The "high priest" probably refers to Caiaphas, the official high priest then, but possibly Luke meant Annas (cf. Acts 4:6). [1] Jesus had stood before both these men separately to face similar charges ( John 18:13-14; John 18:24; Matthew 26:57). This was the third time that Christian leaders had defended their preaching before the Sanhedrin that Luke recorded in Acts (cf. Acts 4:15; Acts 5:27). [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Acts 7:1-13 - Stephen's Defense: God's First Called Ones
There are several touches in this eloquent apology which deserve notice. Acts 7:2 : "The God of glory." This chapter begins and ends with glory. See Acts 7:55. Note that God appeared to Abraham in Ur, before he had come to Haran at the divine bidding. It is interesting to have this discrimination between the different appearances of God to the patriarch. Acts 7:3 : We often have to leave our land before God shows us another. Acts 7:6 : God's promises lighted up the weary bondage of Egypt. Acts 7:10 : It is God that delivers us out of our afflictions and gives us favor with people.
The drift of the whole speech, which must be borne in mind as we read it, is that again and again the Chosen People had rejected their God-sent deliverers and prophets, and had taken their own evil courses. The rejection of the Savior was only a parallel to that of Joseph by his brethren, and that of Moses by the nation. Israel had always been stiffnecked and froward, and ought not history to warn Stephen's hearers against taking a similar attitude towards Jesus of Nazareth? Might not Jesus prove to be as great a blessing in that generation as Joseph or Moses had been in his? The parallel will be complete when Jesus returns in power and glory. [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 7
1Stephen, permitted to answer to the accusation of blasphemy, 2shows that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the fathers, 20before Moses was born, and before the tabernacle and temple were built; 37that Moses himself witnessed of Christ; 44and that all outward ceremonies were ordained to last but for a time; 51reprehending their rebellion, and murdering of Christ, whom the prophets foretold 54Whereupon they stone Stephen to death, 59who commends his soul to Jesus, and humbly prays for them
Greek Commentary for Acts 7:1
Are these things so? [ει ταυτα ουτως εχει] On this use of ει ei in a direct question, see note on Acts 1:6. Literally “Do these things hold thus?” A formal question by the high priest like our “Do you plead guilty, or not guilty?” (Furneaux). The abrupt question of the high priest would serve to break the evident spell of the angelic look on Stephen‘s face. Two charges had been made against Stephen (1) speaking against the holy temple, (2) changing the customs which Moses had delivered. Stephen could not give a yes or no answer to these two charges. There was an element of truth in each of them and a large amount of error all mixed together. So he undertakes to explain his real position by the historical method, that is to say, by a rapid survey of God‘s dealing with the people of Israel and the Gentiles. It is the same method adopted by Paul in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:16.) after he had become the successor of Stephen in his interpretation of the universal mission of Christianity. If one is disposed to say that Luke made up this speech to suit Stephen‘s predicament, he has to explain how the style is less Lukan than the narrative portions of Acts with knowledge of Jewish traditions that a Greek would not be likely to know. Precisely how Luke obtained the data for the speech we do not know, but Saul heard it and Philip, one of the seven, almost certainly. Both could have given Luke help about it. It is even possible that some one took notes of this important address. We are to remember also that the speech was interrupted at the end and may not include all that Stephen meant to say. But enough is given to give us a good idea of how Stephen met the first charge “by showing that the worship of God is not confined to Jerusalem or the Jewish temple” (Page). Then he answers the second charge by proving that God had many dealings with their fathers before Moses came and that Moses foretold the coming of the Messiah who is now known to be Jesus. It is at this point (Acts 7:51) that Stephen becomes passionate and so powerful that the wolves in the Sanhedrin lose all self-control. It is a great and masterful exposition of the worldwide mission of the gospel of Christ in full harmony with the Great Commission of Christ. The apostles had been so busy answering the Sadducees concerning the Resurrection of Christ and maintaining their freedom to teach and preach that they had not pushed the world-wide propaganda of the gospel as Jesus had commanded after they had received the Promise of the Father. But Stephen had proclaimed the same message of Christ and was now facing the same fate. Peter‘s mind had been enlightened by the Holy Spirit so that he could rightly interpret Joel and David in the light of Pentecost. “So Stephen read the history of the Old Testament with new eyes in the light of the life and death of Jesus” (Furneaux). [source]
Then said the high-priest [] “The glorified countenance of Stephen has caused a pause of surprise and admiration, which the high-priest interrupts by calling upon the accused for his defence” (Gloag). [source]
Matthew 14:7Promised with an oath [μετα ορκου ωμολογησεν] Literally, “confessed with an oath.” For this verb in the sense of promise, See Acts 7:17. Note middle voice of αιτησηται aitēsētai (ask for herself). Cf. Esther 5:3; Esther 7:2. [source]
