Acts 7:44-53 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

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 7:44-46).

· Israel rejected the God-appointed Tabernacle and chose the man devised Temple (Acts 7:48-50).

· Israel chose to resist the Holy Spirit and rejected God's appointed messengers, even finally rejecting the Righteous One Himself (Acts 7:51-52).

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

Related Commentaries of Acts 7:44

Acts 7:44-53

44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speakingc unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

47 But Solomon built him an house.

48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

50 Hath not my hand made all these things?

51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.