There are a lot of speeches in the book of Acts. Stephen’s is the longest. He begins at chapter 7, verse 2: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham…”

He continues for 52 verses. After testifying to the un-thwartability of God’s plans through human history he gets stoned to death.

One of the many amazing things we see in his speech is how well he knew the Scriptures. He spoke powerfully about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Solomon, the faithlessness of God’s people, and more—without notes! 

Since he knew the Scriptures personally he was better able to apply God’s wisdom to his own life in the here and now. He knew the story very well. He knew God very well. As a result, he was able to see how he himself fit into that story in his current (difficult) circumstances.

I think we can learn from that. If you don’t know the Scriptures personally you can’t apply them personally. Well, perhaps you can try; but you would probably end up being vague, uncertain or just plain wrong.

Take the time. I’ve never had someone tell me they wish they had read their Bible less!

Know the story. Know God. Know you and God together today.

If you don’t know the Scriptures personally you can’t apply them personally.

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Notes:

–Today’s devotional is connected to my sermon from July 4, 2021 which is based on Acts 6:8 – 7:60 and is called “Faithfulness is never wasted.” Click here to watch or listen.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.