Bible Study Acts 7: 31-60

 

Commentary of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Acts 7: 31-60

Text:

31 When Moses saw it, he was marveling at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the [q]Lord: 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and would not dare to look. 33 But the [r]Lord said to him, ‘Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the oppression of My people in Egypt and have heard their groans, and I have come down to deliver them; [s]come now, and I will send you to Egypt.’

35 “This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one whom God [t]sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the [u]help of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, doing wonders and [v]signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet [w]like me from your brothers.’ 38 This is the one who, in the [x]congregation in the wilderness, was with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai and with our fathers; the one who received living oracles to pass on to you. 39 Our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him, but rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, 40 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.’ 41 [y]At that time they made a [z]calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away and delivered them up to [aa]serve the [ab]host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, ‘Did you present Me with slain beasts and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 You also took along the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of the god [ac]Rompha, the images which you made to worship. I also will remove you beyond Babylon.’

44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He, who spoke to Moses, directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen. 45 And having received it in their turn, our fathers brought it in with [ad]Joshua when they dispossessed the [ae]nations whom God drove out before our fathers, until the time of David. 46 David found favor in the sight of God, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the [af]God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built a 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 earth is the footstool of My feet.
What kind of house will you build for Me?’ says the Lord,
‘Or what place is there for My rest?

50 

Was it not My hand which made all these things?’

51 “You men—stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears—are always resisting the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 And which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; 53 you who received the Law as ordained by angels, and yet did not observe it.”

Stephen Is Stoned to Death

54 Now when they heard this, they became furious in their hearts, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But crying out with a loud voice, they covered their ears and rushed at him with one accord. 58 And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 They went on stoning Stephen as he was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said this, he [ag]fell asleep.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 31: “When Moses saw it, he was marveling at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the Lord:”

Can you imagine what Moses was thinking? Whatever the emotions, they did not stop him from moving toward the burning bush, not away from it. Then, the voice.

Verse 32: “‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and would not dare to look.”

This is a quote from Exodus 3: 6, 15. Notice that God states that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, not He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Verse 33: “But the Lord said to him, ‘Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

This is a quote from Exodus 3: 5. I am of the opinion that anywhere God’s Presence is would make the ground holy. 

Verse 34: “‘I have surely seen the oppression of My people in Egypt and have heard their groans, and I have come down to deliver them; [a]come now, and I will send you to Egypt.’”

This is a quote from Exodus 3: 7, 8. It is a comfort to know that even when your answers to prayer are delayed, God still sees you and hears you. When the time is right, then He will act.

Verse 35: “This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.”

Stephen is making the argument that the rejection of God’s choice of a deliverer, i.e. Moses, was the beginning of a history of the Israelites rejection of God and His deliverers. The quote, “Who made you?” is from Exodus 2: 14.

Verse 36: “This man led them out, doing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.”

Moses performed many miracles at God’s direction: the 10 plagues in Egypt, parting of the Red Sea, water from a rock, and the destruction of Korah.

Verse 37: “This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’”

This is a quote from Deuteronomy 18: 15 and is a reference to the Messiah that would come. Moses was chosen to lead the children of Israel out of captivity and the Lord Jesus Christ was the chosen sin substitute that would deliver His people from sin. 

Verse 38: “This is the one who, in the congregation in the wilderness, was with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai and with our fathers; the one who received living oracles to pass on to you.”

The word “congregation” is the Greek word ekklesia that is generally translated as church, but I believe the better translation is “assembly”. The reference to “the angel who was speaking to him” is interesting because it reveals that an angel had some part in the conveyance of the ten commandments to Moses. We know that Moses received the Law directly from God, but the angel spoke also.

Verse 39: “Our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him, but rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt,”

Israel preferred slavery to Egypt than obedience to Moses. Stephen is making the defense that just as the Israelites had rejected Moses, now they are rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Verse 40: “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.’”

The request was to make a physical representation of a false god. This is a quote from Exodus 32: 1, 23.

Verse 41: “At that time they made a calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.”

