Acts 6-8 Reading Notes
In Acts 1:8, the Risen King says: “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
No backup plan. No retreat. Just ordinary people, empowered by the Spirit, sent with good news. This isn’t just their story. It’s ours. The Ascended Jesus is still at work, by his Spirit, through his people, in his world.
These short reading notes are designed to accompany our BURN YOUR BOATS teaching series in the Book of Acts.
Follow these reading notes on the Bible app:
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Full Sermon:
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Day 1: Acts 6:1–15
As the church grew, tensions rose between groups. The apostles kept prayer and the Word central, while Spirit-filled servants were chosen to care for practical needs. Stephen stood out, full of grace, power, and wisdom. This is what a full and healthy church looks like: everyone serving together in the Spirit.
Ask God to fill you with His Spirit so you can serve His church faithfully.
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Day 2: Acts 7:1–43
Stephen’s defence retold Israel’s story: God raised up leaders like Joseph and Moses, yet the people rejected them. Again and again, Israel resisted God’s purposes. Stephen showed that this same pattern is now repeated in the rejection of Jesus, the Righteous One.
Give thanks that God’s plan did not fail — He raised up Jesus, the true Saviour we need.
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Day 3: Acts 7:44–60
Stephen declared that God cannot be confined to the temple, then charged the council with betraying and murdering the Messiah. Enraged, they stoned him — but Stephen saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand. Like his Saviour, he prayed for his killers and entrusted his spirit to the Lord.
Ask God to strengthen you by His Spirit to endure hardship while keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus.
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Day 4: Acts 8:1–25
Persecution scattered the believers — but wherever they went, they preached the word. Philip proclaimed Christ in Samaria, and many believed. Peter and John came to pray for them to receive the Spirit. Even when Simon the magician tried to buy God’s power, the gospel proved stronger.
Ask God for courage to carry the gospel wherever He scatters you this week.
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Day 5: Acts 8:26–40
Philip was led to an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. Beginning with that Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus. The man believed, was baptised, and took the gospel towards the ends of the earth. God’s Spirit directs His people so that outsiders are welcomed in.
Rejoice that the gospel is for all people, and ask God to use you to share it.
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VISION PRAYER
Father God, by your grace, enable our church to be a city of refuge within the city of Brisbane. Empower me this week, by your Spirit, to offer one person the refuge, security, and hope found in Christ Jesus. Amen.