The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble

Episode: Day 322 (Acts 7-8) – Year 7
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble guides listeners through Acts chapters 7 and 8, focusing on Stephen's powerful defense before the Sanhedrin, his subsequent martyrdom, the rise of persecution against early Christians, and the spread of the Gospel through Philip’s ministry. Through her accessible and heartfelt retelling, Tara-Leigh underscores themes of God’s relentless pursuit, human rejection, and divine redemption. The episode is both a recap and a reflection on the miraculous ways God uses adversity to further his kingdom.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Stephen’s Defense Before the Sanhedrin (00:02–04:45)

• Stephen is falsely accused by Jews who oppose Jesus as Messiah. He’s brought before the Sanhedrin (the "Supreme Court" of the time).

• Rather than defending himself, Stephen recounts the overarching story of the Old Testament (53 verses) to highlight Israel’s repeated rejection of God.

  • “God keeps pursuing his people. His people keep rejecting him. They reject and persecute and kill the prophets he sends to speak truth to them.” (01:40)

• Stephen’s speech crescendos to accusing the current generation of rejecting and killing God's own son—Jesus.

• The listeners are furious, but Stephen remains calm, filled with the Holy Spirit.

2. Stephen’s Vision and Martyrdom (04:45–08:24)

• Stephen sees a vision: heaven opens, and Jesus is standing at the right hand of the Father (typically, scripture says seated).

  • “Lots of scholars say this points to Jesus rising up to be Stephen’s advocate ... Some say he’s standing to greet and welcome Stephen into the afterlife. I don’t know. I just know it’s so beautiful.” (05:25)

• The council reacts violently, dragging him outside the city gates (the Lion’s Gate, now known as Stephen’s Gate).

• Saul (later Paul) is introduced: he watches approvingly as Stephen is stoned, further fueling persecution of Christians. Stephen, echoing Jesus’s last words, prays for forgiveness for his killers.

  • “Stephen asked the Father not to hold this sin against his murderers.” (07:20)

3. The Rise of Persecution and Saul's Role (08:24–11:10)

• After Stephen's death, Saul leads a campaign against Christians, imprisoning men and women—likely a certain death sentence for many.

  • “He starts going door to door in Jerusalem, dragging Christians, men and women alike out of their homes and throwing them into prison. In this day, prison is basically a death sentence.” (09:24)

• Brief clarification: Saul and Paul are the same person—Saul is his Hebrew name; Paul is the Latin equivalent.

4. Philip’s Ministry in Samaria (11:10–17:00)

• Philip (one of the seven chosen to care for widows, alongside Stephen) flees to Samaria, fulfilling Jesus’s mandate for the Gospel to spread there.

• He performs miracles, and Samaritans begin to believe. Jerusalem sends Peter and John to verify the authenticity of the Samaritan believers’ faith and experience of the Holy Spirit.

• Discussion of the debate regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit:

  • The Samaritans had been baptized in water but had not yet received the Holy Spirit—a unique event affirming God's acceptance of Samaritans.

• Simon the magician notices the apostles’ power. He appears more interested in power than God Himself—a warning against seeking God’s gifts over God’s person.

  • “Trying to access the power of God and not the person of God is selfish idolatry.” (16:00)

5. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (17:00–22:00)

• An angel directs Philip south, where he meets a high-ranking Ethiopian official reading from Isaiah ("the forbidden chapter" among Jews, still controversial today).

  • “Even still today, it’s very controversial. They refuse to read it in the synagogues, and it’s been removed from some of their holy books.” (19:15)

• Philip explains the scripture, connects it to Jesus, and the eunuch experiences a joyful conversion, requesting immediate baptism.

• Contrast between Simon (seeking power) and the eunuch (seeking God): humility is the path to true understanding and acceptance.

  • “Simon selfishly wants power; the Ethiopian humbly wants God.” (20:30)

• After baptizing the eunuch, Philip is miraculously transported to the coast.

6. God’s Redemptive Pattern and Personal Reflection ("God Shot") (22:00–25:10)

• Tara-Leigh notes God’s consistent success in turning evil for good: Stephen’s death sparks widespread Gospel proclamation, fulfilling Jesus’s commission.

  • “What the enemy means for evil, God uses for good.” (22:12)
  • “They’re fleeing the persecution in Jerusalem. But make no mistake, they don’t run and hide. They go and tell … Those who were scattered went about preaching the Word.” (22:35)

• Encouragement to listeners: Regardless of the size or drama of one's spiritual journey, making the choice to draw near to God is significant.

  • “The biggest obstacle most of us face is ourselves. The lifelong obstacle of our flesh. And today. You didn’t surrender to the flesh. Today, the spirit won. I’m cheering you on. And so is he.” (24:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jesus standing for Stephen:
  “It says it twice. Lots of scholars say this points to Jesus rising up to be Stephen’s advocate… I just know it’s so beautiful… He’s paying attention. He’s involved and engaged.” (05:25)

• On Saul's privilege and power:
  “He’s the highest ranking of the oppressed, and he’s also part of the oppressing regime.” (08:40)

• On the dangerous Roman prison system:
  “If you’re in prison, you’re dependent on your friends and family to bring you anything you need to survive. You do not want to be put in a Roman prison in the first century.” (09:45)

• On Simon's mistaken priorities:
  “Trying to access the power of God and not the person of God is selfish idolatry.” (16:00)

• On the humble faith of the Ethiopian eunuch:
  “He goes from confusion to joy. … Simon selfishly wants power; the Ethiopian humbly wants God.” (20:30)

• Personal encouragement:
  “You chose to be here today. … The biggest obstacle most of us face is ourselves. The lifelong obstacle of our flesh. And today. You didn’t surrender to the flesh. Today, the spirit won. I’m cheering you on. And so is he.” (24:45)

Important Timestamps

• 00:02 – Introduction and summary of Stephen’s context
• 01:40 – Overarching history of rejection and God’s pursuit
• 05:25 – Stephen’s vision: Jesus standing in heaven
• 07:20 – Stephen’s forgiveness of his executioners
• 08:40 – Introduction of Saul/Paul
• 09:24 – Saul’s persecution and the dangers of Roman prisons
• 11:10 – Philip’s ministry in Samaria and Peter/John’s involvement
• 16:00 – Simon the magician’s motives
• 17:00 – The Ethiopian eunuch and the “forbidden chapter” of Isaiah
• 20:30 – Contrast between Simon and the eunuch’s faith
• 22:12 – God turns persecution into proclamation ("God Shot")
• 24:45 – Closing encouragement to listeners

Episode Tone and Style

Tara-Leigh’s tone remains conversational, passionate, and encouraging throughout, blending historical insight with practical spiritual application. She consistently motivates and affirms listeners, grounding complex biblical events in relatable, heartfelt commentary.

For more insights and resources referenced in the episode (like articles on the "Saul/Paul" name and the "forbidden chapter" in Isaiah), see the show notes linked with the episode.