“GOSPEL PASSION”
August 3, 2025
Acts 7:54-Acts 8:1-4 (NASB95)

1. GOSPEL PASSION RECEIVES HONOR
Acts 7:54–60 (NASB95) 54Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him.  55But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”


2. GOSPEL PASSION DISPLAYS LOVE.
57But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. 58When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.


3. GOSPEL PASSION INSTIGATES CONFLICT.
Acts 8:1-4 (NASB95) 1Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. 3But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.


4. GOSPEL PASSION INSPIRES MISSIONS.
4Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.