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Acts 7

Life Application Study BibleActsChapter 7

Acts 7

New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831

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7Acts 7

Stephen Addresses the Council

1Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these accusations true?” 2This was Stephens reply: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran.* 3God told him, ‘Leave your native land and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you.’* 4So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran until his father died. Then God brought him here to the land where you now live. 5“But God gave him no inheritance here, not even one square foot of land. God did promise, however, that eventually the whole land would belong to Abraham and his descendants—even though he had no children yet. 6God also told him that his descendants would live in a foreign land, where they would be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. 7’But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and in the end they will come out and worship me here in this place.’* 8God also gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision at that time. So when Abraham 76). became the father of Isaac, he circumcised him on the eighth day. And the practice was con- 21:2-4; 25:26; tinued when Isaac became the father of Jacob, and when Jacob became the father of the 95:23:26 twelve patriarchs of the Israelite nation. 9“ These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in 78 7.08; 30:2 Egypt. But God was with him 10and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him ps 105:17' favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh 7:10 appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace. Gon 4137-43 11“Buta famine came upon Egypt and Canaan. There was great misery, and our ancestors ran out of food. 12Jacob heard that there was still grain in Egypt, so he sent his sons—our ancestors—to buy some. 13The second time they went, Joseph revealed his identity to his 71?,,.., brothers,* and they were introduced to Pharaoh. 14Then Joseph sent for his father, Jacob, 7.43 and all his relatives to come to Egypt, seventy-five persons in all. 16So Jacob went to Egypt. Gen 45:1-4 He died there, as did our ancestors. Their bodies were taken to Shechem and buried in the FM 59610; tomb Abraham had bought for a certain price from Hamor's sons in Shechem. 46:26-27 I 17"As the time drew near when God would fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of Pet 10:28 our people in Egypt greatly increased. 18But then a new king came to the throne of Egypt ms 46:5-7; 49:33 who knew nothing about Joseph. 1This king exploited our people and oppressed them, Exod 1:6 forcing parents to abandon their newborn babies so they would die. Fete 16-20 20"At that time Moses was born—a beautiful child in God’s eyes. His parents cared for 7.47.48 him at home for three months. 21When they had to abandon him, Pharaoh’s daughter: Exod 17° adopted him and raised him as her own son. 22Moses was taught all the wisdom of the Egyp-. 7:11 Gen 41:54 tians, and he was powerful in both speech and action. Bod 110-11 22 23”One day when Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his relatives, the people of 7:20, 32 XO oy Israel. 24He saw an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite. So Moses came to the man’s defense Heb 11.23 and avenged him, killing the Egyptian. 25Moses assumed his fellow Israelites would realize 7:21 that God had sent him to rescue them, but they didn’t. Exod 2:3-10 26“The next day he visited them again and saw two men of Israel fighting. He tried to bea Tas 4:30 peacemaker. ‘Men,’ he said, ‘you are brothers. Why are you fighting each other?’ Isa 19:11 27"But the man in the wrong pushed Moses aside. ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over 723-24 tH-12 us?’ he asked. 28‘Are you going to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’ 29When 7.5695 Moses heard that, he fled the country and lived as a foreigner in the land of Midian. There ‘Exod 2:13-14 his two sons were born. 7:29; 30“Forty years later, in the desert near Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to Moses in the vat flame of a burning bush. 31When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he went to Exod 3:1-4 take a closer look, the voice of the Lor called out to him, 321 am the God of your ances- 7:32-34 tors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses shook with terror and did not dare “**°¢ #70 to look. 33"Then the LORD said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 341 have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for lam sending you back to Egypt.”*

thoughtfully would be reminded of profound spiritual truths, Butwe know from our own experiences of repeating the churchcreeds, saying the LORD’s Prayer, or celebrating ordinances likebaptism and the LORD's Supper, that it is difficult to avoid merelygoing through the motions. We are often guilty of participatingpassively and mindlessly in religious exercises. Make it your goalto give God your full attention (body, soul, and spirit) the next timeyou pray, lake Communion, or take part in a church ceremony.

