◄ Acts 7 ►
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Stephen’s Address: The Call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–9) 1Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?” 2And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3and told him, ‘Leave your country and your kindred and go to the land I will show you.’a 4So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land where you are now living. 5He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised to give possession of the land to Abraham and his descendants, even though he did not yet have a child. 6God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 7‘But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come forth and worship Me in this place.’b 8Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and 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. Joseph Sold into Egypt (Genesis 37:12–30) 9Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. 11Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. 12When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. 13On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity toc his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. 14Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all. Israel Oppressed in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22) 15So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. 16Their bones were carried backd to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver. 17As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number. 18Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph, arose over Egypt. 19He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die. The Birth and Adoption of Moses (Exodus 2:1–10; Hebrews 11:23–29) 20At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God.e For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house. 21When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. The Rejection and Flight of Moses (Exodus 2:11–22) 23When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. 25He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. 26The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’ 27But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’f 29At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. The Call of Moses (Exodus 3:1–22) 30After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: 32‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’g Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. 33Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’h 35This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’i is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angelj who appeared to him in the bush. 36He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. 37This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’k 38He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us.l The Rebellion of Israel (Exodus 32:1–35; Deuteronomy 9:7–29; Amos 5:16–27) 39But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40They said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’m 41At that time they made a calf and offered a sacrifice to the idol, rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’n The Tabernacle of the Testimony (Exodus 40:1–33; Hebrews 9:1–10) 44Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, 46who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.o 47But it was Solomon who built the house for Him. 48However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human 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 where will My place of repose be? 50Has not My hand made all these things?’p 51You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. 52Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— 53you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.” The Stoning of Stephen 54On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged,q and they gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. 58They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Footnotes: 3 a Genesis 12:1 7 b Genesis 15:13–14; Exodus 3:12 13 c Or Joseph was made known to or Joseph was recognized by 16 d Literally And they were carried back 20 e Or he was of great status in God’s eyes or he was no ordinary child 28 f Exodus 2:13–14 (see also LXX) 32 g Exodus 3:6 34 h Exodus 3:5–10 35 i Exodus 2:14 35 j Or Angel; also in verse 38 37 k Deuteronomy 18:15 38 l NE and WH to you 40 m Exodus 32:1 43 n Amos 5:25–27 (see also LXX) 46 o SBL, WH, BYZ, and TR; see also LXX for Psalm 132:5; ECM and NE a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. 