Purpose: Run a complete Bible TEFL lesson using the Scripture Text PDF and the Bible Lesson PDF as the student reading material.
Recommended Level: A2–B1 | Lesson Length: 30–45 minutes
1) Lesson Overview
- Theme: courage, wisdom, witness, persecution, forgiveness, prayer, preaching, and faithfulness to Jesus.
- Skills: Reading, listening, vocabulary building, discussion, speaking practice, and writing in English.
- Outcome: Student can retell Stephen's testimony and explain how God helped Stephen speak with wisdom, forgive his enemies, and remain faithful to Jesus.
Tutor Tip: The purpose of this TEFL lesson is to help students read, write, and speak English while discussing the Scripture and Bible lesson. Encourage complete sentences. Ask follow-up questions. Give students time to think and speak. Depending on the age, number of students, English proficiency level, and available class time, please feel free to modify this lesson material to best meet your students' needs. You may also want to read the accompanying Student Self-Study TEFL lesson for additional ideas and activities as you plan your lesson.
2) Suggested Lesson Flow
- Open with warm-up questions.
- Read the Scripture handout aloud.
- Ask the student to summarize the Scripture in simple English.
- Read the Bible lesson, The Power of Praying and Preaching.
- Review vocabulary and practice pronunciation.
- Use comprehension, discussion, and speaking questions.
- Finish with a short writing activity.
3) Warm-Up Questions
- When do people need courage to tell the truth?
- Why is it sometimes hard to listen when someone corrects us?
- What helps a person forgive someone who has hurt them?
- Can one faithful person influence many other people? Why or why not?
4) Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Tutor Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| grace | God's loving help and kindness that people do not earn. | How did God show grace through Stephen? |
| wisdom | The ability to understand and speak what is true and right. | Why could Stephen speak with wisdom? |
| Holy Spirit | God's Spirit, who helped Stephen speak and remain faithful. | How did the Holy Spirit help Stephen? |
| witness | A person who tells what he or she has seen, heard, or believes to be true. | How was Stephen a witness for Jesus? |
| courage | The strength to do what is right even when it is hard or dangerous. | When did Stephen show courage? |
| forgive | To choose not to hold a wrong against someone. | How did Stephen forgive his enemies? |
| persecution | Being treated badly because of faith or beliefs. | What persecution did Stephen face? |
| faithful | Continuing to trust and obey God. | How did Stephen remain faithful to Jesus? |
5) Bible Text Comprehension
- What happened to the word of God in Jerusalem?
- What happened to the number of disciples?
- What kind of works did Stephen do among the people?
- Who disputed with Stephen?
- Why could they not withstand Stephen's words?
- How did the people react when they heard Stephen?
- What did Stephen see when he gazed into heaven?
- What did the people do before they rushed at Stephen?
- Where did the witnesses lay their garments?
- What two prayers did Stephen pray as he was being stoned?
6) Bible Lesson Discussion
- Why was Stephen able to speak with wisdom and courage when people opposed him?
- Why did some people become angry instead of listening to Stephen's message?
- What does Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God show us?
- How did Stephen's prayer show the love and forgiveness of Jesus?
- Why is forgiving enemies one of the hardest and most Christlike things a person can do?
- How did Stephen's faithfulness continue to influence others after his death?
- What can believers learn from Stephen about trusting Jesus during difficult times?
- How can one person's courage and obedience encourage many others to follow Jesus?
7) Speaking Practice
- Retell Stephen's story in your own words.
- Explain why Stephen's enemies could not answer his wisdom.
- Describe what Stephen saw when he looked into heaven.
- Explain why Stephen prayed for the people who were hurting him.
- Speak for 30–60 seconds: When do Christians need courage today?
- Speak for 30–60 seconds: Why is forgiveness powerful?
- Explain how Saul heard Stephen preach and pray before Saul later became the Apostle Paul.
- Tell about one way a faithful life can influence other people.
Language Coaching Tip: Encourage the student to answer in complete sentences. If the student answers with only one or two words, ask a gentle follow-up such as “Can you tell me more?” “Why do you think that?” “Can you explain that another way?” or “Can you give an example?”
8) Writing Task
- Option A: Summarize Stephen's testimony in 6–8 sentences.
- Option B: Write a paragraph explaining how Stephen showed courage and forgiveness.
- Option C: Write about a time when you needed courage to do what was right.
- Option D: Write three sentences using these words: wisdom, witness, courage, forgive, faithful.
9) Wrap-Up
Wrap-up: Stephen was full of grace, power, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. When people opposed him, he remained faithful to Jesus. When they stoned him, Stephen looked to Jesus and prayed for forgiveness for his enemies. His faithful witness did not end with his death. Saul heard Stephen preach and pray, and later Saul became the Apostle Paul, whose letters still help people believe in Jesus.
Final Question: What can Stephen's testimony teach us about courage, forgiveness, and faithfulness to Jesus?