The people made a god with their own hands and worshipped it. How many today make a god in their own image and worship it? 

Verse 42: “But God turned away and delivered them up to serve the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, ‘Did you present Me with slain beasts and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?”

The quote is from Amos 5: 25-27. “Delivered them up” refers to God abandoning them to their own selfish interests. “Host of heaven” means heavenly bodies to include the sun, moon and stars. These were worshipped during the Babylonian captivity. The people were given over to idolatry.

Verse 43: “‘You also took along the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of the god Rompha, the images which you made to worship. I also will remove you beyond Babylon.’”

Moloch was a Canaanite title for deities to whom human fiery sacrifices were offered. Many times they were child sacrifices. Rompha comes from the Egyptian name for the god associated with the planet Saturn. 

Verse 44: “Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He, who spoke to Moses, directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.”

The “testimony” was the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Ark of the Covenant and Ten Commandments were in the Old Testament tabernacle. They had God’s Words directing how they should live. However, they rejected and rebelled. Stephen’s defense is that just as their fathers rejected then, now they are rejecting Christ.

Verse 45: “And having received it in their turn, our fathers brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations whom God drove out before our fathers, until the time of David.”

The fathers brought that testimony with them when they began to take the land that God was providing for them. Jesus is the Greek translation of Joshua. 

Verse 46: “David found favor in the sight of God, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.”

It was David’s idea to build the temple, not Solomon’s, his son. What a testimony to say that someone “found favor in the sight of God.” May that be our desire as well.

Verse 47: “But Solomon built a house for Him.”

However, God Sovereignly decreed that David’s son Solomon would build the temple. 

Verse 48: “However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands, as the prophet says:”

“Most High” was a common title for God in the Old Testament. 

Verses 49-50: “Heaven is My throne,

And earth is the footstool of My feet.

What kind of house will you build for Me?’ says the Lord,

‘Or what place is there for My rest?

Was it not My hand which made all these things?’”

These verses are a quote from Isaiah 66: 1,2. Stephen’s point is that God is greater than a temple. Further, the Jewish council were actually blaspheming God by trying to confine Him to the temple. Now he comes to his condemnation of the religious rulers of that day.

Verse 51: “You men—stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears—are always resisting the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.”

Stephen states that they are obstinate, like their fathers. To be “uncircumcised” was to be unclean like the uncircumcised Gentiles. “Resisting the Holy Spirit” was to reject the message from God’s chosen messengers. 

Verse 52: “And which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become;”

Stephen is using historical facts to argue that the current Jewish leadership was just like their fathers when they killed the prophets. They rejected Christ and His messengers. The “Righteous One” refers to the LORD Almighty and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 53: “you who received the Law as ordained by angels, and yet did not observe it.”

Scripture does not specify the precise role of the angels in the giving of the Law, but clearly states the fact of their presence.

Verse 54: “Now when they heard this, they became furious in their hearts, and they began gnashing their teeth at him.”

To “gnash their teeth” meant to grind them together and was an expression of deep emotional distress in that culture. 

Verse 55: “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;”

God is a Spirit so He doesn’t really have a right hand. The “right hand of God” is a place of prominence and honor. Hebrews 1: 3 tells us that when the Lord Jesus had finished His work He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. To be seated means that the work was completed. Here, the Lord Jesus Christ stands to receive His first martyr. 

Verse 56: “and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Stephen’s vision of the standing Son of Man in heaven would have reminded the Sanhedrin what the Lord Jesus Christ said when he was asked, was He the Christ? He replied, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:61, 62).

Verse 57: “But crying out with a loud voice, they covered their ears and rushed at him with one accord.”

Gospel rejectors will cover their ears to avoid hearing more Truth. Their anger boiled over into a rage. They wanted blood.

Verse 58: “And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.”

Saul, who would become the Apostle Paul, was a Pharisee and associated with the Sanhedrin. He may have been an instigator of Stephen’s trial.

