1 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?”
2 And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,
3 And said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’
4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living.
5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child.
6 And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years.
7 And I will judge the nation that they serve, said God, and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.
8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him”
10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food.
12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit.
13 And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh.
14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all.
15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers,
16 And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
17 “But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt”
18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph.
19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive.
20 At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God’s sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father’s house.
21 and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son.
22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.
23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.”
24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.
25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.
26 And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’
27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
28 ‘Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’
29 At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
30 “Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.”
31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord:
32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’”
35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.
37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’
38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt,
40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.
42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: “Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
43 You took up the tent of Moloch
and the star of your god Rephan,
the images that you made to worship;
and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’
44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen.”
45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David,
46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.
47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him.
48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest?
50 “Did not my hand make all these things?”
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.”
52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,
53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”
54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.
55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.
58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
60 Then falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
The True Meaning of Acts 7
The Book of Acts, written by Luke, the beloved physician, provides a detailed account of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel message. Stephen, one of the first deacons appointed by the apostles, delivers a powerful testimony in this particular chapter.
Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin offers a sweeping overview of God’s redemptive work throughout the history of the Israelite people. He skillfully weaves together narratives from the books of Genesis, Exodus, and the Prophets, highlighting the recurring pattern of God’s faithfulness and the people’s resistance. This chapter sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the life of the early church, as Stephen’s bold proclamation of the truth about Jesus Christ will ultimately lead to his martyrdom. Stephen’s unwavering faith in the face of persecution foreshadows the challenges that the followers of Christ will continue to face in the years to come as we delve into this chapter. The events described in this chapter are a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the unshakable resolve of those who have been called to bear witness to the good news of salvation.
Acts 7:1-8
Stephen, one of the early Christian disciples, defends himself against the charges of blasphemy before the Jewish council in Acts 7:1-8. This passage is particularly significant as it sets the stage for Stephen’s powerful defense and his subsequent martyrdom, which serves as a turning point in the spread of Christianity. The high priest asks Stephen if the accusations against him are true as the passage unfolds. Stephen responds by delivering a comprehensive speech that traces the history of the Jewish people, highlighting key figures such as Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. Stephen eloquently connects the dots between these revered figures and Jesus Christ, portraying a continuous thread of God’s redemptive plan throughout history.
The inclusion of Abraham, the father of the faith, in Stephen’s defense is crucial. Stephen emphasizes the continuity between the Old Testament patriarchs and the message of salvation brought by Jesus by referencing Abraham’s journey of faith and obedience to God’s call. This deepens the audience’s understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and the entire nation of Israel.
Further, Stephen’s mention of Joseph and Moses in his defense serves to underscore the theme of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. Joseph’s story of betrayal, slavery, and eventual rise to power in Egypt mirrors Jesus’ own sufferings and eventual exaltation. Similarly, Moses, as the great deliverer of Israel, prefigures the ultimate deliverance brought by Jesus through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Through his speech, Stephen demonstrates a profound understanding of Scripture and a boldness in proclaiming the gospel in the face of opposition. His unwavering commitment to the truth, even at the cost of his own life, serves as a powerful example for believers today. Stephen’s courage and devotion to Christ challenge us to stand firm in our faith, regardless of the challenges or persecution we may face. Acts 7:1-8 captures the essence of Stephen’s defense before the Jewish council, highlighting the continuity between the Old Testament figures and the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. This passage not only emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout history but also showcases the bravery and conviction of early Christians in the spread of the gospel. It urges us to reflect on our own faith journeys and be willing to boldly proclaim the truth of Christ, even in the face of opposition.
Acts 7:9-16
The recounting of the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis in the Old Testament is seen in Acts 7:9-16. Joseph was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. He was favored by his father, which stirred up jealousy among his brothers. They plotted against him and sold him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites. Joseph’s journey included being taken to Egypt, where he faced many trials and tribulations but eventually rose to a position of power second only to Pharaoh due to his gift of interpreting dreams.
This passage in Acts is part of Stephen’s speech to the religious leaders who accused him of blasphemy. Stephen was drawing a parallel to his own situation by retelling the story of Joseph. Both Joseph and Stephen faced betrayal and mistreatment from their own people. Both were also chosen by God for a specific purpose, with Joseph saving his family from famine and Stephen standing as a faithful witness to the truth of Jesus Christ.
The story of Joseph is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. Despite the betrayal and suffering Joseph endured, God was still at work in his life, ultimately using him to save many. This serves as a timeless message that even in our darkest moments, God can still be working out His plan for our lives.
Furthermore, the story of Joseph foreshadows the life of Jesus. Joseph’s betrayal by his own brothers, his time of suffering, and his eventual exaltation can be paralleled with Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, His crucifixion, and His resurrection and ascension. Both Joseph and Jesus were ultimately instruments of God’s salvation plan.