50 p Isaiah 66:1–2 54 q Literally On hearing these things, they were cut in their hearts, Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Acts 7 Summary Stephen's Address and Stoning Verses 1–8 – Abraham’s Call and Covenant Stephen begins by honoring God’s dealings with Abraham: God appeared to him in Mesopotamia, called him to Canaan, promised the land to his descendants, and sealed the promise with circumcision. This sets up the theme of God’s initiative and faithfulness. Verses 9–16 – Joseph in Egypt Joseph’s brothers sold him, yet God was with him in Egypt, raising him to save both Israel and the Gentiles from famine. Stephen highlights God’s presence outside the promised land and Israel’s early rejection of a God-sent deliverer. Verses 17–36 – Moses the Deliverer As the promise to Abraham moved toward fulfillment, another deliverer—Moses—was born. Rejected by his own people at forty, he fled to Midian. Forty years later God appeared in the burning bush, commissioning Moses to rescue Israel. After mighty signs and wonders, Moses led them out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. Verses 37–43 – Israel’s Rebellion Stephen reminds the council that Israel rejected Moses’ prophecy of “a Prophet like me.” The people turned to idols—the golden calf and later astral gods—so God “handed them over” to Babylonian exile, quoting Amos 5:25–27. Verses 44–50 – Tabernacle and Temple The mobile tabernacle traveled with Israel until David sought to build a house for God and Solomon completed it. Yet Isaiah 66:1–2 teaches that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands,” exposing the council’s misplaced trust in bricks and mortar. Verses 51–53 – Indictment of the Sanhedrin Stephen turns from history to accusation: the council is “stiff-necked,” resisting the Spirit, persecuting prophets, betraying and murdering “the Righteous One,” and failing to keep the Law they boast about. Verses 54–60 – Stephen’s Vision and Martyrdom Cut to the heart, the council gnashes their teeth. Filled with the Spirit, Stephen sees “Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Dragged outside the city, he prays for his killers and commits his spirit to Jesus, echoing his Lord’s words on the cross, as Saul looks on. Acts 7 features Stephen's impassioned defense before the Sanhedrin, wherein he recounts Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness. He charges the religious leaders with hypocrisy, stirring their anger. The climax of the chapter is Stephen's vision of Jesus, his bold proclamation, and his consequent stoning—making him the first Christian martyr. Setting and Audience • Location: The Sanhedrin’s chamber, Jerusalem, shortly after Pentecost (AD 31-33). • Characters: Stephen, the seventy-one council members, false witnesses, and a young Pharisee named Saul. • Issue: The charge that Stephen speaks “against this holy place and the Law” (Acts 6:13). Historical Flow of Stephen’s Speech 1. Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph). 2. Exodus figure (Moses). 3. Wilderness era (Tabernacle). 4. Monarchy and Temple (David, Solomon). 5. Prophetic indictment (Amos, Isaiah). Stephen’s survey shows a continuous pattern: God acts; Israel rejects; God still fulfills His promise. Old Testament Links Genesis 12:1-3; 17:9-14 – Promise and circumcision. Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s betrayal and rise. Exodus 2–3; 14 – Moses’ early life, burning bush, Red Sea. Deuteronomy 18:15 – “A Prophet like me,” pointing to Christ. Amos 5:25-27 – Wilderness idolatry. Isaiah 66:1-2 – God’s throne above any temple. Pattern of Rejection • Joseph rejected by brothers (Acts 7:9). • Moses rejected twice (7:25-29; 7:35). • Prophets persecuted (7:52). • Jesus betrayed and murdered (7:52). Stephen’s logic: the council’s treatment of Jesus is a tragic replay of Israel’s past. God’s Presence Beyond Sacred Buildings Stephen never demeans the tabernacle or temple; he stresses that God met Abraham in pagan Ur, Joseph in Egypt, Moses at Sinai, and Israel in the wilderness. Isaiah’s oracle seals the point: God’s throne is heaven itself. This undermines the council’s insistence that loyalty to the temple equals loyalty to God. Jesus, the Righteous One Stephen uses a title loaded with prophetic meaning (cf. Isaiah 53:11; Jeremiah 23:5). Peter had already used it (Acts 3:14). The “Righteous One” standing indicates advocacy for His servant (Hebrews 7:25). Archaeological Notes • Ur of the Chaldeans: Excavations reveal advanced culture circa 2000 BC, matching Genesis’ description of a prosperous city. • Shechem: Jacob’s burial plot has been located near modern Nablus, lending weight to Acts 7:16. • First-century Sanhedrin hall: Stones with chamber seats found in Jerusalem support Luke’s courtroom setting. • Ossuaries inscribed with names like “Caiaphas” confirm the priestly families active during Acts. Historical Notes on the Sanhedrin • Composed of chief priests, elders, and Torah scholars. • Authority under Roman oversight; allowed to judge blasphemy but not execute without Roman consent—yet mob killings, as with Stephen, sometimes bypassed procedure (similar to James the Just, AD 62). Key Greek Words • skēnē (σκηνή) – “tabernacle” or “tent”; emphasizes portability. • empiptō (ἐμπίπτω) – “gnash,” used of furious response (7:54). • martureō (μαρτυρέω) – “testify,” root of “martyr”; Stephen’s speech becomes his testimony unto death. Cross-Scripture Connections • Luke 23:34 with Acts 7:60 – Jesus and Stephen praying forgiveness for enemies. • Hebrews 11:8-22 – Faith of Abraham and Joseph mirrors Stephen’s outline. • 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 – Paul (formerly Saul) will later echo Stephen’s examples of Israel’s failures. • Revelation 6:9-11 – Martyrs under the altar recall Stephen’s cry for justice. Timeline of Major Events Referenced • c. 2091 BC – Abraham called. • c. 1898 BC – Joseph sold into Egypt. • c. 1446 BC – Exodus under Moses. • c. 966 BC – Solomon’s Temple dedicated. • 597-586 BC – Babylonian exile. • AD 30 – Crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. • AD 31-33 – Stephen’s martyrdom. Lessons for the Church Today God’s plan is bigger than locations, rituals, or human leaders. The Holy Spirit empowers bold witness even when it costs everything. Forgiveness toward enemies is not optional—it mirrors the Savior’s heart. The biblical account is one continuous thread, fulfilled in Jesus and carried forward by His people. Connections to Additional Scriptures Hebrews 11:1-40 The Hall of Faith chapter, which recounts the faith of many Old Testament figures, similar to Stephen's recounting of Israel's history. Matthew 5:10-12 Jesus' teaching on the blessings of being persecuted for righteousness' sake. Luke 23:34 Jesus' words of forgiveness on the cross, paralleled by Stephen's final prayer. Teaching Points Stephen's Defense Stephen's speech (Acts 7:2-53) is a masterful recounting of Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated disobedience. He emphasizes that God's presence is not confined to any one place, such as the temple. God's Faithfulness Stephen recounts the accounts of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, illustrating how God was with His people even when they were in foreign lands (Acts 7:9-10, 7:30-34). Rejection of the Prophets Stephen points out that the Israelites consistently rejected the prophets sent by God, culminating in their rejection of Jesus, the Righteous One (Acts 7:51-52). Vision of Glory As Stephen is about to be stoned, he sees a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, affirming his faith and mission (Acts 7:55-56). Martyrdom and Forgiveness Stephen's final words echo those of Jesus on the cross, as he asks for forgiveness for his persecutors (Acts 7:60). Practical Applications Boldness in Faith Like Stephen, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition or persecution. Understanding Scripture Stephen's deep knowledge of Scripture enabled him to articulate his faith clearly. We should strive to know God's Word intimately. Forgiveness Stephen's example of forgiving his persecutors challenges us to forgive those who wrong us, following Christ's example. God's Presence Recognize that God's presence is not limited to a building or location; He is with us wherever we go. People 1. Abraham Stephen begins his speech by referencing Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. He is called by God to leave his homeland and is promised that his descendants will inherit the land. The Greek name used is "Ἀβραάμ" (Abraam). 2. Isaac Isaac is mentioned as the son of Abraham, through whom the covenant promises are continued. The Greek name is "Ἰσαάκ" (Isaak). 3. Jacob Jacob, the son of Isaac, is the father of the twelve patriarchs of Israel. The Greek name is "Ἰακώβ" (Iakob). 4. The Twelve Patriarchs These are the sons of Jacob, who become the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are not named individually in this chapter, but they are collectively referred to as "οἱ δώδεκα πατριάρχαι" (hoi dōdeka patriarchai). 5. Joseph Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, is sold into slavery by his brothers but rises to power in Egypt. The Greek name is "Ἰωσήφ" (Iōsēph). 6. Pharaoh The king of Egypt during Joseph's time, who appoints Joseph as a ruler over Egypt. The Greek term used is "Φαραώ" (Pharaō). 7. Moses Moses is a central figure in Stephen's speech, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The Greek name is "Μωϋσῆς" (Mōusēs). 8. Aaron Aaron, the brother of Moses, is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' idolatry with the golden calf. The Greek name is "Ἀαρών" (Aarōn). 9. David King David is mentioned as the one who found favor with God and desired to build a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. The Greek name is "Δαυίδ" (Dauid). 