Keraia
Acts 7

Acts 7:5

Stephen’s Address: The Call of Abraham · Acts 7:1–8
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Translations

Modern
He 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.
Traditional
And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
Literal
And He did not give to him an inheritance in it, not even the length of a foot; but He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him—there being to him no child.
Latin
Et non dedit illi hæreditatem in ea, nec passum pedis: sed repromisit dare illi eam in possessionem, et semini ejus post ipsum, cum non haberet filium.

Interlinear

Greek
English
He 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.

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.

Events

Parallels

Genesis 12:1–9

Glossary

Apocalypse of James Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Courts and Trials Hellenism Inheritance Jerusalem Council Paul the Apostle Persecution Peter, the Apostle Stephen

Topics

Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Government: Constitutes Obedience: Abraham Pilgrims and Strangers: Abraham Select Readings: Stephen's Defense