This passage also highlights the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. Despite the wrongs done to him by his brothers, Joseph chose to forgive them and reconcile with them. This act of forgiveness ultimately brought healing and restoration to his family. This serves as a powerful example for us to follow, reminding us of the importance of extending forgiveness even in the face of great betrayal. Acts 7:9-16 not only recounts the story of Joseph but also brings out timeless messages of God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. The parallels drawn between Joseph and Jesus serve to deepen our understanding of God’s redemptive plan throughout history. This passage challenges us to trust in God’s plan even in the midst of betrayal and suffering, knowing that He can ultimately bring about good from our hardships.
Acts 7:17-29
Several important sections to analyze are found in Acts 7:17-29. Firstly, the verse begins by mentioning the growth of the Israelites in Egypt and their eventual enslavement. This highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise to multiply the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as mentioned in earlier biblical accounts. The significance of this progression is central to the biblical narrative as it sets the stage for the deliverance of the Israelites by Moses, the exodus from Egypt, and the establishment of God’s covenant with His people.
The mention of Joseph in verse 9 is crucial, as it harkens back to the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph’s journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming a powerful leader in Egypt showcases God’s faithfulness and His ability to turn even the direst situations for good. Joseph’s story serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His intricate plans for His chosen people. Stephen in his speech recalls Moses, whom God raised up as a deliverer for the Israelites as the passage progresses. Moses’ story is central to the biblical narrative as he led the Israelites out of Egypt, performed miracles through God’s power, and delivered the Ten Commandments to the people. Moses’ obedience, faithfulness, and intimate relationship with God serve as a model for believers in trusting God’s guidance and purposes in their lives.
The rejection of Moses by the Israelites, mentioned in Acts 7:27-29, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and unbelief. Despite witnessing God’s mighty works and deliverance, the Israelites rebelled against Moses and ultimately God, leading to their wandering in the wilderness for forty years. This illustrates the importance of faith, obedience, and humility in following God’s will, as seen in Hebrews 3:15-19 where the author warns against hardening our hearts like the Israelites in the wilderness. Stephen recounts how Moses fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian taskmaster in Acts 7:29. This event demonstrates both the flaws and humanity of even the greatest biblical figures. Moses, though chosen by God for a significant purpose, was not without faults. This serves as a reminder that God’s power is not limited by human weakness and that He can still work through imperfect vessels to accomplish His will. Acts 7:17-29 delves into significant events and characters in the history of Israel, emphasizing God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and the importance of faith and obedience in following His plans. The stories of Joseph and Moses are integral parts of the biblical narrative, showcasing God’s redemptive power and His willingness to work through imperfect individuals for His glory.
Acts 7:30-38
Stephen recounts the story of Moses and the burning bush in Acts 7:30-38 as he is brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, to defend his faith. This passage delves into the pivotal moment when God revealed himself to Moses in the form of a burning bush, instructing him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.
The burning bush incident was a transformative event for Moses, where God not only identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob but also called Moses to be the deliverer of the Israelites from the oppression of Pharaoh. This encounter highlights the holiness of God as represented by the burning bush that was not consumed by the flames. It signifies God’s presence in the midst of adversity and His promise to be with His people in their times of need.
This story emphasizes the concept of God’s faithfulness and His ability to choose and equip individuals for His divine purposes, despite their shortcomings. Moses initially doubted his ability to carry out God’s instructions, expressing his inadequacy in speech, but God assured him that He would be with his mouth and teach him what to say. This demonstrates that God does not call the qualified, but rather qualifies the called, showcasing His power to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary feats.
Stephen’s retelling of this story serves to draw parallels between Moses, the great deliverer of the Israelites, and Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer of all humanity. Both figures were initially rejected by their own people but were chosen by God for a specific mission of salvation. Through Moses, the Israelites were physically liberated from slavery in Egypt, while through Christ, believers are spiritually liberated from the bondage of sin and death.
Furthermore, Stephen’s reference to the angel who appeared to Moses on Mount Sinai reinforces the idea of divine revelation and intervention in the history of Israel. The Law that was given to Moses on Mount Sinai shaped the identity and practices of the Israelites, setting them apart as God’s chosen people. This narrative underscores the continuity of God’s plan throughout history, leading up to the ultimate revelation of His grace through Jesus Christ. Acts 7:30-38 not only presents a historical account of Moses’ encounter with God but also serves as a theological reflection on God’s faithfulness, His call on the lives of individuals, and His ultimate plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. It conveys a message of hope and encouragement for believers to trust in God’s provision and guidance, knowing that He is always at work in fulfilling His purposes in the world.
Acts 7:39-50
Stephen, one of the early Christian leaders, gives a speech before the Jewish Sanhedrin in Acts 7:39-50. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Sentence in active voice: “Let’s break down this passage into important sections and delve into the meaning and significance of each.”
Verse 39 begins with Stephen referencing the Israelites’ rejection of Moses despite their acknowledgment of him as their leader. This rejection highlights a recurring pattern in the Israelites’ history of rebellion and disobedience. The underlying message here is the danger of hardening one’s heart against God’s chosen leaders and His guidance. Just as the Israelites resisted Moses and his leadership, people can also reject God’s messengers today, missing out on the blessings and teachings they bring.