10. Solomon Solomon, the son of David, is noted for building the temple in Jerusalem. The Greek name is "Σολομῶν" (Solomōn). Places 1. Mesopotamia Stephen refers to Mesopotamia as the land where God called Abraham before he lived in Haran. This region, known in Greek as "Μεσοποταμία" (Mesopotamia), is historically significant as the cradle of early civilization and the starting point of Abraham's journey of faith. Acts 7:2: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran." 2. Haran Haran is the place where Abraham settled after leaving Mesopotamia. It is located in the region of Paddan Aram, in modern-day Turkey. Acts 7:4: "So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move to this land where you now live." 3. Egypt Egypt is mentioned multiple times as the place where Joseph was sold into slavery and where the Israelites later became enslaved. The Greek term "Αἴγυπτος" (Aigyptos) is used. Acts 7:9-10: "Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles." 4. Canaan Canaan is the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. It is the region where the Israelites eventually settled. Acts 7:11: "Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great affliction, and our fathers could not find food." 5. Shechem Shechem is the place where Abraham bought a burial plot, which later became the burial site for Joseph's bones. Acts 7:16: "Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor at Shechem." 6. Mount Sinai Mount Sinai is where Moses received the Law from God. It is a significant location in the history of Israel's covenant with God. Acts 7:30: "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai." 7. Wilderness The wilderness is where the Israelites wandered for forty years after leaving Egypt. It represents a period of testing and reliance on God. Acts 7:36: "He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness." Events 1. Stephen's Defense Begins Stephen addresses the Sanhedrin, starting his defense by recounting the history of Israel, beginning with Abraham. He emphasizes God's call to Abraham and the promise given to him. ^"Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran."^ (Acts 7:2) 2. The Covenant with Abraham Stephen describes God's covenant with Abraham, including the promise of land and descendants, despite Abraham having no child at the time. ^"And God gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised to give it to him as a possession and to his descendants after him, even though Abraham was childless."^ (Acts 7:5) 3. The Patriarchs and Joseph He recounts the account of the patriarchs, focusing on Joseph, who was sold into Egypt by his brothers but later became a ruler in Egypt. ^"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him."^ (Acts 7:9) 4. Moses and the Exodus Stephen narrates the account of Moses, his upbringing, his flight to Midian, and his return to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. ^"This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and redeemer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush."^ (Acts 7:35) 5. Israel's Rebellion He highlights Israel's rebellion against God during their time in the wilderness, including the worship of the golden calf. ^"But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt."^ (Acts 7:39) 6. The Tabernacle and Temple Stephen speaks about the tabernacle of testimony and the temple, emphasizing that God does not dwell in houses made by human hands. ^"However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool.'"^ (Acts 7:48-49) 7. Stephen's Accusation He accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did, and of betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus. ^"You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did."^ (Acts 7:51) 8. Stephen's Vision and Martyrdom Stephen sees a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he is subsequently stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr. ^"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."^ (Acts 7:55) Lessons from Acts 7 1. The Importance of Knowing Your History In Acts 7, Stephen delivers a powerful speech that recounts the history of Israel, from Abraham to Moses. This reminds us of the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage. Understanding where we come from helps us appreciate God's faithfulness throughout generations. As Stephen recounts, "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham" (Acts 7:2), we are reminded that our faith is rooted in a rich history of divine encounters and promises. 2. God’s Faithfulness Through Trials Stephen highlights how God was with Joseph, even when he was sold into slavery by his brothers. "But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles" (Acts 7:9-10). This teaches us that no matter the trials we face, God’s presence is constant. He is our deliverer, turning our challenges into stepping stones for His greater purpose. 3. The Role of Obedience in God’s Plan Moses’ story in Acts 7 emphasizes the importance of obedience. Despite initial reluctance, Moses eventually followed God’s call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Stephen reminds us, "This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people’" (Acts 7:37). Obedience to God’s call is crucial in fulfilling His plans for our lives. 