36“So God sent back the same man his people had previously rejected when they demanded, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us?’ Through the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush, God sent Moses to be their ruler and savior. 3¢And by means of many wonders and miraculous signs, he led them out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and through the wilderness for forty years. 37“Moses himself told the people of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people.’* 38Moses was with our ancestors, the assembly of God's people in the wilderness, when the angel spoke to him at Mount Sinai. And there Moses received life-giving words to pass on to us.* 39“But our ancestors refused to listen to Moses. They rejected him and wanted to return to Egypt. 40They told Aaron, ‘Make us some gods who can lead us, for we don’t know what has become of this Moses, who brought us out of Egypt.’ 41So they made an idol shaped like a calf, and they sacrificed to it and celebrated over this thing they had made. 42Then God turned away from them and abandoned them to serve the stars of heaven as their gods! In the book of the prophets it is written, ‘Was it to me you were bringing sacrifices and offerings during those forty years in the wilderness, Israel?

43No, you carried your pagan gods—the shrine of Molech,the star of your god Rephan,and the images you made to worship them.So I will send you into exileas far away as Babylon.’*

44"Qur ancestors carried the Tabernacle* with them through the wilderness. It was constructed according to the plan God had shown to Moses. 45Years later, when Joshua led our ancestors in battle against the nations that God drove out of this land, the Tabernacle was taken with them into their new territory. And it stayed there until the time of King David. 46"David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob.* 47But it was Solomon who actually built it. 48However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says,

49‘Heaven is my throne,and the earth is my footstool.Could you build me a temple as good as that?’asks the LORD.‘Could you build me such a resting place?

50Didn't my hands make both heaven and earth?’*

51“ You stubborn people! You are heathen* at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you 751 |, 3... forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! 5¢Name one 7.5 00 prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the Matt 23:30-34 coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. 5° You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.” 54The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him inrage.* 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the vos 1-9. 13 glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. 5¢Andhe 7.55 told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of Matt 3:16 honor at God's right hand!” 7:42-43 Amos 5:25-27 (Greek version). 7:44 Greek the tent of witness. 7:46 Some manuscripts read the house of Jacob. 7:49-50 [sa 66:1-2. 7:51 Greek uncircumcised. 7:54 Greek they were grinding their teeth against him. 7:53 Gal 3:19 57Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.* 59As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “LORD Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60He fell to his knees, shouting, “LORD, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

Textual footnotes

  1. traq. Haran was a city in what is now called Syria. 7:3Gen 12:1. 7:5+7 Gen 12:7; 15:13-14; Exod 3:12.
  2. of God's faithfulness and sovereignty. Despite the continued fail-
  3. ures of his chosen people and the swirling world events, God was
  4. working out his plan. When faced by a confusing array of circum-
  5. stances, remember that (1) God is in control—nothing surprises
  6. him; (2) this world is not all there is—it will pass away, but God
  7. is eternal; (3) God is just, and he will make things right—punish-
  8. ing the wicked and rewarding the faithful; (4) God wants to use
  9. you (like Joseph, Moses, and Stephen) to make a difference in
  10. the world.
  11. 7:13 Other manuscripts read Joseph was recognized by his brothers. 7:31-34 Exod 3:5-10.
  12. 7:17 Stephen's review of Jewish history gives a clear testimony
  13. 7:37 Deut 18:15.
  14. 7:38 Some manuscripts read to you.
  15. 7:58 Saul is later called Paul; see 13:9.

Life Application Notes 11 notes

7:1This high priest was probably Caiaphas, the same man who had earlier questioned and condemned Jesus (John 18:24). 7:2tf Stephen launched into a long speech about Israel's relationship with God. From Old Testament history he showed that the Jews had constantly rejected God’s message and his prophets and that this council had rejected the Messiah, God’s Son. He made three main points: (1) Israel’s history is the history of God’s acts in the world; (2) people worshiped God long before there was a Temple, because God does not live in a Temple; and (3) Jesus’ death was just one more example of Israel's rebellion against and rejection of God. 7:2tf Stephen didn’t really defend himself. instead, he took the offensive, seizing the opportunity to summarize his teaching about Jesus. Stephen was accusing these religious leaders of failing to obey God’s laws—the laws they prided themselves in following so meticulously. This was the same accusation that Jesus had leveled against them. When we witness for Christ, we don’t need to be on the defensive. Instead, we can simply share our faith.

