried Philip away." The eu**ch sees him no more, but "went on his way rejoicing." His joy is not in Philip but in what he has discovered: Jesus. Philip finds himself at Azotus (the ancient Ashdod) and continues preaching the Gospel through all the towns until he reaches Caesarea. The mission continues.

🙏 Prayers to Encounter Jesus in Acts 8:26-40
1. Prayer for Divine Appointments

Lord Jesus, You sent Philip to a desert road to meet one prepared seeker. I confess that I am often too busy to notice the divine appointments You place before me. Open my eyes and ears. Give me the sensitivity to hear Your Spirit's nudges—to cross the room, to sit beside the one who is reading, to ask the question that opens a heart. Use me to guide someone to You today.

2. Prayer for Understanding Scripture

Holy Spirit, the eu**ch read Isaiah but could not understand. Open my eyes to see Jesus in every part of Scripture. When I read the Law, let me see His righteousness. When I read the Prophets, let me see His coming. When I read the Psalms, let me see His heart. Like the eu**ch, I do not want to read without understanding. Be my Teacher and my Guide.

3. Prayer for Humble Inquiry

Lord, the eu**ch said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" I confess my pride—my tendency to think I can figure things out on my own. Give me the humility to ask for help. Let me sit under the teaching of those You have gifted and appointed. And let me be ready to guide others who are searching, with patience and clarity, always pointing them to Jesus.

4. Prayer for Immediate Obedience in Baptism

Jesus, the eu**ch saw water and asked to be baptized immediately. There was no delay, no procrastination. I thank You for my own baptism, and I renew my commitment to that act of obedience. I pray for those who are considering baptism—let them not wait. Let them step into the water as a public declaration that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

5. Prayer for the Joy of the New Believer

Father, the eu**ch went on his way rejoicing. His joy was not dependent on Philip's presence but on the reality of his new life in Christ. I pray for new believers everywhere—that their joy would not be circumstantial but rooted in the certainty of salvation. And I pray for myself: let my joy in You be fresh every day, not dulled by familiarity.

đź’ˇ For Your Reflection
Who is my "Ethiopian eu**ch"—the person searching for truth that God is placing in my path? Am I attentive to the Spirit's prompting to cross the road and engage with them?

A practical step this week: Ask the Holy Spirit each morning to guide you to one divine appointment. At the end of the day, reflect: who did I encounter? Did I cross the road? If not, ask again the next day. Be ready to open the Scriptures to Jesus for someone who is reading but needs a guide.

With Acts 8 complete, the narrative turns to the conversion of the most famous enemy of the church: Saul of Tarsus. We will continue to Acts 9:1-9, where Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples, is confronted by the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus—an encounter that transforms the persecutor into the apostle

09/07/2026

BIBLE STUDY! Acts 8:5-25
We now witness the Gospel crossing a major barrier. Philip, a Greek-speaking Jewish believer, takes the message to Samaria—a people historically despised by the Jews. The Holy Spirit confirms the Word with signs, and a whole city rejoices. Yet even in this great advance, a hidden danger appears: the sin of Simon the Magician.

đź“– The Message of Acts 8:5-25
Philip's ministry in Samaria is marked by power and joy. The response is overwhelming, but Simon's presence reveals that outward faith must be tested by inner reality. The arrival of Peter and John confirms the Samaritans' full inclusion in the new covenant.

The Preaching and the Signs (v. 5-8): Philip goes down to Samaria and proclaims, "the Christ." His message is met with signs: unclean spirits come out with cries, and paralyzed and lame people are healed. The result is "great joy in that city." The Gospel is not just words but power, and it produces authentic, tangible joy.

The Inadequate Substitute (v. 9-13): A man named Simon has been practicing magic, astonishing the people and claiming to be "someone great." For a long time, the people have regarded him as "the power of God that is called Great." But when Philip preaches "the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ," Simon himself believes and is baptized. He follows Philip, amazed by the signs. But his faith is shallow—he is drawn to the power rather than the Person. He is a warning: one can be baptized, believe intellectually, and even follow the preacher, yet have a heart not right with God.

The Apostolic Confirmation (v. 14-17): The apostles in Jerusalem hear that Samaria has received the Word. They send Peter and John to them. The Samaritans had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen on them. Peter and John pray for them and lay hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit. This is a pivotal moment. The Spirit's outpouring confirms that the Samaritans are fully part of the people of God, not second-class believers. The apostolic laying on of hands also visibly connects the Samaritan church to the Jerusalem mother church, maintaining unity.

