Acts, Chapter 7

1
Lesson 15

• Acts, Chapter 7

2
Time Frame (Acts 7)

• Pauls conversion (Acts 9)
• A reference back to Lesson 3 reveals that we have
  placed the conversion of Paul to approximately 34
  AD
• The events of Chapter 6 take place not long
  before his conversion.
• Chapter 7s events immediately follow the
  accusations of Acts 68-15

3
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 1

• The Purpose of Stephens address
• First, a defense against the false accusations of
  blasphemy lodged against him.
• Less a defense of self, and more a defense of the
  gospel he preached
• Second, a means of convicting the Jews of their
  sins. Specifically, of rejecting the one sent by
  God
• Note Any perceived discrepancies in Stephens
  history can be resolved.

4
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 2

• A Breakdown of His Address (Reese)
• The case of Abraham and the Patriarchs (emphasis
  on God). 71-16
• The case of Moses in Egypt (emphasis on Moses).
  717-29
• The case of Israel in the Wilderness (emphasis on
  the Law). 730-43
• The case of the Tabernacle and the Temple
  (emphasis on the Temple). 744-50
• The application. 751-53

5
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 3

• The Call of Abraham (1-8)
• Stephen, in giving this long history, showed a
  reverence toward the history and institutions of
  the Jews. (Thus contradicting the false charges
  against him).
• Note Stephen reveals details concerning
  Abrahams calling (first from Mesopotamia) that
  are not found in the Genesis account. His words
  supplement our knowledge of O.T.

6
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 4

• The Call of Abraham (1-8)
• Events of Genesis 1127 124 summarized.
• Abraham lived a nomadic life in Canaan. Yet, God
  has promised that his descendents would possess
  the land.
• Abraham begot Isaac, and circumcised him on the
  eight day (a covenant with God).
• Isaac, Jacob, 12 patriarchs.

7
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 5

• The Patriarchs in Egypt (9-16)
• God used the patriarchs jealousy of Joseph, and
  installed him with favor as governor of Egypt
• Brothers and then Jacob all came to Egypt, where
  Jacob died (Gen. 4933).
• Note Genesis 5013 reveals that Jacob was
  buries in the field of Machpelah (Hebron).
• It is believed that the burials in Schechem refer
  to the Patriarchs. (vs. 16)

8
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 6

• God Delivers Israel by Moses (17-36)
• Moses appearance was the time of the promise
  (made to Abraham by God)
• The people grew numerous in Egypt (Exodus 16-9)
• New Pharaoh antagonistic toward Israelites
  (killed male children)
• Moses escaped this fate, raised as the son of
  Pharaohs daughter

9
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 7

• God Delivers Israel by Moses (17-36), cont.
• Moses was well educated and mighty (22)
• At age 40, all changed as Moses saved a slave by
  killing an Egyptian oppressor. He fled to Midian
  (23-29)
• At 80, God called him to deliver and rule over
  the Israelites (30-35)
• Moses did as God commanded (36)
• Note Stephen answered claims of blasphemy by
  accurately and reverently recounting Moses
  history

10
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 8

• Israel rebels against God (37-43)
• Note that Moses prophesied about the Christ (37)
  (cf. Deuteronomy 1815-18)
• If these listeners were really concerned about
  Moses, they would have heeded his words
• In their hearts they turned back to Egypt (vs.
  39) (cf. Exodus 32)
• God turned away from them (42)
• Sacrifice not enough (42-43) (cf. Amos 5)

11
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 9

• Gods True Tabernacle (44-50)
• Stephen now answers the accusation that he had
  spoken against the Temple (613)
• Main point It is not speaking evil of the
  temple to note that God would not choose that
  house as his abode forever
• Tabernacle first, until David (45)
• Temple next, by Solomon (47)
• However, Gods abode not in temples made with
  hands (48-50) cf. Isa. 661-2, Psa. 10255
  (Irony, Paul Acts 1724)

12
Stephens Address (vs. 1-53) 10

• The Application (51-53)
• Sharp change in tone with the application.
  Evidently, his hearers were unwilling to heed his
  message
• Uncircumcised in heart and ears (not acting as
  Gods people. Unwilling to hear the truth from
  God.
• When messengers of God resisted, the Holy Spirit
  is resisted
• Fathers killed the prophets, they now killed
  Jesus, the Son of God
• As such, disobedient to the law of God

13
Stephen the Martyr (vs. 54-60) 1

• The Councils reaction
• Contrast with Acts 237. They were enraged
• They stopped their ears, and stoned him to death
• Saul was there
• Stephens Demeanor
• Filled with the Holy Spirit Vision (55-56)
• Forgiving spirit at his death (59-60)