Why listen to the apostle Paul? I. He's carrying God’s message to them, v1a. II. He believes the best about God’s work in them, v1b. III. He wants God’s best for them, v2. 

Being loved by the Lord Jesus produces love in our hearts. Therefore Christians should I. Continue loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, v1. II. Love strangers, v2. III. Love the imprisoned and mistreated, v3.

God meets with His people whenever and however He wishes. I. God is not bound II. God sets the place III. God sets the terms IV. God has met with us most gloriously in Jesus Christ.

I. The Restoration of the Repentant II. The Command of the Conqueror III. The Just Judgment of the Judge

I. A Redeemer Raised Up II. A Redeemer Rejected III. A Redeemer Redeems

Stephen not only shows the religious leaders that God was present with His people prior to the Temple, but that He was also providentially present and at work to keep and preserve His people. Stephen refers to the Joseph narrative and walks us through: I. The Brother's Betrayal II. The Father's Faithfulness III. A Providential Promotion and concludes with the Covenant Continues.