Luke 17:33Shall preserve [ζωογονήσει] Only here and Acts 7:19. Originally to engender; thence to produce alive or endue with life, and so to preserve alive. Wyc., shall quicken it. [source]
Luke 17:33Shall preserve it [ζωογονησει αυτην] Or save it alive. Here only in the N.T. except 1 Timothy 6:13; Acts 7:19. It is a late word and common in medical writers, to bring forth alive (ζωοσ γενω zōos genō) and here to keep alive. [source]
Acts 28:17Nothing against [ουδεν εναντιον] Adjective here as in Acts 26:9, not preposition as in Acts 7:10; Acts 8:32. From εν en and αντιος antios (αντι anti), face to face. Concessive participle ποιησας poiēsas as in Acts 28:4 (διασωτεντα diasōthenta) which see. [source]
Acts 7:12The first time [πρωτον] While Jacob himself remained in Canaan before he went down to Egypt and died there (Acts 7:15.). [source]
Acts 1:6Asked [ηρωτων] Imperfect active, repeatedly asked before Jesus answered. Lord (κυριε kurie). Here not in the sense of “sir” (Matthew 21:30), but to Jesus as Lord and Master as often in Acts (Acts 19:5,Acts 19:10, etc.) and in prayer to Jesus (Acts 7:59). Dost thou restore The use of ει ei in an indirect question is common. We have already seen its use in direct questions (Matthew 12:10; Luke 13:23 which see note for discussion), possibly in imitation of the Hebrew (frequent in the lxx) or as a partial condition without conclusion. See also Acts 7:1; Acts 19:2; Acts 21:37; Acts 22:25. The form of the verb αποκατιστανω apokathistanō is late (also αποκατισταω apokathistaō) omega form for the old and common αποκατιστημι apokathistēmi double compound, to restore to its former state. As a matter of fact the Messianic kingdom for which they are asking is a political kingdom that would throw off the hated Roman yoke. It is a futuristic present and they are uneasy that Jesus may yet fail to fulfil their hopes. Surely here is proof that the eleven apostles needed the promise of the Father before they began to spread the message of the Risen Christ. They still yearn for a political kingdom for Israel even after faith and hope have come back. They need the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 14-16) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4.). [source]
Acts 1:6Dost thou restore [ει αποκατιστανεις] The use of ει ei in an indirect question is common. We have already seen its use in direct questions (Matthew 12:10; Luke 13:23 which see note for discussion), possibly in imitation of the Hebrew (frequent in the lxx) or as a partial condition without conclusion. See also Acts 7:1; Acts 19:2; Acts 21:37; Acts 22:25. The form of the verb αποκατιστανω apokathistanō is late (also αποκατισταω apokathistaō) omega form for the old and common αποκατιστημι apokathistēmi double compound, to restore to its former state. As a matter of fact the Messianic kingdom for which they are asking is a political kingdom that would throw off the hated Roman yoke. It is a futuristic present and they are uneasy that Jesus may yet fail to fulfil their hopes. Surely here is proof that the eleven apostles needed the promise of the Father before they began to spread the message of the Risen Christ. They still yearn for a political kingdom for Israel even after faith and hope have come back. They need the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 14-16) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4.). [source]
Acts 28:17When they were come together [συνελτοντων αυτων] Genitive absolute again. Paul could not go to the synagogue, as his custom was, being a bound prisoner. So he invited the Jewish leaders to come to his lodging and hear his explanation of his presence in Rome as a prisoner with an appeal to Caesar. He is anxious that they may understand that this appeal was forced upon him by Festus following Felix and lot because he has come to make an attack on the Jewish people. He was sure that false reports had come to Rome. These non-Christian Jews accepted Paul‘s invitation. Nothing against (ουδεν εναντιον ouden enantion). Adjective here as in Acts 26:9, not preposition as in Acts 7:10; Acts 8:32. From εν en and αντιος antios (αντι anti), face to face. Concessive participle ποιησας poiēsas as in Acts 28:4 (διασωτεντα diasōthenta) which see. Yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans This condensed statement does not explain how he “was delivered,” for in fact the Jews were trying to kill him when Lysias rescued him from the mob (Acts 22:27 -36). The Jews were responsible for his being in the hands of the Romans, though they had hoped to kill him first. [source]
Romans 5:19Were made [κατεστάθησαν] See on James 3:6. Used elsewhere by Paul only at Titus 1:5, in the sense of to appoint to office or position. This is its most frequent use in the New Testament. See Matthew 24:25; Acts 6:3; Acts 7:10; Hebrews 5:1, etc. The primary meaning being to set down, it is used in classical Greek of bringing to a place, as a ship to the land, or a man to a place or person; hence to bring before a magistrate (Acts 17:15). From this comes the meaning to set down as, i.e., to declare or show to be; or to constitute, make to be. So 2 Peter 1:8; James 4:4; James 3:6. The exact meaning in this passage is disputed. The following are the principal explanations: 1. Set down in a declarative sense; declared to be. 2. Placed in the category of sinners because of a vital connection with the first tranegressor. 3. Became sinners; were made. This last harmonizes with sinned in Romans 5:12. The disobedience of Adam is thus declared to have been the occasion of the death of all, because it is the occasion of their sin; but the precise nature of this relation is not explained. [source]