Moving on to verse 40, Stephen mentions the incident where the Israelites created a golden calf to worship in the wilderness. This act of idolatry was a blatant violation of the first commandment given by God to Moses. The Israelites demonstrated their lack of faith and loyalty to the one true God who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt by worshipping a false god. This serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God alone. This incident also reflects the broader theme of God’s mercy and faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness, a theme that runs throughout the Bible. Stephen in verse 41 speaks of the Israelites’ continued idolatry, specifically mentioning their worship of the stars and heavenly bodies. This alludes to the pervasive practice of astrology and pagan worship that was prevalent among the nations surrounding Israel. The Israelites not only disobeyed God’s commands but also compromised their unique identity as His chosen people by succumbing to these practices. This serves as a cautionary tale about the allure of worldly customs and the need to remain steadfast in one’s faith and devotion to God. Stephen shifts to the construction of the tabernacle and later the temple as he progresses in his speech. He emphasizes in verses 44-47 that God’s presence is not confined to a physical structure but transcends any earthly dwelling. This underscores the spiritual nature of worship and the importance of seeking God with a sincere heart rather than focusing solely on external rituals or symbols. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would later declare Himself as the ultimate temple (John 2:19-21) and establish a new covenant not based on physical regulations but on faith and grace.
Lastly, in verses 48-50, Stephen quotes from Isaiah 66:1-2 to highlight God’s sovereignty and transcendence over all creation. Stephen challenges the traditional Jewish belief centered on the temple in Jerusalem by affirming that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands. This declaration lays the foundation for the Christian understanding of God’s omnipresence and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers (1 Corinthians 3:16). It also points to the universal nature of God’s kingdom, open to all who seek Him in spirit and truth, transcending ethnic or religious boundaries. Stephen’s speech in Acts 7:39-50 provides a comprehensive overview of Israel’s history, highlighting both their faithfulness and failures in relation to God’s covenant. It underscores the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and genuine worship in the life of a believer and challenges us to examine our own hearts and allegiances. The passage ultimately points to Christ as the fulfillment of the law and the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, ushering in a new era of grace and spiritual worship.
Acts 7:51-60
Stephen, one of the early disciples of Jesus, gives a powerful testimony and is martyred in Acts 7:51-60. This passage is a culmination of Stephen’s stirring defense before the Sanhedrin, where he boldly rebukes the religious leaders for their resistance to the Holy Spirit and their betrayal of the righteous prophets who came before. Stephen addresses the council in the first part of the passage by calling them “stiff-necked people” and accusing them of always resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had done. This reference to their ancestors is crucial as it connects the present rejection of Jesus and His message to the historical pattern of Israel’s rebellion against God, as depicted numerous times in the Old Testament. Stephen’s words challenge them to reflect on their own actions in light of their forefathers’ disobedience. Stephen accuses the council of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, whom the prophets had foretold as he continues his speech. He becomes the voice of conviction, highlighting their guilt in rejecting the Messiah that their scriptures had pointed towards for centuries. Stephen demonstrates his unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel by proclaiming this truth, even in the face of intense opposition and possible harm.
The council’s response to Stephen’s words is one of fury and outrage. They cover their ears, yell loudly, and rush at him, indicating their refusal to listen to the truth presented to them. This violent reaction mirrors the hostility that Jesus himself faced when confronting the religious leaders of His time. Stephen’s fate mirrors that of Jesus, as he is taken outside the city and stoned to death by a mob. Stephen, in his final moments as he is being stoned, looks up to heaven and sees the glory of God, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This vision is significant as it shows Stephen’s faithfulness and assurance in the midst of suffering. The author of Acts emphasizes the divine support and approval bestowed upon Stephen for his unwavering faith and commitment to the truth, even unto death by mentioning this vision.
The narrative of Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 7 echoes Jesus’ own words in Matthew 5:10-12, where Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Stephen’s story serves as a powerful example of perseverance, faithfulness, and courage in the face of opposition. It illustrates the ultimate sacrifice he was willing to make for the sake of the Gospel, echoing the sacrificial love displayed by Jesus on the cross. Stephen’s faithfulness is a poignant account in Acts 7:51-60, even as he faced persecution and death. Stephen’s unwavering commitment to the truth, his bold proclamation of the Gospel, and his ultimate sacrifice serve as an inspiration for all believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the challenges or opposition they may face. His story reminds us of the cost of discipleship and the eternal reward that awaits those who remain faithful to the end.
After Acts 7
The martyr Stephen had spoken boldly, recounting the history of God’s people and their rejection of the prophets. But his words had only enraged the religious leaders. They dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death, making him the first Christian martyr. Stephen cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” as his life ebbed away. He saw the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God in that moment. With his final breath, he pleaded, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And with that, he fell asleep.
The death of Stephen was a pivotal moment in the early church. It would mark the beginning of a great persecution against the followers of Jesus. But the blood of the martyr is the seed of the church, and this tragedy would only serve to scatter the believers, who would go on to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.