This, the final beatitude, serves to build off of the others; it adds to our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Matthew 5:10-12

Last week we learned about the martyrdom of Stephen. Instead of responding in fear, the Church grew both in numbers and resilience and, in doing so, testified to the truth of Jesus’ Words. Acts 8:1-8

In today’s passage, we find the longest sermon in the book of Acts, and we meet the first martyr of the New Testament church. Acts 6:8 – 8:1a

In the face of threats, and scandals, the gospel is proclaimed, and the church grows! The jealous religious and political leaders watch on with contempt, and we find their response in our passage for this morning. Acts 5:17-42