Verse 59: “They went on stoning Stephen as he was calling out and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’”

Stoning was the punishment prescribed in the Law for blasphemy (Lev. 24:16); however, this was not a formal execution based on the Law, but an act of mob violence without justification.

Verse 60: “Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep.”

“Do not hold this sin against them!” is similar to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ from the cross. See Luke 23: 24. To fall “asleep” is to die. 

4-6–2025 Devotion

 Yesterday we looked at Romans 8:31: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Do you believe that God is really on your side? If you do believe this, how does that belief impact your life? For example, if you were personal friends with the President of the United States and you could call him anytime on his private cell line, how would that relationship help you in times of difficulty? The analogy is obvious; you have someone on your side that is a lot more powerful and influential than a mere human being. You have God on your side and you can speak to Him any time you want. That is powerful and empowering. 

The British Family Bible explains: "That is, 'Since God is for us, who can be against us?' Can Satan, or the world, or the unbelieving Jews, with any success oppose our enjoying the inheritance of the children of God, with the other blessings promised to the seed of Abraham?" The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says: "If God be resolved and engaged to bring us through, all our enemies must be His; and "Who would set the briers and thorns against Him in battle? He would go through them. He would burn them together" (Isa 27:4). What strong consolation is here! Nay, but the great Pledge of all has already been given; for...." We can see from both these resources that we have nothing to fear from those that would come against us. That is a comfort when times are challenging.

 

Today, focus on the fact that God is on your side. Since He is on your side, it doesn't matter who has lined up against you. You have nothing to fear as He will insure your victory. Thank Him today for His faithfulness.

4-5-2025 Devotion

 After looking at Romans 8:28 for a few days, we should have an understanding that God is using the events in our lives for our good. He is working something in us; He is molding us into His image. Does this mean that evil people have an advantage over us? Does it mean that we are to be victims to evil? No, because there is more good news Paul has for us in this section of Scripture. Romans 8:31 says: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Did that sink in? God is for us; He is not against us. We have nothing to fear from evil people or events because we have a mighty friend on our side.

 

Philip Doddridge explained: "On the whole, what shall we therefore say to these things, or conclude upon this review? surely we may courageously defy all our enemies, and say, If that God who hath all power in himself, and all the events of time and eternity under his direction, {be,} as we have heard, for us, who {can} presume to {be} against us, or be able to do us any hurt by the fiercest opposition, while we are guarded by such a Protector?" You are guarded today from evil. God is in charge and not man. We may resist evil to the fullest because of God being on our side. Further, we know that everything is working for our good.

 

Today, focus on the fact that you have God on your side. It doesn't matter who or what is opposing you. It matters not because the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is on your side. Take great comfort and be at peace because of these promises.

4-4-2025 Devotion

 We have been looking at Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Yesterday we saw that to be called was to be invited; but invited to what? The answer is found in the last phrase, "according to his purpose." "Purpose" means "a setting forth, presentation, an exposition, determination, plan, or will. It involves purpose, resolve, and design." This is the key to understanding this verse. God has a specific plan or design that He desires to bring about. Don't focus on you and what you may accomplish; instead, concentrate of His plan and purpose. Whatever part He has chosen you to play is the best part for you. Whether rich or poor; famous or not; brilliant or average, it does not matter because it is His plan not yours that matters.

 

The Barnes New Testament Commentary explains "purpose" as follows: " Hence it means, when applied to the mind, a plan or purpose of mind. It implies that God had a plan, or purpose, or intention, in regard to all who became Christians.  They are not saved by chance or hap-hazard. God does not convert men without design; and his designs are not new, but are eternal. What he does, he always meant to do. What it is right for him to do, it was right always to intend to do. What God always meant to do, is his purpose or plan." We take comfort in the fact that God has a specific plan and that plan will work for our good when we love Him.

 

Today, we conclude looking at this verse. May it bring peace and comfort to you in troubled times.There is a plan, a perfect plan. The secondary causes God uses to bring about that plan sometimes look like they don't make sense. However, simply trust Him because He knows best. 

