In Acts 7:9-16, Stephen recounts the story of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy. Rather than demanding the justice he was owed, Joseph surrendered his "right" to retribution, trusting that God was the ultimate judge and provider. This posture of forgiveness not only saved his family from famine but became the very means through which God's redemptive plan unfolded, demonstrating that releasing our grip on vengeance opens the door for God to work in ways far greater than our own retaliation ever could.

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In Acts 7:1–8, Stephen begins his defense by recounting how God appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia and called him to leave his homeland in faith. Though Abraham had no child, God promised him land, foretold 400 years of slavery in Egypt, and assured eventual deliverance, establishing the covenant of circumcision through Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs. Stephen reminds us that God’s redemptive plan unfolds across generations and that His faithfulness is never confined by geography or circumstance.

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Stephen does great wonders and signs. Men from Synagogue of the Freedmen argue with him, can't withstand his wisdom and Spirit. 

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In Acts 6:1-7, the Hellenistic Jews complain their widows neglected in daily distribution. The apostles say "it is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve tables." The community chooses seven men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (including Stephen and Philip). The apostles pray and lay hands on them. Word of God continues to spread; many priests become obedient to the faith. How quickly even in an inclusive environment we are to find ways of categorizing those who are "in" and those who are "out" this is a problem older than the church? How do we be people who are cautious not to overlook those who wouldn't naturally fall into our tribe?

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In Acts 5:41-42, the apostles leave rejoicing that they were "counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." Every day in temple and house-to-house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. Sometimes we have been given the vision in the Western church that being a Christian means living the good life… but here the disciples rejoice because they have been considered worthy of suffering. How is suffering something we rejoice over? 

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The apostles find themselves before the Sanhedrin again, the High priest asks: "We ordered you to stop!" Peter responds: "We must obey God rather than men." he goes on to describe Jesus' resurrection, exaltation. The leaders furious, want to kill the apostles. Gamaliel intervenes: "If this is from God, you can't stop it; if not, it'll fail on its own." The leaders are persuaded and the apostles are flogged, ordered to stop speaking about Jesus, and are then released. There is a sense in this passage that God can work however God wants to. There is also this element of exploring the movements that went before the Jesus movement--the ways they missed it, and the ways we are still missing it 2000 years later. 

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In Acts 5:12-26, we see the community grow despite what is referred to as "fear" in the text. Simultaneously, Peter's shadow heals people, signs and wonders are present. In the midst of this, Jewish religious leaders throw the apostles in prison. An angel breaks them out at night, and tells them  "go tell the whole message." 

This text encourages us to consider the church as a "brave space" rather than "safe space." The invitation toward healing in community can be messy, and scary, and sometimes we find ourselves as an instrument of invitation for someone else's healing.

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Join us this winter solstice for our immersive podcast, The Longest Night.  In this liminal space for worship and reflection, we remember the returning of the light after the darkness. Click here to access our accompanying companion guide to support your time of reflection and engagement.