Sometimes the most unlikely candidates are the very ones God reaches and uses in the most significant ways.  

After the martyrdom of Stephen, the Gospel's impact only expanded.  What holds us back, or what accelerates us in Gospel work?

In Acts 7, we see Jesus, up off His throne, watching with bated breath, as His servant, Stephen, lays down his life for the sake of the Gospel and the Jesus he loves.  What would Jesus' response to us be as we seek to serve Him?

How do we handle stress and pressure?  What does our countenance reveal about our faith?  Do people see Jesus in us when the pressure is on?

The early church was growing exponentially, but with that growth came problems, problems that could only be shared by creating structures of care so that Gospel sharing could continue.

As the Gospel was proclaimed, persecution was one response that resulted in a more significant impact.  We may suffer for Christ, but that is part of what He works through for a more substantial impact. 

Not only were wonderful signs being performed by the Apostles, but God was also giving very poignant warnings to the Church about her accountability. 

I like to point people to these two chapters combined so they can see what the community of believers was like and the resultant impact.  How can we change in the modern era to more fully reflect the sense of community and the results of that community right here, right now?

What happened in Acts 2, 4, 5, and beyond occurred not just in public places but also HOUSE TO HOUSE.  Bringing the Gospel outside the walls of church buildings into our homes to be shared with others is key to creating movements of multiplication. 

The movement continues to grow, and the Power behind their witness is again underscored - the power of the Holy Spirit and the Name of Jesus.