The Sin of Simony (v. 18-24): Simon sees that the Spirit is given through the laying on of hands and offers money, saying, "Give me this power also." Peter's rebuke is severe: "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!" Peter declares that Simon has "no part or share in this matter" because his heart is not right before God. He calls him to repentance: "Pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you." Simon asks for prayer, but he appears more afraid of consequences than truly repentant.

The Return to Jerusalem (v. 25): Peter and John, having testified and spoken the Word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem, preaching the Gospel to many Samaritan villages on the way. The mission continues.

🙏 Prayers to Encounter Jesus in Acts 8:5-25
1. Prayer for the Gospel to Break My Prejudices

Lord Jesus, You sent Philip to Samaria—a people their ancestors despised. I confess that I have built walls in my heart against certain people: those of different politics, different backgrounds, different lifestyles. Forgive my prejudice. Break down my Samaritan walls. Give me Your heart for the overlooked, the despised, and the far-off. Let me preach Christ to everyone, without partiality.

2. Prayer for the Power of God in Preaching

Holy Spirit, Philip preached Christ and signs confirmed the Word. I ask that my testimony of Jesus would be accompanied by Your power—not necessarily miraculous healings, but the undeniable fruit of transformed lives, broken chains, and deep joy. Let the "great joy" of Samaria be the mark of my witness. Let my words be empowered by Your presence.

3. Prayer for the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Father, the Samaritans received the Spirit when the apostles laid hands on them. I thank You that the same Spirit is available to me. I have already received the Spirit through faith in Christ. But I ask for fresh fillings, for deeper experiences of Your presence. Let the Spirit's power be evident in my life—not for show, but for Your glory and the building of Your church.

4. Prayer Against the Sin of Simony

Lord Jesus, Simon thought the gift of God could be bought. I confess that I have sometimes treated spiritual things as commodities—seeking gifts for my reputation, using ministry for my advancement, serving for recognition. Search my heart. Expose any "gall of bitterness" or "bond of iniquity." Cleanse me from the desire to use You for my gain. Let me serve You simply because You are worthy.

5. Prayer for the Unity of the Church

Lord, Peter and John came to Samaria to confirm the new believers, bridging the divide between Jew and Samaritan. I pray for unity in Your church across every dividing line—race, culture, economic status, denomination. Let the apostles today visit the Samaritans—let the leaders of the church in my city build bridges to those who are different. Let the Spirit's outpouring be the proof that we are one body in Christ.

đź’ˇ For Your Reflection
Is my faith like Simon's—attracted to the power and the signs, but not truly surrendered to the Person? Is there an area where I am treating God's gifts as a transaction, something I can earn or buy?

A practical step this week: Examine your motives in serving. Are you serving for recognition, for a sense of significance, or for the glory of God? Ask the Holy Spirit to purify your heart from the "gall of bitterness" that leads to spiritual pride and rivalry. If you realize you have a wrong motive, repent.

With Samaria evangelized and the unity of the church confirmed, the Spirit now directs Philip to a new mission: a desert road and a lone Ethiopian eu**ch. We will continue to Acts 8:26-40, where the Spirit tells Philip to "Go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza," and he encounters the Ethiopian official reading Isaiah, interprets the Scripture about Jesus, and baptizes him on the spot

08/07/2026

BIBLE STUDY! Acts 8:1-4

We now witness the immediate aftermath of Stephen's martyrdom. The persecution that follows becomes the catalyst for the Gospel's expansion beyond Jerusalem. What the enemy intends for destruction, God uses for propagation. The scattering of the church becomes the sowing of the Word.

đź“– The Message of Acts 8:1-4
Stephen's death marks a turning point. A great persecution erupts against the church in Jerusalem, and believers are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Yet the scattering becomes a mission—they go about preaching the word.

The Approval of Saul (v. 1a): Luke records that Saul "approved of his ex*****on." The Greek word means "consented to" or "was in agreement with." Saul was not merely present; he was an active participant in the killing. This is the portrait of the man who would become the greatest missionary of the early church—a stark reminder that no one is beyond the transforming grace of God.

The Great Persecution (v. 1b-2): "And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem." The scattering is "all except the apostles" —the leadership remains in Jerusalem, while the Greek-speaking believers (including Stephen's circle) are scattered. This is not a total evacuation; the apostles stay as a stabilizing presence. Devout men bury Stephen and make "great lamentation" over him, showing that even in the midst of persecution, there is respect for the dead and grief for the fallen.

