Keraia
Acts 7

Acts 7:6

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

Modern
God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.
Traditional
And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
Literal
And God spoke thus, that his seed will be a sojourner in a strange land, and they will enslave it and will mistreat it four hundred years.
Latin
Locutus est autem ei Deus: Quia erit semen ejus accola in terra aliena, et servituti eos subjicient, et male tractabunt eos annis quadringentis:

Original

Greek
English
God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.

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 Jerusalem Council Paul the Apostle Persecution Peter, the Apostle Stephen

Topics

Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Government: Constitutes Israel: Lived in Egypt for Four-Hundred and Thirty Years Israel: Prophecies of Their Captivity in Eqypt Obedience: Abraham Select Readings: Stephen's Defense