Search for commentaries – Acts 7

Stephen’s Sermon–God’s Covenant of Circumcision to Abraham
This chapter contains the longest sermon recorded in the book of Acts. In these first eight verses Stephen gives the history of Abraham. The Jews greatly admired Abraham and prided themselves in being his “children.” Furthermore, they depended on their nation’s heritage …

Stephen’s Sermon–Abraham’s Promised Descendents
The picture of Abraham is followed by the picture of Joseph. As the Sanhedrin rejected Jesus, the sons of Jacob united to get rid of Joseph. Both were motivated because of envy (v. 9). Joseph was rejected by his brethren, sold for the price of a slave, handed over to Gentil …

Stephen’s Sermon–Moses Identifies with God’s Chosen People
Stephen summed up the characteristics of Joseph in two words—grace and wisdom. Grace in its simplest form means beauty. Its nearest English equivalent is charm. It would have been extremely easy for him to become embittered. But he dealt faithfully with each dut …

Stephen’s Sermon–Moses’ Mandate From God
In these verses we can see what Moses gave up. He actually gave up a kingdom, in order to lead his people out into the desert on a great adventure for God. This great man is not the man who, like the Jews, is thrilled about the past and jealous of his privileges; he is the man wh …

Stephen’s Sermon–The Bold Conclusion!
In this closing section of his defense, what Stephen has been implying now becomes explicit:He insists on the continued disobedience of the people. He insists that they have had the most amazing privileges.He insists that they have wrongly limited God.He insists that they ha …

Stephen Stoned to Death for his Faith
As Stephen laid the blame for the slaying of Christ squarely on them, the members of the council began to murmur. Finally under heavy conviction, they interrupted his sermon and rushed on him in preparation to stone him. They were so angry at him that they literally gnashed their …