Doug’s Coffee Break

As Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin in Acts 6:12–7:1, false witnesses twisted his words, accusing him of threatening the temple and rejecting the Law. Yet, rather than responding with fear, Stephen’s face shone like an angel’s—a powerful sign of God’s presence. Was this moment a parallel to Moses? And how did it set the stage for his bold defense? Join us as we explore the charges against Stephen, the deeper theological tensions at play, and the striking imagery that foreshadows what’s to come.

Stephen wasn’t just one of the Seven—he was a man full of the Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. In Acts 6:8–11, we see him performing miracles, speaking with wisdom, and boldly defending the gospel. But his opponents, unable to refute him, resorted to deception, falsely accusing him of blasphemy—just as they did to Jesus. Join us as we explore Stephen’s remarkable character, his confrontation with the Synagogue of the Freedmen, and the rising opposition that would soon lead to his martyrdom.

In Acts 6:5–7, the early church takes a significant step in addressing internal tensions by appointing seven Hellenistic men to oversee the care of widows. Their selection highlights both practical wisdom and the church’s growing diversity. But were these men the first deacons, elders, or simply temporary servants? Join us as we unpack their role, the apostles’ commissioning, and how this moment helped propel the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

In Acts 6:1–4, cultural tensions between Greek-speaking and Aramaic-speaking Jews surfaced within the early church, highlighting the challenges of unity among believers. To address concerns over the distribution of resources, the apostles appointed seven Spirit-filled men to oversee this ministry, ensuring their focus remained on prayer and teaching the Word. In this episode, we explore how wisdom, leadership, and faith played a role in resolving church conflict and what we can learn from their approach today.

Despite being flogged and ordered to stay silent, the apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing—an incredible response to persecution. In this episode, we explore Acts 5:40–42, where suffering for Christ becomes a source of honor and joy. What does this reveal about the early church’s resilience, and what can we learn from their unwavering faith? Tune in as we unpack this powerful moment in the Book of Acts.

In this episode, we break down Gamaliel’s surprising defense of the apostles in Acts 5:34–39. A respected Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, he cautioned against opposing the apostles, reasoning that if their movement was from God, it couldn’t be stopped. Was this mere pragmatism, or did he unknowingly offer an apologetic for the early church? Join us as we explore his words and their lasting impact.

Brought before the Sanhedrin, the apostles face intense questioning, but they refuse to back down. Peter boldly declares their allegiance to God over human authority and proclaims Jesus’ resurrection—infuriating the religious leaders. With the Holy Spirit as their witness, their message remains unstoppable. Join us as we dive into this moment of courage, conviction, and divine power!

The apostles' obedience to God leads to a dramatic scene—an empty jail, confused leaders, and bold preaching in the temple. As the religious authorities scramble to make sense of the situation, they’re met with an unsettling reality: the message they tried to silence is being proclaimed louder than ever. Tune in as we unpack the irony, tension, and divine intervention in this powerful moment!

In this episode, we explore the second arrest of the apostles in Acts 5 and their miraculous escape. An angel releases them from prison and commands them to keep preaching the gospel—referred to uniquely as “all the words of this life.” This event marks the first of three divine jailbreaks in Acts, showing God’s power at work in the early church. Tune in for insights on faith, boldness, and divine intervention!

In this episode, we explore the apostles' miraculous works and the rapid growth of the early church. Despite fear keeping some away—especially after the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira—many still believed. We also look at the powerful healings, including the intriguing belief that Peter’s shadow could bring healing.