Purpose: Learn about Stephen's courage, wisdom, forgiveness, and faithfulness while practicing English through reading, vocabulary, speaking, reflection, and writing.
Recommended Level: A2–B1
1) Before You Begin
Stephen was one of the first Christians who boldly told others about Jesus. Some people opposed him, but Stephen spoke with wisdom and courage. When he suffered for his faith, he looked to Jesus and prayed for the people who were hurting him.
In this lesson, you will follow four steps in Stephen's testimony.
- Faithful Stephen — Stephen served God and helped the church grow.
- Wise Stephen — Stephen spoke with wisdom from the Holy Spirit.
- Courageous Stephen — Stephen stayed faithful when people became angry.
- Forgiving Stephen — Stephen prayed for his enemies as he died.
Think about these questions before you read.
- When do people need courage to tell the truth?
- Why is it sometimes hard to forgive someone who hurts us?
- Can one faithful life influence many other people? Why or why not?
2) Part One — Faithful Stephen
Read Acts 6:7–8. The word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. Stephen was full of grace and power and did great wonders and signs among the people.
- What happened to the word of God?
- What happened to the number of disciples?
- What kind of person was Stephen?
- How did God work through Stephen?
Speaking Practice: In simple English, explain how Stephen served God faithfully.
3) Part Two — Wise Stephen
Read Acts 6:9–10. Some people argued with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
- Who disputed with Stephen?
- Why could they not answer Stephen's wisdom?
- How did the Holy Spirit help Stephen speak?
- Why do people need wisdom when others disagree with them?
Speaking Practice: Tell about a time when someone needed wisdom to speak kindly and clearly.
4) Part Three — Courageous Stephen
Read Acts 7:54–58. The people became enraged. Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. The people rushed at Stephen, cast him out of the city, and stoned him.
- How did the people react to Stephen's message?
- What did Stephen see when he looked into heaven?
- What did Stephen say he saw?
- What did the people do to Stephen?
- Where did the witnesses lay their garments?
Speaking Practice: Explain why Stephen showed courage when the people opposed him.
5) Part Four — Forgiving Stephen
Read Acts 7:59–60. As Stephen was being stoned, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
- What did Stephen pray to Jesus?
- What did Stephen pray for the people who were hurting him?
- How did Stephen's prayer show the love and forgiveness of Jesus?
- Why is forgiving enemies one of the hardest things a person can do?
Speaking Practice: In simple English, explain why Stephen's final prayer is important.
6) Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Your Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| grace | God's loving help and kindness that people do not earn. | |
| wisdom | The ability to understand and speak what is true and right. | |
| Holy Spirit | God's Spirit, who helped Stephen speak and remain faithful. | |
| witness | A person who tells what he or she has seen, heard, or believes to be true. | |
| courage | The strength to do what is right even when it is hard or dangerous. | |
| forgive | To choose not to hold a wrong against someone. | |
| persecution | Being treated badly because of faith or beliefs. | |
| faithful | Continuing to trust and obey God. |
7) Put Stephen's Testimony in Order
Write one or two sentences for each step in Stephen's testimony.
| Step | What happened? | My sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Faithful Stephen | Stephen served God as the church grew in Jerusalem. | |
| 2. Wise Stephen | Stephen spoke with wisdom and the Holy Spirit when people argued with him. | |
| 3. Courageous Stephen | Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God and stayed faithful. | |
| 4. Forgiving Stephen | Stephen prayed for Jesus to receive his spirit and prayed for his enemies. |
8) Reflection Questions
- Which part of Stephen's testimony do you understand best: faithfulness, wisdom, courage, or forgiveness? Why?
- How did Jesus encourage Stephen during his suffering?
- Why did some people become angry instead of listening to Stephen?
- What does Stephen teach us about forgiving others?
- How can one person's courage and obedience encourage many others?
9) Speaking Practice
- Retell Stephen's testimony in your own words.
- Use these four words in your answer: wisdom, courage, forgive, faithful.
- Speak for 30–60 seconds: Why did Stephen need courage?
- Speak for 30–60 seconds: Why is forgiveness powerful?
- Explain what Stephen saw when he looked into heaven.
- Tell one way a faithful life can influence other people.
10) Writing Practice
- Option A: Write 6–8 sentences summarizing Stephen's testimony.
- Option B: Write a paragraph explaining how Stephen showed courage and forgiveness.
- Option C: Write about a time when you needed courage to do what was right.
- Option D: Write four sentences using these words: wisdom, witness, courage, forgive.
11) Final Thought
Stephen was full of grace, power, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. When people opposed him, he remained faithful to Jesus. When they stoned him, Stephen looked to Jesus and prayed for forgiveness for his enemies. Stephen's faithful witness did not end with his death. Saul heard Stephen preach and pray, and later Saul became the Apostle Paul, whose letters still help people believe in Jesus.