Sunday, May 4, 2025

Sermon Notes

This week, we begin the sequel to the Gospel of Luke, the Acts of the Apostles (or just Acts). In this volume, the author continues the story of the disciples of Jesus as they try to figure out what the Resurrection of Jesus means for them, and for the rest of the world. It begins with Jesus telling the disciples/apostles (ones who follow/ones who are sent), “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

We have skipped over the receiving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (which we will return to on June 7th), and dive into the persecution of the early church. At this point, some of the apostles (namely Peter and James) have had some run-ins with the Jewish Council (called the Sanhedrin). They have been sternly ordered not to talk about Jesus (which they ignored). We have also heard about the early Christian community, which is so radically committed to the way of Jesus, that there is not a poor person among them.

This week, we hear of Stephen, chosen to be one of the first Deacons, and ends up being the first martyr (spoiler). He is called before the Sanhedrin with charges of defying Moses and the Temple. His bold sermon points out the history of their ancestors, and the theme of disobedience and refusing to listen to prophets. They do not take this constructive criticism well.

This is a pivotal moment in the life of the church, and the persecution that they will experience. We will consider the role of prophets and martyrs in the Christian movement, and perhaps in a galaxy far far away.

Questions

What is the role of martyrs in raising public concern about issues?

What role does martyrdom play, positively and negatively in movements?

What is the prophetic role, both within the institution of the church and the state?

How might we be called to roles of service, prophecy, and even martyrdom?