Kyle Kauffman

The history of the church is bloody because the history of the church is full of suffering and persecution. While many people identify Stephen as the first martyr, in many ways he simply displays what was often true throughout the Old Testament: God’s people will be persecuted even to the point of death. Jesus told his disciples to expect that people would treat them the same way they treated him. We should never forget that being a disciple of Jesus throughout history has often meant that you will face persecution. And while the story of Stephen should sober us who live in the West and know very little of this persecution, it should also fill us with hope and fortify us for the day when we may face more severe persecution for our faith. Because in the story of Stephen we find that God rules over the suffering of his saints, uses it to advance the gospel, and reveals the prize that no persecution can ever destroy.

Acts 6:8-8:4

Kyle Kauffman

Who we fear will shape how we live, what we say and don’t say, and ultimately who we seek to serve and please. The Bible consistently warns against the fear of man in our lives and calls us instead to fear God. We know that fear of many can lead to all sorts of problems in our lives, but sometimes it can feel impossible to fear God instead of man. Fear of man is one of the greatest things that can get in the way of obeying God as we seek to be a part of his mission and make disciples. And on the flip side, fear of God can be one of the greatest sources of help and strength in obeying god. 5:1-42 gives a very powerful picture into the danger of fearing man and the freedom of fearing God. And along the way it gives us reasons why we should place our fear in God and not in man.

Acts 5:1-42