When Jesus told the religious leaders they would see Him seated at God's right hand and coming on the clouds, He did not mean they would be alive at His return.

It is necessary for God's called-out ones to learn from history, realizing that two-thirds of the Bible appears in a historical context.

Stephen's martyrdom and his compassion on his persecutors, followed by the reaction against his brutal murder, resulted in a rapid spreading of the Gospel.

Christ's words at His trial regarding sitting at God's right hand and coming on clouds sound like His return, but they have another fulfillment altogether.

Hebrews was written to fulfill several needs of the first-century church. One of the most critical was to explain God's opening of eternal life to the Gentiles.

In contrast to Stephen who spoke the truth fearlessly, Haman valued his position more than the truth and gave into hatred for Mordecai and his people.

Stephen points out that historically, God has dealt with His people without land or temple, but instead through deliverers, initially rejected by their own.

The frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.

We learn from Abraham's experience to trust God even when we have incomplete information. When we attempt to take the expedient way out, we will run into trouble.

People are attracted to magic because they think it brings quick results, bringing them their desires, erasing their fears and providing for their needs.