The Ravaging of the Church (v. 3): Saul "ravaged the church." The Greek word lymainĹŤ means to destroy, to ravage like a wild beast. He enters house after house, dragging out both men and women, and commits them to prison. This is not a vague opposition but a systematic, violent campaign. Saul is the enforcer of the Sanhedrin's will. His zeal against the church is relentless.

The Scattering and the Sowing (v. 4): Here is the divine twist: "Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word." The same Greek word for "scattered" (diaspeirō) means "sown like seed." The persecution that was meant to silence the Gospel became the means of its spread. The believers carry the message of Jesus to Judea and Samaria—precisely the regions Jesus had commanded them to reach (Acts 1:8). What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good.

🙏 Prayers to Encounter Jesus in Acts 8:1-4
1. Prayer for Those Who Persecute

Lord Jesus, Saul approved of Stephen's murder and ravaged Your church. Yet You saved him. I pray for those in my life who oppose You, who mock Your name, who persecute Your people. Do not give up on them. Break through their hardness as You broke through Saul's. Let the persecutor become the preacher. Let the enemy become the ambassador. I pray especially for those who are hostile to the Gospel in my family, my workplace, and my community. Save them.

2. Prayer for the Church Under Persecution

Father, around the world today, brothers and sisters face persecution like the early church. I pray for them. Strengthen them in the storm. Let them know that You are with them, as You were with Stephen. If they are scattered, let them not be silenced. Use their suffering to spread the Gospel to new regions. Comfort those who mourn. Vindicate those who are falsely accused. And give the rest of us hearts that are not complacent but prayerful.

3. Prayer to See Scattering as Sowing

Lord, the believers were scattered, but they preached the word wherever they went. I confess that I often see disruption as defeat. When my plans are disrupted, when I am forced out of my comfort zone, I complain and resist. Change my perspective. Help me to see every scattering as a sowing. When I am moved, let me carry the Gospel with me. Use every change, every difficulty, every unexpected turn to spread Your name.

4. Prayer for the Apostles Who Remained

Lord, the apostles stayed in Jerusalem while others fled. I pray for those who are called to remain in difficult places—pastors, missionaries, believers who cannot or will not leave. Give them courage. Protect them. Let their presence be a stabilizing anchor for the church. And let the scattered believers faithfully proclaim Your word wherever they go.

5. Prayer for the Church in My City

Holy Spirit, the early church was scattered from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. I pray for the spread of the Gospel in my own city and region. Let the word go forth from my church to every neighborhood, every workplace, every home. Use the ordinary movements of believers—the daily commute, the neighborhood gathering, the workplace conversation—as opportunities to preach Jesus. Let the Gospel spread like seed sown in good soil.

đź’ˇ For Your Reflection
Do I see the disruptions in my life as obstacles or as opportunities? How might God be using a current challenge to "scatter" me to a new place or a new mission?

A practical step this week: Identify one "scattering" in your life—a move, a change, a difficulty, a new environment. Ask God: "What seed are You sowing through this? How can I preach the word in this new place?" Then take one step of witness in that setting—a word of testimony, an act of kindness, an offer to pray.

The persecution scatters the believers, and Philip goes to Samaria and preaches the Gospel there. The Gospel crosses yet another boundary. We will continue to Acts 8:5-25, where Philip proclaims Christ in Samaria, signs and wonders follow, a sorcerer named Simon is amazed, and Peter and John come to pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit

03/07/2026

BIBLE STUDY! Acts 7: 54-60

We now witness the climax of Stephen's testimony. His sermon has cut the council to the heart—but not with repentance. They react with fury. In response, Stephen receives a vision of the glorified Jesus, and he becomes the first martyr of the Christian faith. His death, like his life, testifies to the power of the risen Lord. Stephen’s killers saw only a man dying.
Stephen saw Jesus Christ waiting.

What you focus on in suffering determines how you endure it.

đź“– The Message of Acts 7:54-60
The council is enraged by Stephen's words. He looks up to heaven, sees the glory of God, and declares his vision. The crowd drags him out of the city and stones him. His final words echo Jesus' own prayer on the cross.

The Rage of the Council (v. 54): When they hear Stephen's indictment, they are "cut to the heart" (the same phrase used of the Pentecost crowd in Acts 2:37). But there, the piercing led to repentance; here, it leads to rage. They "gnashed their teeth" at him. The same message produces either repentance or resistance, depending on the state of the heart.

