◄ Acts 7:42 ►
But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 7:42? 2. How does Acts 7:42 illustrate God's response to idolatry in our lives today? 3. What Old Testament events are referenced in Acts 7:42, and why are they significant? 4. How can we ensure our worship remains focused on God, not idols? 5. In what ways does Acts 7:42 challenge modern cultural practices within the church? 6. How does Acts 7:42 connect with the first commandment in Exodus 20:3? 7. Why did God turn away and give them up to worship the host of heaven in Acts 7:42? 8. How does Acts 7:42 reflect on the Israelites' faithfulness during their time in the wilderness? 9. What does Acts 7:42 reveal about God's response to idolatry? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 7? 11. What does 42 months symbolize in the Bible? 12. Amos 5:25 – How can Amos assert that Israel did not offer sacrifices in the wilderness when Exodus and Leviticus detail extensive sacrificial ordinances? 13. Does God dwell in temples? (1 Kings 8:13 vs. Acts 7:48) 14. Acts 7:43 refers to the Israelites worshipping Moloch and Rephan. Is there historical or archaeological evidence that links these specific gods to early Israelite practices? Discussion Questions 1. What are some modern-day "hosts of heaven" that can become idols in our lives, and how can we guard against them? 2. How does understanding God's judgment in Acts 7:42 help us appreciate His grace and mercy in the New Testament? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is genuine and not just a ritual, as was the case with the Israelites? 4. How can the warnings from the prophets in the Old Testament apply to our lives today? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to return to Him, and how can this passage encourage you to remain faithful? Acts 7 Bible Study Questions 1. How does Stephen's recounting of Israel's history emphasize God's faithfulness and sovereignty? 2. What can we learn from Stephen's courage when facing religious opposition? 3. How does Stephen's speech critique the religious leaders of his time? 4. How does Stephen's vision of Jesus impact your understanding of Jesus' role in the believer's life? 5. Why does Stephen choose to recount the history of Israel as his defense? 6. In what ways does Stephen's martyrdom exemplify his faithfulness to the Gospel? 7. What is the significance of Saul's presence at Stephen's stoning? 8. How does Stephen's prayer as he is being stoned reflect his Christlike character? 9. What parallels and contrasts can you draw between Stephen's death and Jesus' crucifixion? 10. How does Stephen's account of Israel's history tie in with the charges he was facing? 11. How does this chapter challenge your own faith and commitment to Christ? 12. How does Stephen's response to persecution inform your approach to conflict and opposition today? 13. How might Stephen's speech to the religious leaders inform our approach to speaking truth to power? 14. How does Stephen's Christlike plea for forgiveness at his death inspire you in your own relationships? 15. What lessons can you draw from the reactions of the members of the Sanhedrin? 16. How does Stephen model for modern believers the right response when falsely accused? 17. In what ways does Stephen's speech and subsequent death illuminate the cost of following Jesus? 18. How does Stephen's perspective on death offer comfort and hope for believers facing persecution today? 19. How can Stephen's boldness inspire your personal witness? 20. How can you apply the lessons of Stephen's life and death in your day-to-day living and interaction with others? Links Acts 7:42 NIV Acts 7:42 NLT Acts 7:42 ESV Acts 7:42 NASB Acts 7:42 KJV Acts 7:42 Commentaries Bible Hub