4. The Danger of Resisting the Holy Spirit Stephen warns against resisting the Holy Spirit, as the Israelites did. "You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!" (Acts 7:51). This serves as a cautionary tale for us to remain open and responsive to the Spirit’s guidance, avoiding the pitfalls of stubbornness and disobedience. 5. God’s Presence is Not Confined to Buildings Stephen challenges the notion that God’s presence is limited to the temple. He quotes, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me?" (Acts 7:49). This reminds us that God is omnipresent, and our relationship with Him transcends physical spaces. We can worship and connect with Him anywhere. 6. The Power of Forgiveness Even as Stephen faced death, he demonstrated the power of forgiveness. "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). His example echoes Jesus’ own words on the cross and teaches us the transformative power of forgiving others, even in the most challenging circumstances. 7. The Cost of Discipleship Stephen’s martyrdom underscores the cost of following Christ. His unwavering faith, even unto death, challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment. "While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed" (Acts 7:59). True discipleship may require sacrifice, but it also promises eternal reward. 8. The Vision of Glory Before his death, Stephen is granted a vision of heaven. "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). This vision reassures us of the glory that awaits those who remain faithful. It’s a reminder that our earthly struggles are temporary compared to the eternal glory with Christ. 9. The Impact of a Faithful Witness Stephen’s testimony had a profound impact, even on those who opposed him. Saul, who later became Paul, witnessed Stephen’s faith and was eventually transformed. This illustrates how a faithful witness can plant seeds that lead to transformation, even in the most unlikely hearts. 10. The Sovereignty of God in All Circumstances Throughout Stephen’s speech, we see God’s sovereign hand at work, orchestrating events for His purpose. From Joseph’s rise to power to Moses’ leadership, God’s plan unfolds perfectly. "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham" (Acts 7:17), we are reminded that God is in control, working all things for the good of those who love Him. Topics 1. Stephen’s Defense before the Sanhedrin Stephen begins his defense by addressing the high priest and recounting the history of Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the people's repeated disobedience. This sets the stage for his argument that the Jewish leaders are resisting the Holy Spirit. 2. The Call of Abraham (Acts 7:2-8) Stephen recounts how God called Abraham to leave his homeland and promised him the land of Canaan. The Greek term "κληρονομία" (kleronomia) is used for "inheritance," highlighting the promise of land and descendants. 3. The Patriarchs in Egypt (Acts 7:9-16) The narrative continues with Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, yet God was with him. The Greek word "πατριάρχαι" (patriarchai) refers to the patriarchs, emphasizing their foundational role in Israel's history. 4. The Oppression in Egypt (Acts 7:17-19) Stephen describes the Israelites' suffering in Egypt, setting the stage for God's deliverance through Moses. The Hebrew root "עבד" (avad) for "enslave" underscores the harshness of their bondage. 5. The Birth and Mission of Moses (Acts 7:20-29) Moses' early life and his initial attempt to deliver Israel are recounted. The Greek "σωτήρ" (soter) for "deliverer" is significant, as it foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate Savior. 6. Moses and the Burning Bush (Acts 7:30-34) God appears to Moses in the burning bush, commissioning him to lead Israel out of Egypt. The term "ἅγιος" (hagios) for "holy" ground emphasizes the divine presence. 7. The Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings (Acts 7:35-43) Stephen recounts the Exodus and Israel's rebellion in the wilderness, highlighting their idolatry. The Greek "ἀποστασία" (apostasia) for "rebellion" underscores their turning away from God. 8. The Tabernacle and Temple (Acts 7:44-50) Stephen discusses the tabernacle and Solomon's temple, emphasizing that God does not dwell in houses made by human hands. The Hebrew "שָׁכַן" (shakan) for "dwell" is key, pointing to God's presence among His people. 