Acts 7:2-43

From Abraham to the Prophet Like Moses - Reply To The Charge of Blasphemy Against God and Moses (7:2-43).

The only way Stephen had of replying to charges of blasphemy when he had no supporting witnesses was to make clear what his whole theological position was and demonmstrate that in fact it was his oponents who were open to the charges. And that he set out to do. It is noteworthy that the background to the speech, together with the first part of the speech takes up ideas which are then applied much later on. For example:

1) They had seen Stephen's face as though it had been the face of an angel (Acts 6:15) and later the charge against them is that they ‘received the Law as ordained by angels and kept it not' (Acts 7:53). God had again given them their opportunity to listen to His messenger (angel) and they rejected it.

2) He commences his speech speaking of the God of glory (Acts 7:2) and the speech ends with a vision of the glory of God (Acts 7:55).

3) Abraham was delivered by being called from the land of the Chaldaeans (Babylon) (Acts 7:4), and in the end his descendants were carried back beyond Babylon (Acts 7:43).

4) Abraham and his seed were given the covenant of circumcision (Acts 7:8), but in the end their successor's hearts were seen to be uncircumcised (Acts 7:51).

In respect of 3) we may detect a further pattern which covers the first part of his defence:

a Abraham with his household goes out to freedom from idolatry, fleeing from Babylon (Acts 7:1 a).

b Abraham's descendants live outside the land free from idolatry, looking for their future hope (Acts 7:4).

c Joseph the Deliverer from affliction is raised up, rejected, and finally delivers. The patriarchs are buried in the land (Acts 7:9).

c Moses the Deliverer from affliction is raised up, rejected, and finally delivers. The people possess the land (Acts 7:17).

b Abraham's descendant's live in the land and look to idols,(Acts 7:39 a).

a Abraham's descendants are returned to Babylon (Acts 7:43 b).