Day 322 (Acts 7-8) - Year 7

Summary of Day 322 (Acts 7-8) - Year 7

by Tara-Leigh Cobble

9m•November 18, 2025
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Overview of Day 322 (Acts 7–8) — Bible Recap with Tara‑Leigh Cobble

Tara‑Leigh walks through Acts 7–8: Stephen’s long defense before the Sanhedrin, his vision of heaven and martyrdom, the escalation of persecution led by Saul, the scattering of believers, Philip’s ministry in Samaria, Simon the magician, and Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. The episode highlights how God turns intended evil into the spread of the gospel, the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion, and contrasts two responses to God’s power (Simon vs. the Ethiopian).

Key points and main takeaways

  • Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin is a 53‑verse synopsis of the Old Testament thrust toward the Messiah: God pursues his people; they repeatedly reject and persecute God’s messengers; most recently they have killed the Righteous One.
  • Stephen sees heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God — a striking detail often interpreted as Jesus rising to advocate for or welcome Stephen.
  • Stephen is stoned to death outside Lion’s Gate (now called Stephen’s Gate). As he dies he echoes Jesus’ forgiveness: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
  • Saul (also called Paul) is present and gives approval to Stephen’s execution; his position as a Pharisee and Roman citizen gives him unique power to lead persecution.
  • Persecution scatters Jerusalem believers (except the apostles); scattering actually spreads the gospel (“those who were scattered went about preaching the word”).
  • Philip flees to Samaria and preaches there; many believe, receive baptism, and signs accompany the work.
  • Peter and John come and pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit — Luke emphasizes the Spirit’s presence as the mark of full inclusion (and to validate Gentile/Samaritan conversions to Jewish apostles).
  • Simon the magician is impressed by the miracles and conversion but seeks power rather than repentance; Peter rebukes him for his attitude.
  • Philip is led by the Spirit to meet an Ethiopian court official reading Isaiah. Philip explains the passage, the man believes, and is baptized. Afterward Philip is supernaturally transported to Azotus (the narrative’s sudden movement suggests divine action).

Topics discussed

  • Stephen’s sermon as Old Testament summary and indictment of Israel’s resistance to God
  • The vision of Jesus standing and its theological implications (advocate, welcome, ongoing involvement)
  • Early church martyrdom and its domino effect on persecution and mission
  • Saul/Paul’s identity: Hebrew name (Saul) vs. Roman/Latin usage (Paul) and his dual social position
  • Prison conditions in first‑century Judea and the danger of Roman imprisonment
  • The spread of the gospel to Samaria and cross‑ethnic inclusion in the early church
  • The baptism of the Holy Spirit and debates about how Spirit‑baptism relates to water baptism and conversion
  • Simon Magus: the danger of desiring spiritual power without submitting to Christ
  • The Ethiopian eunuch: Scripture meeting explanation — the role of evangelism, hospitality to seekers, and God’s sovereign provision

Notable quotes & insights

  • Stephen “gives you the information you need to know” rather than answering the council’s defensive questions — he centers the gospel and God’s redemptive story.
  • “Jesus standing” (Acts 7:55–56) — interpreted as Christ’s active advocacy and care at the moment of Stephen’s death; a deeply moving picture of Jesus’ engagement with believers.
  • The irony/sovereignty motif: those who tried to stop the gospel (stoning Stephen) actually trigger its spread — “what the enemy means for evil, God uses for good.”
  • Contrast: Simon seeks power; the Ethiopian seeks God. Heart posture matters.

Practical applications / takeaways

  • Persecution and suffering often catalyze mission: when the church is pushed out of comfort zones, the gospel moves into new places.
  • Genuine conversion is marked by the work of the Holy Spirit, not merely external rites; leaders should discern Spirit‑fruit, not just ritual.
  • The posture of the heart matters more than access to power. Christians are called to humble pursuit of God, not spiritual opportunism.
  • Jesus’ ongoing advocacy and attention to believers is a source of comfort in times of suffering.

Suggested passages to read

  • Acts 7 (Stephen’s speech and martyrdom)
  • Acts 8 (Philip in Samaria, Simon the magician, Ethiopian eunuch)
  • Romans 8 (on Christ interceding — connected to the idea of Jesus advocating for believers)

Closing encouragement (from the episode)

  • Tara‑Leigh closes by encouraging listeners: choosing to be present with Scripture is a spiritual win; the Spirit is at work, and perseverance in spiritual habits matters.