The Vision of Glory (v. 55-56): Stephen, "full of the Holy Spirit," gazes into heaven. He sees "the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." This is a remarkable detail. Jesus is usually described as seated at God's right hand (Hebrews 1:3, 10:12). Here He is standing. This could signify readiness to welcome His martyr, or a posture of advocacy—standing to defend and receive His servant. Stephen declares, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." The title "Son of Man" is Jesus' own self-designation, drawn from Daniel 7, signifying His heavenly authority and His identification with suffering humanity. Stephen lost earth’s approval but gained heaven’s attention.

The Rush to Death (v. 57-58a): The council cannot bear this testimony. They cover their ears (a symbolic rejection of his words) and "with a loud shout they rushed together at him." They drag him out of the city and begin to stone him. The witnesses, who are required by law to cast the first stones (Deuteronomy 17:7), lay their garments at the feet of "a young man named Saul." This is the first mention of Saul of Tarsus—the future apostle Paul. He is standing there, approving of Stephen's murder. God can transform even the fiercest enemy.
Never stop praying for difficult people

The Martyr's Prayer (v. 58b-60): As the stones rain down on him, Stephen prays twice. First, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," echoing Jesus' final words on the cross (Luke 23:46). Then, he kneels and cries out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." This echoes Jesus' prayer from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Stephen's final act is one of forgiveness and trust. His body is laid to rest, and the first Christian martyr has entered his eternal reward.

🙏 Prayers to Encounter Jesus in Acts 7:54-60
1. Prayer for a Spirit That Sees Glory in Trial

Lord Jesus, Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, and even as stones flew, he saw the heavens opened. I confess that I am often consumed by my circumstances—my trials, my frustrations, my fears. Lift my eyes. Let me see what Stephen saw: the glory of God and the risen Jesus, standing ready to welcome me. When I am under pressure, let my gaze be fixed on You, not on the stones.

2. Prayer for the Grace of Forgiveness

Jesus, Stephen prayed for his murderers: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." I confess that I hold grudges over far smaller offenses. I nurse bitterness over words spoken, slights imagined, debts unpaid. Forgive me. Fill me with the same spirit of forgiveness that You showed on the cross and that Stephen showed at his death. Help me to release those who have hurt me, entrusting them to Your justice and mercy. Let my last words, like Stephen's, be words of grace.

3. Prayer for the Lord to Receive My Spirit

Father, Stephen's final prayer was, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." I do not know when my last moment will come, but I want to be ready. Today, I entrust my spirit to You. Whatever I face—whether the slow decline of age, a sudden crisis, or the ordinary end of a long life—let my final breath be a prayer of trust in Your care. Let me die as I have lived: with my eyes fixed on Jesus.

4. Prayer for Those Who Persecute

Lord Jesus, Stephen's prayer for his persecutors was heard. Among those who witnessed his death was Saul—who would become Paul, the great apostle. I pray for those in my life who oppose You, who mock Your name, who persecute Your church. Do not hold their sin against them. Save them. Use even their opposition to bring them to repentance. I pray for my "Saul" today—the one who seems furthest from You. Let Stephen's prayer be answered in their life.

5. Prayer for the Church in the Shadow of Martyrdom

Lord of the Church, around the world today, brothers and sisters are being stoned, imprisoned, and killed for Your name. I pray for them. Let them see the heavens opened as Stephen did. Strengthen them with the vision of Your glory. Let their death, like Stephen's, become seed that produces a harvest of faith in those who witness it. And for those of us who live in safety, keep us from apathy. Let the courage of the martyrs inspire our witness.

đź’ˇ For Your Reflection
Stephen's last words were forgiveness and trust. If I were to die today, what would my last words reveal about my heart? Do I need to forgive someone before it is too late?

A practical step this week: Identify anyone against whom you hold a grudge or bitterness. Write their name down. Then pray Stephen's prayer for them: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." If appropriate, take a tangible step toward reconciliation. Let go of the offense, entrusting justice to God.

Stephen's death marks a pivotal moment in Acts. His martyrdom unleashes a wave of persecution that scatters the believers—and the Gospel—beyond Jerusalem. Would you like to continue to Acts 8:1-4, where a great persecution arises against the church, Saul ravages the church, and the scattered believers go about preaching the word

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