August 9, 2026: Stephen, the Unwavering Martyr (Acts 6:7–10; 7:54–60)

To begin the session:

Distribute copies of the “Filled Up” exercise from the activity page, which you can download here. Have participants complete it individually in a minute or less before discussing their conclusions.

Lead into Bible study by saying, “Various commitments, responsibilities, and preferences fill our lives. When we encounter difficult circumstances, the priorities that ‘fill’ us will ‘spill out’ and become evident to those around us. In today’s study, pay attention to how a moment of testing reveals Stephen’s priorities.”

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Distribute copies of the “Good News and Bad News” exercise from the activity page. Have participants work in small groups to complete as indicated before discussing responses and conclusions with the whole class.