Keraia
Acts 7

Acts 7:8

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

Modern
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and 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.
Traditional
And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
Literal
And He gave to him the covenant of circumcision; and thus he begat Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.
Latin
Et dedit illi testamentum circumcisionis: et sic genuit Isaac, et circumcidit eum die octavo: et Isaac, Jacob: et Jacob, duodecim patriarchas.

Interlinear

Greek
English
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and 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.

Notes

Acts 7:8

the covenant of circumcision: See Genesis 17:9–14. See also “Circumcision in the New Testament” Theme Note.

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

People

Isaac: Son of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

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

Topics

Circumcision: Called The: Covenant of Circumcision Circumcision: Covenant Promises of Circumcision: Institution of Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Government: Constitutes Jacob: Son of Isaac, and the Twin Brother of Esau Obedience: Abraham Select Readings: Stephen's Defense The Jews: Circumcised in Token of Their Covenant Relation