4-3-2025 Devotion

 We have been looking at Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Today we focus on the word "called." "Called" is an adjectival noun which means it is an adjective used as a noun, i.e. the description becomes the person, place, or thing as a noun. To be called is to be invited, welcomed, or appointed. Originally it was used to designate those invited to a banquet. This word must be distinguished from those chosen. The Greek word for called is kletoi and the word for elected is eklekton. So the verse here is for the benefit of those invited or called according to His purpose (we look at this tomorrow). Have you heard the call to the Gospel? If you have, then this verse grants you all the benefits of knowing that everything is going to work together for good.

 

The Barnes New Testament Commentary explains who the "called" are: " Christians are often represented as called of God. The word (klhtoiv) is sometimes used to denote an external invitation, offer, or calling. But excepting in these places, it is used in the New Testament to denote those who had accepted the call, and were true Christians, Ro 1:6,7; 1Co 1:2,24; Re 17:14. It is evidently used in this sense here--to denote those who were true Christians. The connexion, as well as the usual meaning of the word, requires us thus to understand it. Christians are said to be called because God has invited them to be saved, and has sent into their hearts such an influence as to make the call effectual to their salvation. In this way their salvation is to be traced entirely to God."

 

Today, ask yourself: "Have I heard the call?" If the answer is "yes," then go back and reread verse 28 again and see what He has promised you. Then, no matter what occurs, it is going to be for your good. Isn't that a comfort in times of uncertainty? This verse when properly understood can be a great source of inspiration and peace. May it bless you this day.

4-2-2025 Devotion

 We have been looking at Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." This verse can provide real comfort, especially when it is fully understood. We have already looked at the first part: "all things work together for good." Today, we focus on "to them that love God." The word "love" is the Greek word agapao and it means "to esteem, love, indicating a direction of the will and finding ones joy in something or someone." The blessing found in this verse is reserved for those that find their joy in God. This is not an intellectual joy; it is a joy that finds its fulfillment in how we live our lives to the glory of God. When we can live our love for God, then the promise of this verse is real.

 

William Burkitt explains this love as follows: "The character of the persons to whom this privilege doth belong: they are described by their Christian affection, they love God, and by their effectual vocation, they are called according to his purpose. They love God, and evidence their love to him by an high estimation of him, by their delight in him, by their desires after him, by their longings for the full fruition and final enjoyment of him." When we love God, we have a confidence that everything is going to work out for the good (i.e. His good for our lives).

 

Today, focus on your love walk with God. Make sure that your life evidences love and enjoyment in Him. As you do, Romans 8:28 surrounds all you do. Everything is going to work for good because you have God's Word as a guarantee!  

4-1-2025 Devotion

 We are continuing our look at Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Yesterday we looked at the phrase "all things." Today, we are going to examine "work together for good." This can be difficult to accept while in the midst of a personal crisis. To understand this phrase we must have an understanding of God's Providence. Providence may be defined as "literally foresight, but is generally used to denote God’s preserving and governing all things by means of secondary causes." God has a perfect plan but He uses secondary causes to bring that plan about. What is a secondary cause? A secondary cause can be anything in the natural world that God chooses to use. For example, a car breaks down and creates a traffic jam. You are in a hurry to get some where. The secondary cause, i.e. the traffic delay due to a car malfunction, is used to bring about God's plan for your life for you to have more patience. 

 

Adam Clarke explained this as follows: "All these things work together; while they are working, God's providence is working, his Spirit is working, and they are working TOGETHER with him.  And whatever troubles, or afflictions, or persecutions may arise, God presses them into their service; and they make a part of the general working, and are caused to contribute to the general good of the person who now loves God, and who is working by faith and love under the influence and operation of the Holy Ghost." God uses the secondary causes in your life to work something for your good. It is good that you have patience; the problem is that you would rather just take a "patience pill" as opposed to dealing with the secondary causes used to create that patience.

 

Today as you go about your day, watch for the secondary causes. See what God is working for good in your life by looking at the secondary causes. You may just feel a little bit better about that traffic jam when you see God's hand at work for your good in your life.