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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 7

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER SEVEN

Regardless of the circumstances we might face, we must always keep our eyes fixed on God’s
Word. The Word will give us boldness in the face of religion, false accusations, and even death.

The last enemy to be destroyed will be death (1 Corinthians 15:26). But as believers, we should
not fear death. First Corinthians 15:55 says, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy
victory?” Just as Stephan’s eyes are open to the spirit realm, and Jesus awaiting him when
facing death, the same is true for every child of God. We must not fear death, but live our lives
spiritually proclaiming God’s Word, even when confronted with severe opposition.

STEPHEN TESTIFIES (1-50)

in response to Paul’s accusations, Stephen preaches a sermon reminding them of those who
preceded them. Through recounting the history of Israel and the patriarchs, the Holy Spirit
(through Stephen) is revealing to the council that God cannot be confined to a temple made
with the hands of.

ABRAHAM

Act 7:1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

“These things” is a reference to 6:13-14. In other words, the high priest is asking Stephen, “Are
you guilty?” But beginning in verse 2, Stephen will referred to Jesus. Stephen will begin with
the call of Abraham and recount the history of Israel up until the time of Moses. He will also
show how the ritual and ceremony of the temple is changed by Jesus’ fulfillment of the law.

A SUPERNATURAL RACE

Act 7:2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our
father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

“The God of glory” is the Lord Jesus Christ. Glory is the visible image of God, the manifested

presence of deity. Mesopotamia is Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 12:1-9). Jesus appeared to
Abraham when he was a sinner, a Gentile. He became a Jew when you believed and thus the
father of the Jewish nation (Genesis 15:6).