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Acts 7

60 verses

TL;DR

Stephen delivers a historical indictment of the Jewish people, tracing their unfaithfulness from Abraham to the present and proclaiming Jesus as the promised prophet, ultimately leading to his martyrdom.

Summary

Stephen, standing before the Sanhedrin, recounts Israel’s history starting with Abraham’s call, through the generations of patriarchs, Joseph’s rise in Egypt, and the oppression that led to Moses’ leadership. He details the covenant of circumcision, the idol of the golden calf, and the repeated disobedience of the Israelites. Stephen highlights Moses’ miracles, the failed worship of the calf, and the eventual calling of Jesus as the prophet raised by God. He accuses the listeners of resisting the Holy Spirit and murdering prophets, thereby justifying their contempt. The speech culminates with Stephen’s prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the stoning of the apostle, symbolizing the church’s early persecution.

Outline
  1. Historical overview from Abraham to Jesus
  2. Accusations of idolatry, disobedience, and persecution of prophets
  3. Stephen’s martyrdom and its theological implications
Themes
God’s covenantal faithfulnessPersecution of early ChristiansJudgment and hope in resurrection
Keywords
prophetidolcircumcisionjudgmentfaithHoly Spiritmartyrdom
People
StephenSaulMosesAbrahamIsaacJacobJosephPharaohAaronJesus
Places
EgyptSinaiMadianCharranIsrael
Things
covenant of circumcisiongolden calftabernacleangel of the Lordholy ground
Key Verses
  • Acts 7:30: Moses’ encounter with the burning bush marks the divine call to deliver Israel.
  • Acts 7:48: Stephen declares Jesus standing on the right hand of God, affirming the Messiah’s authority.
  • Acts 7:58: The Sanhedrin’s decision to stone Stephen highlights early Christian persecution.
Questions
  • How does Stephen use Israel’s history to critique his listeners?
  • What does Stephen’s declaration of Jesus’ presence at God’s right hand signify for early Christians?
  • In what ways does Stephen’s martyrdom shape the perception of persecution in the early church?
Sentiment

mixed
Stephen’s speech is fervent and accusatory, yet ultimately hopeful in its affirmation of Jesus.