Acts 7 contains Stephen's powerful speech before the Sanhedrin, followed by his martyrdom. This chapter is a pivotal moment in the book of Acts, as it marks the beginning of intense persecution against the early church and sets the stage for the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve the Hellenistic widows (Acts 6:5), stands accused of blasphemy against Moses, God, the temple, and the law (Acts 6:11-14).
Stephen's speech is a masterful retelling of Israel's history, demonstrating his deep knowledge of the Scriptures and his ability to interpret them in light of Christ. His address serves not only as a defense against the charges brought against him but also as an indictment against his accusers, culminating in a powerful proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah.
Outline of Acts 7
I. Stephen's Defense Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:1-53)
A. The Patriarchal Period (vv. 2-16)
Abraham (vv. 2-8)
Joseph (vv. 9-16)
B. Moses and the Exodus (vv. 17-43)
Moses' early life and call (vv. 17-34)
Israel's rebellion in the wilderness (vv. 35-43)
C. The Tabernacle and Temple (vv. 44-50)
D. Indictment of the Jewish Leaders (vv. 51-53)
II. Stephen's Martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60)
A. The Sanhedrin's Reaction (v. 54)
B. Stephen's Vision of Christ (vv. 55-56)
C. Stephen's Stoning (vv. 57-58)
D. Stephen's Final Words and Death (vv. 59-60)
Key Themes and Theological Insights
God's Sovereignty in History: Stephen's retelling of Israel's history emphasizes God's faithfulness and guidance throughout the nation's development.
Progressive Revelation: The speech highlights how God's plan unfolded gradually, culminating in Christ.
Rejection of God's Messengers: Stephen draws parallels between the historical rejection of God's prophets and the recent rejection of Jesus.
The Temple's True Significance: Stephen challenges the Jewish leaders' understanding of the temple, emphasizing that God is not confined to human-made structures.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of Scripture: Stephen's speech implicitly presents Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the climax of Israel's history.
Martyrdom and Forgiveness: Stephen's death exemplifies Christ-like forgiveness and unwavering faith in the face of persecution.
Verse-by-Verse Exegesis
"And the high priest said, 'Are these things so?'" (ESV)
The Greek phrase "Εἰ ταῦτα οὕτως ἔχει" (Ei tauta houtōs echei) is a formal way of asking Stephen to confirm or deny the charges against him.
2-3. "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, and said to him, "Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you."'" (ESV)
Stephen begins his defense by addressing his audience respectfully as "Brothers and fathers" (Ἄνδρες ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες, Andres adelphoi kai pateres). He emphasizes God's initiative in calling Abraham, using the term "God of glory" (ὁ θεὸς τῆς δόξης, ho theos tēs doxēs) to highlight God's transcendence.
4-8. "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. 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. 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. 'But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.' 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." (ESV)
Stephen recounts Abraham's journey, emphasizing God's promises and guidance. The phrase "not even a foot's length" (οὐδὲ βῆμα ποδός, oude bēma podos) underscores the contrast between the promise and its fulfillment. The mention of the "covenant of circumcision" (διαθήκην περιτομῆς, diathēkēn peritomēs) connects Abraham's faithfulness to later Jewish practice.
9-16. "And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 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. Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, 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." (ESV)
Stephen's retelling of Joseph's story emphasizes God's providential care despite human jealousy and hardship. The phrase "God was with him" (ἦν ὁ θεὸς μετ' αὐτοῦ, ēn ho theos met' autou) highlights divine presence and favor.
17-22. "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive. 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, and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds." (ESV)
Stephen transitions to Moses' story, connecting it to God's promise to Abraham. The phrase "beautiful in God's sight" (ἀστεῖος τῷ θεῷ, asteios tō theō) emphasizes Moses' divine calling from birth.
23-29. "When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. 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?' But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons." (ESV)
Stephen recounts Moses' initial attempt to help his people, highlighting their rejection of his leadership. The phrase "God was giving them salvation by his hand" (ὁ θεὸς διὰ χειρὸς αὐτοῦ δίδωσιν σωτηρίαν αὐτοῖς, ho theos dia cheiros autou didōsin sōtērian autois) foreshadows Moses' future role and draws a parallel to Jesus' rejection.
30-34. "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. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: '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. Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 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.'" (ESV)
Stephen recounts Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, emphasizing divine initiative and the holiness of God's presence. The command to remove sandals (Λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν σου, Lyson to hypodēma tōn podōn sou) signifies entering God's holy presence.
35-43. "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. This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.' 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. Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 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.' And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 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? 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.'" (ESV)
Stephen draws parallels between Moses' rejection and Jesus' rejection, emphasizing Israel's pattern of disobedience. The quotation from Amos 5:25-27 highlights Israel's idolatry and subsequent judgment.