7:8Circumcision was a sign of the promise or covenant God made with Abraham and the entire nation of Israel (Genesis 179-13). Because Stephen summarized Israel’s history, he told how this covenant fared during that time. Stephen pointed out that God always had kept his side of the promise, but Israel had failed again and again to uphold its end. Although the Jews in Stephen’s day still circumcised their baby boys, they failed to obey God. The people’s hearts were far from God. Their lack of faith and lack of obedience showed that they had failed to keep their part of the covenant.

7:8The Jewish rite of circumcision, like Israel’s regular sacrifices and annual feasts, was intended to be a very meaningful event. As with all religious rituals, circumcision was designed to serve as an outer symbol of an inner reality. Those who participated

7:37The Jews originally thought this “Prophet” was Joshua. But Moses was prophesying about the coming Messiah (Deuter- Onomy 18:15). Peter also quoted this verse in referring to the Messiah (3:22).

7:38Stephen used the word ekk/esia (translated “assembly”) to describe the congregation or people of God in the wilderness. This word means “called-out ones” and was used by the first- Century Christians to describe their own community or “assembly.” Stephen’s point was that the giving of the law through

7:43Here Stephen gave more details of the idolatry referred to in 7:40. These were idols worshiped by Israel during their wilderness wanderings (Exodus 32:4). Molech was the god associated with child sacrifice, and Rephan was an Egyptian god. Amos aiso names Assyrian deities worshiped by Israel (Amos 5:25-27).

7:44-50Stephen had been accused of speaking against the Temple (6:13). Although he recognized the importance of the Temple, he knew that it was not more important than God. God is not limited; he lives not only in a house of worship but also in those who are open to receive him (Isaiah 66:1, 2). Solomon knew this when he prayed at the dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 6:18). God wants to live in us. Is he living in you?

7:58Saul is also called Paul (see 13:9), the great missionary who wrote many of the letters in the New Testament. Saul was his Hebrew name; Paul, his Greek name, was used as he began his ministry to the Gentites. When Luke introduces him, Paul was going everywhere persecuting Jesus’ followers. This is in great contrast to the Paul about whom Luke wrote for most of the book of Acts, describing him as a devoted follower of Christ and a gifted preacher. Paui was uniquely qualified te talk to the Jews about Jesus because he had once persecuted those who believed in him and understood how the opposition felt. Paul is a powerful example of a person who was thought impossible for God to reach and change.

7:59The penalty for blasphemy, speaking irreverently about God, was death by stoning (Leviticus 24:14). The religious leaders, who were furious, had Stephen stoned without a trial. They did not understand that Stephen's words were true because they were not seeking the truth. They only wanted support for their own views.

7:60As Stephen died, he spoke words very similar to Jesus’ words on the cross (Luke 23:34). For telling others the good News of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection the members of the early church were persecuted. Sometimes, as in the case of Stephen, they were even put to death. Christ had promised his followers that living for him would lead to trouble (see Luke 21:12-19). This is still true. If we boldly live out our faith, the light of our lives will expose the sinfulness of others. Our words of truth will pierce their souls. Some will be convicted and yield to the leading of the Spirit. Others will become angry and hardened in their hatred of the truth. As Jesus said, “They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the One who Sent me” (John 15:21). We shouldn't be surprised or abandon our faith when we are persecuted.

Charts, profiles & sidebars from the printed pages

Personality profile · page 1829

Around the world, the gospel has most often taken root in places prepared by the blood of martyrs. But before people can give their lives for the gospel, they must first five their lives for the gospel. One way God trains his servants is to place them in insignificant positions. Their desire to serve Christ is translated into the reality of serving others. Long before violent persecution broke out against Christians, there was already social ostracism. Jews who accepted Jesus as Messiah were usually cut off from their families. As a result, the believers depended on each other for support. The sharing of homes, food, and resources was both a practical and necessary mark of the early church. Eventually, the number of believers made it necessary to organize the sharing. People were being over- looked. There were complaints. Those chosen to help manage were chosen for their integrity, wisdom, and sensitivity to God. Stephen was an effective administrator and messenger before becoming a martyr. He was named one of the managers of food distribution in the early church. And besides being a good administrator, Stephen was also a powerful speaker. When confronted in the Temple by vari- ous antagonistic groups, Stephen's logic in responding was convincing. This is clear from the defense he made before the Jewish high council. He presented a summary of the Jews’ own history and made powerful applications that stung his listeners. During his defense Stephen must have known he was speaking his own death sentence. Members of the council could not stand to have their evil motives exposed. They stoned him to death while he prayed for their forgiveness. His final words show how much like Jesus he had become in just a short time. His death had a lasting impact on young Saul (Paul) of Tarsus, who would move from being a violent persecutor of Christians to being one of the greatest champions of the gospel the church has known. Stephen’s life is a continual challenge to all Christians. Because he was the first to die for the faith, his sacrifice raises questions: How many risks do we take in being Jesus’ followers? Would we be willing to die for him? Are we really willing to live for him? Strengths and ¢ One of seven leaders chosen to supervise food distribution to the accomplishments needy in the early church

• Known for his spiritual qualities of faith, wisdom, grace, and power; also known for the Spirit's presence in his life.

• Outstanding leader, teacher, and debater

• First to give his life for the gospel Lessons from * Striving for excellence in small assignments prepares one for his life greater responsibilities Real understanding of God always leads to practical and compassionate actions toward people Vital statistics ¢ Occupation: Organizer of food distribution

• Contemporaries: Paul, Caiaphas, Gamaliel, the apostles Key verses “As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, ‘LORD Jesus, receive my spirit.’ He fell to his knees, shouting, ‘LORD, don’t charge them with this sin!’ And with that, he died” (Acts 7:59-60).

Stephen’s story is toid in Acts 6:3-8:2. He is also mentioned in Acts 11:19; 22:20.

Moses to the Jews was the sign of the covenant. By obedience, then, they would continue to be God's covenant people. But because they disobeyed (7:39), they broke the covenant and forfeited their right to be the chosen people. 7:38 From Galatians 3:19 and Hebrews 2:2, it appears that God had given the law to Moses through angels. Exodus 31:18 says God wrote the Ten Commandments himself (“written by the finger of God”). Apparently God used angelic messengers as mediators to deliver his law to Moses.

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Study feature · page 1830

Bible book but the son of Jehoiada the priest; see 2 Chronicles 24:20-22); Elijah (1 Kings 19:1, 2). Jesus also told a parable about how the Jews had constantly rejected God’s messages and persecuted his messengers (Luke 20:9-19). 7:55-58 Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus, the Messiah, standing at God’s right hand. Stephen's words are similar to Jesus’ words spoken before the high council (Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69). Stephen’s vision supported Jesus’ claim and angered the Jewish leaders who had condemned Jesus to death for blasphemy. They would not tolerate Stephen’s words, so they dragged him out and killed him. People may not kill us for witnessing about Christ, but they may let us know they don’t want to hear the truth and try to silence us. Keep honoring God in your conduct and words; though many may turn against you and your message, some will follow Christ. Remember, Stephen's death had a profound impact on Paul, who later became the world’s greatest missionary. Even those who oppose you now may later turn to Christ.

Study feature · page 1831

THE EFFECTS OF STEPHEN’S DEATH

Stephen's death was not in vain. Below are some of the events that were by-products (either directly or indirectly) of the persecution that began with Stephen’s martyrdom. 1. Philip’s evangelistic tour (Acts 8:4-40) 2. Paul's (Sauls) conversion (Acts 9:1-30) 3. Peter’s missionary tour (Acts 9:32-11:18) 4. The church in Antioch of Syria founded (Acts 11:1 9ff)

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