Keraia
Acts 7

Acts 7:52

The Tabernacle of the Testimony · Acts 7:44–53
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Translations

Modern
Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—
Traditional
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
Literal
Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those having foretold about the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers,
Latin
Quem prophetarum non sunt persecuti patres vestri? et occiderunt eos qui prænuntiabant de adventu Justi, cujus vos nunc proditores et homicidæ fuistis:

Interlinear

Greek
English
Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—

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

Exodus 40:1–33 Hebrews 9:1–10

Glossary

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

Topics

Confessing Christ: Stephen Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Government: Constitutes Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Just Man, Just Person, Just One Murder: Jews Persecution of Jesus Persecution of the Righteous Persecution: Suffering of The Prophets Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest Select Readings: Stephen's Defense The Jews: Christ: Murdered By Titles and Names of Christ: Just One