44-50. "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. 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, who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, '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? Did not my hand make all these things?'" (ESV)
Stephen transitions to discussing the tabernacle and temple, emphasizing that God's presence is not confined to human-made structures. The quote from Isaiah 66:1-2 challenges the notion of God being limited to the temple.
51-53. "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 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, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it." (ESV)
Stephen's tone becomes accusatory, using strong language to indict his audience. The phrase "stiff-necked" (Σκληροτράχηλοι, Sklērotrachēloi) is a term often used in the Old Testament to describe Israel's stubbornness. The accusation of being "uncircumcised in heart and ears" (ἀπερίτμητοι καρδίαις καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν, aperitmētoi kardiais kai tois ōsin) suggests spiritual insensitivity.
54-56. "Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 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. And he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" (ESV)
The Sanhedrin's reaction is one of intense anger (διεπρίοντο ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν, diepronto tais kardiais autōn, literally "cut to their hearts"). Stephen's vision of Jesus standing (ἑστῶτα, hestōta) at God's right hand is significant, as Jesus is usually described as seated in this position.
57-60. "But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 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. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' And 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." (ESV)
The violent reaction of the crowd contrasts with Stephen's Christ-like response. His prayer echoes Jesus' words on the cross (Luke 23:34, 46). The phrase "fell asleep" (ἐκοιμήθη, ekoimēthē) is a euphemism for death, emphasizing the Christian hope of resurrection.
Reflection Questions
How does Stephen's retelling of Israel's history challenge or affirm your understanding of God's work throughout human history?
In what ways does Stephen's speech draw parallels between the rejection of God's messengers in the past and the rejection of Jesus?
How does Stephen's critique of the temple challenge our understanding of worship and God's presence?
What can we learn from Stephen's boldness in proclaiming truth, even in the face of severe opposition?
How does Stephen's forgiveness of his persecutors challenge our own attitudes towards those who wrong us?
In what ways does Stephen's martyrdom foreshadow the persecution the early church would face?
How does Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God encourage believers facing trials?
What lessons can we draw from the contrast between the Sanhedrin's angry reaction and Stephen's Spirit-filled response?
Applications for Believers Today
Cultivate a deep knowledge of Scripture: Stephen's speech demonstrates the importance of understanding God's word and its overarching narrative.
Develop a Christ-centered interpretation of the Old Testament: Learn to see how the entire Bible points to Jesus.
Be prepared to face opposition: Stephen's experience reminds us that faithfulness to Christ may lead to persecution.
Practice forgiveness: Even in the face of severe mistreatment, strive to forgive as Christ forgave.
Maintain an eternal perspective: Stephen's vision of Christ reminds us to focus on heavenly realities, especially in times of trial.
Be led by the Holy Spirit: Seek the Spirit's guidance and empowerment in your witness and daily life.
Challenge cultural assumptions: Like Stephen, be willing to challenge misconceptions about God and worship, even when they are deeply ingrained in religious culture.
Trust in God's sovereignty: Remember that God is working out His purposes even through difficult circumstances.
Conclusion
Acts 7 presents a powerful account of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin and his subsequent martyrdom. Through his speech, Stephen demonstrates a profound understanding of Israel's history and its culmination in Jesus Christ. He boldly challenges his audience's misconceptions about God, worship, and their own spiritual condition. Stephen's martyrdom marks a significant turning point in the book of Acts, setting the stage for increased persecution of the church and the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.
Stephen's example of courage, wisdom, and forgiveness in the face of violent opposition continues to inspire and challenge believers today. His speech reminds us of the importance of understanding the broader narrative of Scripture and seeing how it all points to Christ. Furthermore, his martyrdom exemplifies what it means to follow Jesus faithfully, even to the point of death.
As we reflect on this chapter, we are challenged to deepen our understanding of God's word, to be prepared for opposition, and to maintain an eternal perspective in all circumstances. Stephen's life and death serve as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the gospel and the reality of Christ's presence with His people, even in their darkest hours.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the example of faith and courage we see in Stephen. We thank You for the way Your word illuminates the grand narrative of salvation history, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we ask that You would grant us a deep understanding of Your Scriptures, that we might see how all of history points to Your Son. Give us wisdom to interpret Your word faithfully and apply it to our lives and our world today.
Father, we pray for courage like Stephen's to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition. Help us to speak Your truth boldly, yet with love and grace. When we face trials for our faith, remind us of Your presence and the eternal hope we have in Christ.
We ask for the strength to forgive those who wrong us, following the example of Stephen and, ultimately, of our Lord Jesus. May our lives be characterized by love and forgiveness, even towards those who oppose us.
Lord, we pray that You would use us as witnesses to Your truth and love in our communities and beyond. May we, like Stephen, be filled with Your wisdom and power as we serve You.
Finally, we thank You for the assurance that Jesus stands ready to receive us, just as He did for Stephen. May this hope sustain us in all circumstances, until the day we see You face to face.
We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.