9. Stephen’s Accusation of the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:51-53) Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One. The Greek "ἀντιπίπτω" (antipipto) for "resist" highlights their opposition to God's work. 10. The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) The chapter concludes with Stephen's vision of Jesus at the right hand of God and his subsequent stoning. The Greek "μάρτυς" (martys) for "witness" is significant, as Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr, bearing witness to Christ even unto death. Themes 1. God's Faithfulness to His Promises Stephen recounts the history of Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, starting with Abraham. "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham" (Acts 7:2). The Greek word for "appeared" (ὤφθη, ophthē) underscores the divine initiative in revealing Himself to Abraham. 2. Rejection of God's Messengers Stephen highlights the pattern of Israel rejecting God's chosen leaders, such as Joseph and Moses. "But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt" (Acts 7:39). The Greek term for "rejected" (ἀπώσαντο, apōsanto) indicates a deliberate refusal. 3. God's Presence Beyond the Temple Stephen argues that God's presence is not confined to the temple. "However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands" (Acts 7:48). The Greek word for "dwell" (κατοικεῖ, katoikei) suggests a permanent residence, which Stephen refutes regarding the temple. 4. The Stiff-necked Nature of Israel Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of being "stiff-necked" and resistant to the Holy Spirit. "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit" (Acts 7:51). The term "stiff-necked" (σκληροτράχηλοι, sklērotrachēloi) is a metaphor for stubbornness. 5. The Vision of Jesus at God's Right Hand As Stephen is martyred, he sees a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). The Greek word for "standing" (ἑστῶτα, hestōta) implies readiness to act or welcome. 6. Martyrdom and Forgiveness Stephen's martyrdom is marked by his Christ-like forgiveness. "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). The Greek verb for "hold" (στήσῃς, stēsēs) conveys the idea of not charging or accounting the sin to them. Prayer Points Pray for the courage to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of adversity. Ask God for a deeper understanding and love for His Word, as demonstrated by Stephen. Seek the strength to forgive those who have wronged you, following the example of Stephen and Jesus. Thank God for His constant presence and faithfulness throughout history and in your own life. Answering Tough Questions 1. How do we reconcile Stephen’s claim in Acts 7:14 that 75 people entered Egypt with Genesis 46:27, which specifies only 70? 2. Why does Stephen cite a 400-year period in Acts 7:6 when Exodus 12:40 indicates 430 years of Israelite bondage? 3. In Acts 7:16, Stephen says Abraham bought a burial place in Shechem, yet Genesis 33:19 credits Jacob with that purchase. Which account is correct? 4. Stephen states Moses was “mighty in words” (Acts 7:22), but Exodus 4:10 depicts Moses as slow of speech. How do we reconcile these descriptions? 5. Acts 7:43 refers to the Israelites worshipping Moloch and Rephan. Is there historical or archaeological evidence that links these specific gods to early Israelite practices? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Stephen's recounting of Israel's history emphasize God's faithfulness and sovereignty? 2. What can we learn from Stephen's courage when facing religious opposition? 3. How does Stephen's speech critique the religious leaders of his time? 4. How does Stephen's vision of Jesus impact your understanding of Jesus' role in the believer's life? 5. Why does Stephen choose to recount the history of Israel as his defense? 6. In what ways does Stephen's martyrdom exemplify his faithfulness to the Gospel? 7. What is the significance of Saul's presence at Stephen's stoning? 8. How does Stephen's prayer as he is being stoned reflect his Christlike character? 9. What parallels and contrasts can you draw between Stephen's death and Jesus' crucifixion? 10. How does Stephen's account of Israel's history tie in with the charges he was facing? 11. How does this chapter challenge your own faith and commitment to Christ? 12. How does Stephen's response to persecution inform your approach to conflict and opposition today? 13. How might Stephen's speech to the religious leaders inform our approach to speaking truth to power? 14. How does Stephen's Christlike plea for forgiveness at his death inspire you in your own relationships? 15. What lessons can you draw from the reactions of the members of the Sanhedrin? 16. How does Stephen model for modern believers the right response when falsely accused? 17. In what ways does Stephen's speech and subsequent death illuminate the cost of following Jesus? 18. How does Stephen's perspective on death offer comfort and hope for believers facing persecution today? 19. How can Stephen's boldness inspire your personal witness? 20. How can you apply the lessons of Stephen's life and death in your day-to-day living and interaction with others? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions