Acts 7:44-53

Reply to the Charge of Speaking Against the Law and the Temple (7:44-53).

Having been accused of speaking against the Law Stephen defends himself by speaking in favour of the oracles of God and pointing out how they and their fathers had not been obedient to them.

This may be analysed as follows:

· Israel received the God-designed Tabernacle which came from God but did not keep it (Acts 7:44).

· Israel rejected the God-appointed Tabernacle and chose the man devised Temple (Acts 7:48).

· Israel chose to resist the Holy Spirit and rejected God's appointed messengers, even finally rejecting the Righteous One Himself (Acts 7:51).

· Israel received the God-designed Law, but did not keep it (Acts 7:53).