Acts 7
BSB1 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?" 2 And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and told him, ‘Leave your country and your kindred and go to the land I will show you.’ 4 So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land where you are now living. 5 He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised to give possession of the land to Abraham and his descendants, even though he did not yet have a child. 6 God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 7 ‘But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come forth and worship Me in this place.’ 8 Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, and Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. 9 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. 11 Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. 12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. 13 On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all. 15 So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. 16 Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver. 17 As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number. 18 Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph, arose over Egypt. 19 He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die. 20 At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house. 21 When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22 So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. 23 When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. 25 He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. 26 The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’ 27 But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. 30 After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’ 35 This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. 37 This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’ 38 He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. 39 But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40 They said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’ 41 At that time they made a calf and offered a sacrifice to the idol, rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’ 44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45 And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built the house for Him. 48 However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: 49 ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be? 50 Has not My hand made all these things?’ 51 You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— 53 you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it." 54 On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57 At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. 58 They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Study Notes — Acts 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 7
- Themes from Acts 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts 7 begins with Stephen, a deacon in the early Christian church, being brought before the Sanhedrin to face charges of blasphemy. In his defense, Stephen delivers a lengthy sermon, tracing the history of Israel from Abraham to the present day, emphasizing the nation's consistent pattern of rebellion against God. He highlights key figures such as Joseph, Moses, and Solomon, demonstrating how God has been faithful despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Stephen then confronts his accusers, charging them with resisting the Holy Spirit and persecuting the prophets, just as their ancestors did. The chapter ends with Stephen's vision of the glorified Christ, his prayer for his persecutors, and his martyrdom by stoning. Key verses include Acts 7:2-53, where Stephen presents his sermon, and Acts 7:55-60, which describes his martyrdom.
Context for the Chapter
Acts 7 is situated within the broader narrative of the early Christian church, as described in the book of Acts. The chapter follows the appointment of deacons, including Stephen, to care for the needs of the Greek-speaking believers. The events of Acts 7 also precede the persecution of the church in Jerusalem, which will lead to the dispersion of believers and the spread of the gospel to other regions. Within the larger biblical narrative, Acts 7 connects the history of Israel to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Acts 7, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness to God, even in the face of adversity. We are also cautioned against resisting the Holy Spirit, recognizing that such resistance can have severe consequences. The chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain, and to pray for our persecutors, just as Stephen did.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts 7 tells the story of Stephen, a brave Christian who preached about Jesus to the Jewish leaders. He reminded them of their history and how they had often disobeyed God. Stephen's message was not well received, and he was killed for his faith. This event marked the beginning of a time of great persecution for the early Christian church. We can learn from Stephen's example to stand strong in our faith, even when it is difficult, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Acts 7:55-56.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest crime that can be committed against God is to resist the Holy Spirit, for this is to thwart the very purpose of God's heart, which is to redeem and restore His people.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“In Stephen's sermon, we see a magnificent example of how the Scriptures should be used to convict and convert sinners, demonstrating the power of God's Word to transform lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Stephen's Sermon (Acts 7:1-2) — The chapter begins with Stephen being brought before the Sanhedrin and delivering a lengthy sermon in his defense.
- The Early History of Israel (Acts 7:2-16) — Stephen traces the history of Israel from Abraham to Joseph, highlighting God's faithfulness and the nation's rebellion.
- The Life of Moses (Acts 7:17-43) — Stephen focuses on the life of Moses, emphasizing his role as a leader and the nation's consistent rebellion against God.
- The Tabernacle and the Temple (Acts 7:44-50) — Stephen discusses the tabernacle and the temple, noting how these physical structures symbolized God's presence among His people.
- Conclusion and Martyrdom (Acts 7:51-60) — Stephen concludes his sermon by accusing his opponents of resisting the Holy Spirit and persecuting the prophets, leading to his martyrdom by stoning.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign hand in the history of Israel, as seen in Stephen's sermon, demonstrating that God is in control of all events.
- Faithfulness of God
- Throughout the chapter, God's faithfulness to His people is highlighted, despite their rebellion and unfaithfulness.
- Resistance to the Holy Spirit
- The chapter warns against resisting the Holy Spirit, noting the severe consequences of such resistance, as seen in the lives of Stephen's opponents.
- Persecution of the Church
- The chapter introduces the theme of persecution, which will become a significant aspect of the early Christian church's experience, as seen in the martyrdom of Stephen.
Lessons from Acts 7
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, even in the face of adversity, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses.
- The Dangers of Resistance — The chapter warns against resisting the Holy Spirit, noting the severe consequences of such resistance, as seen in the lives of Stephen's opponents.
- The Power of Forgiveness — Stephen's prayer for his persecutors, as seen in Acts 7:60, demonstrates the power of forgiveness and the importance of loving our enemies.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign hand in the history of Israel, as seen in Stephen's sermon, demonstrating that God is in control of all events.
- The Continuity of Scripture — The chapter demonstrates the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ.
Themes from Acts 7
- Faithfulness and Rebellion — The chapter explores the themes of faithfulness and rebellion, highlighting God's consistent loyalty to His people despite their disobedience.
