Message Framework

📍 Context

Day of Pentecost; Spirit poured out with tongues of fire; crowd amazed and confused hearing their own languages. Peter stands with the Eleven to address the gathered multitude from every nation.

💡 Big Idea

Jesus, whom you crucified, is risen Lord and Messiah who pours out the promised Spirit—repent and be baptized to receive forgiveness and the gift of the Spirit.

⚡ Tension

"What does this Spirit outpouring mean? Who is this Jesus we crucified? What should we do about it?"

🧩 Structure (Text → Fulfillment → Witness → Response)

Movement 1 (v.14-21): "This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel"—the last days have arrived, God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh, everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved.

Movement 2 (v.22-32): Jesus of Nazareth—attested by God through mighty works, handed over by God's plan, crucified by lawless men, BUT God raised Him because death could not hold Him. David prophesied the Messiah wouldn't see decay (Psalm 16)—that's Jesus.

Movement 3 (v.33-36): Exalted to God's right hand, Jesus received the promised Spirit and has poured it out (what you see and hear). David called Him "Lord" (Psalm 110)—God has made this Jesus both Lord and Messiah.

Movement 4 (v.37-41): Cut to the heart: "What shall we do?" Peter: "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness—receive the gift of the Spirit. The promise is for you, your children, and all who are far off." 3,000 baptized that day.

✝️ Jesus Center

Jesus is the exalted Lord at God's right hand who pours out the Spirit. He is David's descendant who conquered death (Psalm 16 fulfilled), the Messiah whom God raised and seated at His right hand (Psalm 110 fulfilled). The Spirit's outpouring is proof of Jesus' lordship and messiahship.

↪️ Response

Repent (turn from resistance) and be baptized in Jesus' name. Receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise extends to you, your children, and everyone God calls.

📍 Context

Stephen arrested on false charges of blasphemy against Moses, Law, and Temple. Brought before Sanhedrin. His face shines like an angel. High priest asks "Are these charges true?" Stephen responds with epic narrative.

💡 Big Idea

Israel has a long pattern of resisting God's chosen messengers—and you're repeating it by rejecting Jesus, the Righteous One the prophets foretold.

⚡ Tension

"Who is on trial here? Are we faithfully defending Moses and the Temple, or are we repeating Israel's pattern of resistance?"

📚 Story Panels (Pattern Exposition)

Panel 1 - Abraham: God appeared in Mesopotamia before the promised land—God's presence isn't tied to geography.

Panel 2 - Joseph: Rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, BUT later God used him to save them—they didn't recognize God's deliverer the first time.

Panel 3 - Moses (First Rejection): Raised in Egypt, tries to help his people, they reject him: "Who made you ruler and judge?"—God's deliverer refused.

Panel 4 - Moses (Second Time): God sends Moses back with signs and wonders, but Israel rejects him again in the wilderness, makes golden calf while receiving the Law—pattern continues.

Panel 5 - Temple: David found favor, Solomon built temple, BUT the Most High doesn't dwell in houses made by human hands (Isaiah 66)—you've misunderstood what the Temple means.

Panel 6 - Prophets & Jesus: Your ancestors killed the prophets who foretold the Righteous One—and you have now betrayed and murdered Him. You received the Law but haven't kept it.

🔍 Pattern Exposed

Israel repeatedly resists God's chosen messengers. The pattern: God sends → people reject → God persists → pattern continues. Climax: murdering the Righteous One (Jesus) is the ultimate repetition of this pattern.

✝️ Jesus Center

Jesus is the Righteous One the prophets foretold—betrayed and murdered just as ancestors killed the prophets. He is the greater Moses (rejected then vindicated), the greater Joseph (rejected then became savior). Stephen sees Him standing at God's right hand as advocate for His persecuted people.

📍 Context

Paul arrested after riot at temple. Roman commander about to flog him when Paul reveals Roman citizenship. Allowed to address crowd from steps. Speaks in Aramaic to get their attention.

💡 Big Idea

Jesus is the risen Lord who transforms His enemies into witnesses—my life is proof.

⚡ Tension

"How can this man who betrayed our traditions be trusted? Is his encounter with Jesus real or deception?"

💬 Testimony Structure (Before → Encounter → Now)

BEFORE (v.3-5): "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus but raised in this city, trained under Gamaliel in strict observance of the law, zealous for God just like all of you. I persecuted followers of the Way to the death, arrested and imprisoned men and women, had letters from the high priest to Damascus to arrest believers."

ENCOUNTER (v.6-16): "On the road to Damascus about noon, a brilliant light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice: 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' I asked 'Who are you Lord?' The voice said 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.'"

NOW (v.17-21): "Later, back in Jerusalem praying in the temple, I fell into a trance. Jesus spoke: 'Leave Jerusalem immediately because they will not accept your testimony about me.' But Jesus said: 'Go, I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"