Acts 7:4

Translations

Modern

So 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.

Traditional

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Literal

Then, having gone out from the land of the Chaldeans, he dwelt in Haran. And from there, after his father died, He transferred him into this land in which you now dwell.

Latin

Tunc exiit de terra Chaldæorum, et habitavit in Charan. Et inde, postquam mortuus est pater ejus, transtulit illum in terram istam, in qua nunc vos habitatis.

Original

Greek

English

So 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.

Notes

Acts 7:1–53

Stephen answered the accusations by speaking about his Lord (see Luke 21:12–17). Instead of defending himself, he became a witness in God's legal case against them. This revealed how contrary they were and their lack of loyalty. Stephen gave a history of Israel's past and reminded them of their repeated rejections of those who announced God's messages.
Stephen's review of Israel's history has three main parts:
1. The work of the patriarchs. This refers to Abraham and those descended from him who founded the nation of Israel (Acts 7:2–16).
2. The ministry of Moses (7:17–43).
3. The role of the tabernacle and the temple (7:44–50).
  Stephen ended his historical survey with a strong criticism of his people's lack of obedience. Like a prophet, he challenged them to stop resisting the Holy Spirit. He told them to turn to God with grief for their sins (repentance) and faith.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Simon Peter Stephen The Jewish High Council Encounters with Jesus Fearing People God’s Covenant with Abraham Persecution The Exodus as History The Holy Spirit’s Presence The Righteous Suffer

Events

Stephen addresses the councilc. AD 30

Related verses

Genesis 12:4–5
So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.
Genesis 11:31–32
And Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai the wife of Abram, and they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan. But when they arrived in Haran, they settled there.
Isaiah 41:2
Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.
Isaiah 41:9
I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you.

Parallels

Genesis 12:1–9

Places

Chaldea: Ancient Mesopotamian empire; known for astrology and wisdom Haran: A city in Mesopotamia, associated with Abraham and his family

Glossary

Abraham Apocalypse of James Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Charran Courts and Trials Haran (Place) Hellenism History of Israel Jerusalem Council Paul the Apostle Persecution Peter, the Apostle Stephen Terah (Person)

Topics

Abraham: And Canaan Abraham: Lives in Ur, but Removes to Haran Babylon: Empire of Divisions of Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Government: Constitutes Haran: Also Called Charran: A Place in Mesopotamia to Which Terah and Abraham Migrated Obedience: Abraham Pilgrims and Strangers: Abraham Select Readings: Stephen's Defense

Acts 7:4

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