- Sovereignty and Providence — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign hand in the history of Israel, demonstrating that God is in control of all events.
- Persecution and Martyrdom — The chapter introduces the theme of persecution, which will become a significant aspect of the early Christian church's experience, as seen in the martyrdom of Stephen.
- Forgiveness and Love — The chapter highlights the importance of forgiveness and love, as seen in Stephen's prayer for his persecutors.
- The Fulfillment of Scripture — The chapter demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Stephen's example about standing strong in our faith, even in the face of adversity?
- How does Stephen's sermon demonstrate the continuity between the Old and New Testaments?
- What warning does the chapter offer regarding resistance to the Holy Spirit, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- In what ways does the chapter portray Stephen as a Christ-like figure, and what implications does this have for our understanding of the gospel?
- How does the chapter encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Stephen's Sermon (Acts 7:1-2)
| Acts 7:1 | The high priest asks Stephen to defend himself against the charges brought against him. |
| Acts 7:2 | Stephen begins his sermon, addressing the Jewish leaders and tracing the history of Israel from Abraham to Joseph. |
2. The Early History of Israel (Acts 7:3-16)
| Acts 7:3 | Stephen recounts the story of Abraham, highlighting God's promise to make him the father of a great nation. |
| Acts 7:4 | Stephen notes that Abraham's descendants would be strangers in a foreign land, but God would judge the nation that oppressed them. |
| Acts 7:5 | Stephen emphasizes that God gave Abraham no inheritance in the promised land, but promised that his descendants would possess it. |
| Acts 7:6 | Stephen recounts the story of Joseph, highlighting his role as a leader and the nation's rebellion against God. |
| Acts 7:7 | Stephen notes that God would judge the nation that oppressed Abraham's descendants, and afterward, they would come out and worship Him in the place that He would choose. |
| Acts 7:8 | Stephen emphasizes that Abraham's descendants were given the covenant of circumcision, which was a sign of God's promise to them. |
| Acts 7:9 | Stephen notes that the patriarchs, moved by envy, sold Joseph into slavery, but God was with him and rescued him from all his afflictions. |
| Acts 7:10 | Stephen emphasizes that God gave Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. |
| Acts 7:11 | Stephen notes that a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no food. |
| Acts 7:12 | Stephen emphasizes that when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers the first time. |
| Acts 7:13 | Stephen notes that on the second visit, Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh. |
| Acts 7:14 | Stephen emphasizes that Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. |
| Acts 7:15 | Stephen notes that Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers. |
| Acts 7:16 | Stephen emphasizes that they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. |
3. The Life of Moses (Acts 7:17-43)
| Acts 7:17 | Stephen notes that as the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, the Egyptians became hostile toward them and afflicted them with burdens. |
| Acts 7:18 | Stephen emphasizes that another king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. |
| Acts 7:19 | Stephen notes that he dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants so that they would not be kept alive. |
| Acts 7:20 | Stephen emphasizes that at this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God's sight. |
| Acts 7:21 | Stephen notes that he was brought up for three months in his father's house, and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. |
| Acts 7:22 | Stephen emphasizes that Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. |
| Acts 7:23 | Stephen notes that when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. |
| Acts 7:24 | Stephen emphasizes that seeing one of them being treated unjustly, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. |
| Acts 7:25 | Stephen notes that he supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. |
| Acts 7:26 | Stephen emphasizes that on the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, 'Men, you are brothers, why do you wrong each other?' |
| Acts 7:27 | Stephen notes that the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?' |
| Acts 7:28 | Stephen emphasizes that he said, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' |
| Acts 7:29 | Stephen notes that at this remark, Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. |
| Acts 7:30 | Stephen emphasizes that when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. |
| Acts 7:31 | Stephen notes that when Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord. |
| Acts 7:32 | Stephen emphasizes that he said, 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.' |
| Acts 7:33 | Stephen notes that Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. |
| Acts 7:34 | Stephen emphasizes that the Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. |
| Acts 7:35 | Stephen notes that he said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them.' |
| Acts 7:36 | Stephen emphasizes that this Moses, whom they rejected, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?' God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. |
| Acts 7:37 | Stephen notes that this man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. |
| Acts 7:38 | Stephen emphasizes that this is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.' |
| Acts 7:39 | Stephen notes that our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside and in their hearts they turned to Egypt. |
| Acts 7:40 | Stephen emphasizes that saying to Aaron, 'Make for us gods who will go before us, for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' |
| Acts 7:41 | Stephen notes that they made a calf in those days, and they offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. |
| Acts 7:42 | Stephen emphasizes that God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets. |
| Acts 7:43 | Stephen notes that you took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship, and I will deport you beyond Babylon. |
4. The Tabernacle and the Temple (Acts 7:44-50)
| Acts 7:44 | Stephen notes that our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. |
| Acts 7:45 | Stephen emphasizes that our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. |
| Acts 7:46 | Stephen notes that it was in the days of David that they received permission to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. |
| Acts 7:47 | Stephen emphasizes that it was Solomon who built a house for him. |
| Acts 7:48 | Stephen notes that the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says. |
| Acts 7:49 | Stephen emphasizes that 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?' |
| Acts 7:50 | Stephen notes that did not my hand make all these things?' |
5. Conclusion and Martyrdom (Acts 7:51-60)
| Acts 7:51 | Stephen says, 'You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.' |
| Acts 7:52 | Stephen emphasizes that which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? |
| Acts 7:53 | Stephen notes that they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered. |
| Acts 7:54 | Stephen emphasizes that when they heard these things, they were enraged and ground their teeth at him. |
| Acts 7:55 | Stephen notes that he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. |
| Acts 7:56 | Stephen emphasizes that he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' |
| Acts 7:57 | Stephen notes that they cried out with a loud voice and covered their ears and rushed together at him. |
| Acts 7:58 | Stephen emphasizes that they cast him out of the city and stoned him, and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. |
| Acts 7:59 | Stephen notes that they were stoning Stephen as he called out, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' |
| Acts 7:60 | Stephen emphasizes that he fell to his knees and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main point of Stephen's sermon?
