by Shannon Popp | Dec 15, 2022 | NotABlog
Acts 8:1 “And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples that...
by Shannon Popp | Dec 14, 2022 | NotABlog
Acts 7:60 “And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” This is Stephen’s second cry and second prayer. He reserves the last bit of breath in his lungs to pray for those...
by Shannon Popp | Dec 13, 2022 | NotABlog
Acts 7:59 “And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”” Stephen’s last words are prayer! He cries out to God and starts speaking to God through prayer. He is not distracted in this moment, but living from the deep conviction in...
by Shannon Popp | Dec 12, 2022 | NotABlog
Acts 7:58 “Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” They would not defile the “Hall of Hewn Stone” (the courtroom) with blood, so just like Jesus, Stephen would be taken...
by Shannon Popp | Dec 11, 2022 | NotABlog
Acts 7:57 “But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.” I can’t help but think of two year old’s crying and holding their hands on their ears so they cannot hear their parents voice anymore. These are distinguished...