Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55-60 (C)
In the presence of Saul, Stephen is stoned to death. This pericope is the conclusion to Stephen's bold witness to Jesus. He aroused his hearers' anger to the point that they stoned him to death. Several items stand out: (1) This is the only time Jesus is referred to as "Son of Man" by one other than Jesus himself; (2) Only here is the ascended Jesus portrayed as "standing" at the right hand of God; (3) Saul is a consenting spectator; (4) Stephen dies with a prayer of forgiveness.
Lesson 1: Acts 17:1-15 (E, L)