The main point of Stephen's sermon was to demonstrate the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's faithfulness to His people despite their rebellion, as seen in Acts 7:2-53.
Why was Stephen martyred?
Stephen was martyred because he confronted the Jewish leaders with their sin and their rejection of Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 7:51-60.
What is the significance of Stephen's vision of the glorified Christ?
Stephen's vision of the glorified Christ, as seen in Acts 7:55-56, emphasizes the exaltation of Jesus and His role as the righteous judge of all people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:2 → Genesis 12:1-3 | The call of Abraham is referenced in Stephen's sermon, highlighting God's promise to make him the father of a great nation. |
| 2 | Acts 7:3 → Genesis 12:4 | Abraham's obedience to God's call is noted, emphasizing his faithfulness to God's promise. |
| 3 | Acts 7:4 → Genesis 15:13-14 | The affliction of Abraham's descendants in Egypt is referenced, highlighting God's promise to deliver them. |
| 4 | Acts 7:5 → Genesis 17:8 | The promise of the land to Abraham's descendants is noted, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promise. |
| 5 | Acts 7:6 → Genesis 15:13-14 | The affliction of Abraham's descendants in Egypt is referenced, highlighting God's promise to deliver them. |
| 6 | Acts 7:7 → Genesis 15:14 | The judgment of the nation that oppressed Abraham's descendants is noted, emphasizing God's justice. |
| 7 | Acts 7:9 → Genesis 37:11 | The story of Joseph is referenced, highlighting his role as a leader and the nation's rebellion against God. |
| 8 | Acts 7:10 → Genesis 41:38-40 | Joseph's rise to power in Egypt is noted, emphasizing God's sovereignty in his life. |
| 9 | Acts 7:11 → Genesis 41:54-57 | The famine in Egypt and Canaan is referenced, highlighting God's sovereignty over all events. |
| 10 | Acts 7:12 → Genesis 42:1-3 | The story of Jacob's sons going to Egypt to buy grain is noted, emphasizing the beginning of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt. |
Sermons on Acts 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Cost of Going All the Way With God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a woman who had a vision of standing before the gates of heaven. She saw some people she knew and was about to enter when an angel told her |
|
Stephen, Full of Faith and Power by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the defense of Stephen, as described in Acts chapter 7. Stephen addresses the theologians of his time, emphasizing that the God of glory app |
|
Dedicated to God Not Man by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential principles of the Christian life. He begins by discussing Moses and how he was learned in the w |
|
Militant Evangelism by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story of a father who risks his life to save his son from crocodile-infested waters. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance o |
|
Apostolic Commission by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what |
|
|
Hebrews 11 - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and how it will be tested. He shares a personal anecdote about a young girl who remembered his sermon from three yea |
|
Living a Life of Sacrifice by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of boldness and courage rooted in the spirit of power, love, and self-control that God has given believers. It highlights the |
|
Help Wanted: A Messenger by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a message to deliver when speaking or singing. He expresses disappointment in those who can deliver beautiful perfor |
|
Against the Flow by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching in a public setting and facing disdain and mockery when he mentioned God and Jesus. He draws a parallel to the story |
|
Genesis #12 Ch. 12-13 the Call of Abraham by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transition from the preface of Genesis to the period of the nation. He emphasizes that God's pattern is always the same: there is a call, |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 7
In Acts 7, we see the tragic end of Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, who was stoned by the very people he sought to convert. His sermon, which comprises the bulk of the chapter, is a masterful presentation of the history of Israel, tracing the nation's consistent pattern of rebellion against God. Through this narrative, Henry notes that Stephen demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The chapter also highlights the importance of faithfulness to God, even in the face of adversity, and warns against resisting the Holy Spirit, noting the severe consequences of such resistance. Ultimately, the chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain, and to pray for their persecutors, just as Stephen did. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Rebellion
Throughout Stephen's sermon, a pattern emerges of Israel's consistent rebellion against God, despite His faithfulness. This theme is reiterated in the lives of key figures such as Joseph, Moses, and Solomon.
Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, as seen in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, who trusted God despite adversity.
Consequences of Rejection
The chapter highlights the severe consequences of rejecting the gospel, as seen in the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the early Christian church.