ACTS 7-8: STEPHEN

1. Jews dispute with Stephen--full of grace and power (6:8-10)

2. Accusations against Stephen (6:9-12)

3. Comments regarding the temple (6:13-7:1)

4. Prophecies--Egyptian bondage and Promised Land (7:2-8)

5. People led into Egypt (7:9-16)

6. Ill-treatment in Egypt; Moses as deliverer (7:17-29)

7. Theophany (7:30-33)

6'. Ill-treatment in Egypt: Moses as deliverer (7:34-35)

5'. People led out of Egypt (7:36)

4'. Prophecies--The Prophet and Babylonian exile (7:37-43)

3'. Comments regarding the tabernacle and the temple (7:44-50)

2'. Accusations against the Jews by Stephen (7:51-53)

1'. Jews stone Stephen--full of the Holy Spirit (7:54-60)

Stephen's speech basically retells the whole story of the Jewish people since the flood. This is somewhat similar to what Matthew does at the beginning of his gospel where he is trying to validate Jesus’ lineage. At the end it turns almost purposely antagonistic. These can be looked at as the words of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's will—dispersion of believers and possible planting of seed in Saul's mind. Ironically, it is Diasporan Jews who instigate the persecution in 6:9ff which leads to a Christian Diaspora in 8:1.

6:10 see Luke 21:14 prophecy: “So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict...they will put some of you to death.” (NRSV)

7:2-50 The quotations are mainly from the Septuagint, as would be expected from a Hellenist. The speech almost sounds rehearsed and is certainly well structured.

7:8 The “covenant” of circumcision is explained in Genesis 17:9-14.

Acts 7:16 But Jacob buried at Hebron (Gen 49:29), Joseph at Shechem (Samaritan place of worship. 

Theory that Stephan was a Samaritan Christian along with the other “deacons.”: Explains some other 

contradictions of speech with OT history and the "this is.." formula in vss. 35-40, common in 

Samaritan writings. If so, shows God's use of more radical elements to accomplish good.

Acts 7:42-43 book of (12 minor) prophets. Moloch = Canaanite god, Rephan = Egyptian god of Saturn

7:53 “Law ordained by angels” Angels were present when the law on Mt. Sinai was given. Galatians 

3:19 and Hebrews 2:2 use this as an indication of the inferiority of the law.

7:54 The reaction to Stephen’s story is a little different than the other apostles we’ve seen questioned 

by the authorities where it seems no one knew quite what to do with them, the crowd gets very angry 

and stones Stephen. He almost egged them on to do it. Some see parallels with Jesus' actions on the last 

week of his life.

7:56 This is theonly use of "Son of man" by someone other than Christ and Revelation 1:13. This 

passage is the fulfillment of Luke 12:8 "every one who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man 

also will acknowledge before the angels of God."

7:58 What is the significance of laying the garments at Saul’s feet? Witnesses were the ones who had to 

cast the first stones. They needed to get rid of their overgarments to be able to throw better. This 

dramatically introduces Paul as a bystander who was trusted with these garments.

7:60 Like Jesus' words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

8:1,4 Look at the good that Stephen's death accomplished.

8:1-3 Where do we start to delineate between church, temple, and synagogue? Jesus said “build my church” but it also tells of him going to the temple. Church (ekklesia) is a gathering of people, not the place they gather in.

8:3 What is the rationale for Saul’s inquisition? He was young, he was a Pharisee. Read Acts 22:3.

8:5-8 Why is Philip treated so differently than Stephen? He seems welcomed by all the foreigners, while Stephen was stoned by his own people? Jesus' words: “A prophet is not without honor save in his own land.” This is the overall theme of the Book of Acts.

8:14-16 The Samarians have not received the Holy Spirit because they were only baptized in the name of Jesus? Was this an error on Philip’s part in how he was baptizing people? The two-part conversion is not a general pattern; it only appears here and with Gentile converts later. The apostles needed to be physically present to witness the validity of the conversion (by giving of the Holy Spirit). Philip did not necessarily leave out the magic words; it may mean that God had not baptized them with the Holy Spirit at that time. (“Name” is the same as the object it names.) This is somewhat similar to the apostles getting the Holy Spirit from Jesus but having to wait until the Day of Pentacost for the descent of Holy Spirit in power upon them.

8:15-18 power = dunamis in v. 15 and exousia (authority) in vs. 19. Simon wanted authority, not the

Spirit's power over him.

8:20 money = silver, lit. Used because it corrodes. lit. "to Hell with you and your money"

8:21 neither inheritance (by right) nor lot (by chance)