Galatians 1:6Removed [μετατίθεσθε] A.V. misses the sense of the middle voice, removing or transferring yourselves, and also the force of the continuous present, are removing or going over, indicating an apostasy not consummated but in progress. The verb is used in Class. of altering a treaty, changing an opinion, desertion from an army. For other applications see Acts 7:16; Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5. Comp. lxx, Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 23:10; Isaiah 29:17. Lightfoot renders are turning renegades. [source]
1 Timothy 5:17Double honor [διπλῆς τιμῆς] This at least includes pecuniary remuneration for services, if it is not limited to that. The use of τιμή as pay or price appears Matthew 27:6,Matthew 27:9; Acts 4:34; Acts 7:16; 1 Corinthians 6:20. Double, not in a strictly literal sense, but as πλείονα τιμὴν morehonor, Hebrews 3:3. The comparison is with those Elders who do not exhibit equal capacity or efficiency in ruling. The passage lends no support to the Reformed theory of two classes of Elders - ruling and teaching. The special honor or emolument is assigned to those who combine qualifications for both. [source]
1 Timothy 1:13Blasphemer - persecutor - injurious [βλάσφημον - διώκτην - ὑβριστήν] Neither βλάσφημος nor διώκτης is used by Paul. Βλάσφημος in Acts 7:11; 2 Peter 2:11; διώκτης N.T.o ὑβριστής in Romans 1:30only; often in lxx. See on blasphemy Mark 7:22, and comp. 1 Corinthians 10:30. Ὑβριστής is one whose insolence and contempt of others break forth in wanton and outrageous acts. Paul was ὑβριστής when he persecuted the church. He was ὑβρισθείς shamefullyentreated at Philippi (1 Thessalonians 2:2). Christ prophesies that the Son of man shall be shamefully entreated ( ὑβρισθήσεται , Luke 18:32). Similar regretful references of Paul to his former career appear in Acts 22:4; Galatians 1:13,Galatians 1:23. Such a passage may have occurred in some Pauline letters to which this writer had access, or it may be an imitation. [source]
1 Timothy 6:13Who quickeneth all things [του ζωογονουντος τα παντα] Present active participle of ζωογονεω zōogoneō (ζωογονος zōogonos from ζωοσ γενω zōosεπι Ποντιου Πειλατου genō), late word to give life, to bring forth alive, in N.T. only here and Acts 7:19. See 1 Samuel 2:6. [source]
Hebrews 11:5That he should not see death [τοῦ μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον] This may signify the purpose of his translation, but probably refers to the result. He was translated so that he did not see death. Comp. Matthew 21:32; Acts 7:19; Romans 7:3. [source]
Hebrews 11:5Was translated [μετετέθη] The verb used of Enoch's translation, lxx, Genesis href="/desk/?q=ge+5:24&sr=1">Genesis 5:24. In Acts 7:16of the transporting of the remains of Jacob and his sons to Sychem. In Galatians 1:6, of the sudden change in the religious attitude of the Galatians. In Hebrews 7:12, of the change in the priesthood. [source]
Hebrews 11:5Was translated [μετετετη] First aorist passive indicative of μετατιτημι metatithēmi old verb to transpose, to change as in Hebrews 7:12; Acts 7:16. That he should not see death Here again του tou with the infinitive usually expresses purpose, but in this case result is the idea as in Matthew 21:23; Romans 1:24; Romans 7:3, etc. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1002). He was not found Imperfect passive of ευρισκω heuriskō from Genesis 5:24. Was still not found. Translated First aorist active of same verb as μετετετη metetethē just before. Translation Substantive from the same verb μετατιτημι metatithēmi used already in Hebrews 7:12 for change. See also Hebrews 12:27. Our very word “metathesis.” He hath had witness borne him Perfect passive indicative of μαρτυρεω martureō stands on record still, “he has been testified to.” That he had been well-pleasing unto God Perfect active infinitive of ευαρεστεω euaresteō late compound from ευαρεστος euarestos (well-pleasing), in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:5.; Hebrews 13:16. With dative case τεωι theōi Quoted here from Genesis 5:22,Genesis 5:24. The word is common of a servant pleasing his master. [source]
Hebrews 3:5And Moses [και Μωυσης μεν] “Now Moses indeed on his part” In Moses was in “God‘s house” “as a servant” Old word, in lxx, only here in N.T. and quoted from Numbers 12:7. Kin to the verb τεραπευω therapeuō to serve, to heal, and τεραπεια therapeia service (Luke 9:11) and a group of servants (Luke 12:42). For a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken Objective genitive of the articular future passive participle of λαλεω laleō It is not certain what it means whether the “testimony” In contrast with Moses As a son Instead of a τεραπων therapōn (servant). Over his house The difference between επι epi and εν en added to that between υιος huios and τεραπων therapōn It is very neat and quite conclusive, especially when we recall the high place occupied by Moses in Jewish thought. In Acts 7:11 the Jews accused Stephen of speaking “blasphemous words against Moses and God” (putting Moses on a par with God). [source]
1 Peter 2:2Babes [βρέθη] The word signifying peculiarly a child at birth, or of tender years. See Luke 18:15; Acts 7:19. Of the infant Jesus, Luke 2:12,Luke 2:16. Here marking the recency of Christian life in the converts addressed. [source]
1 Peter 3:13That will harm you [ο κακωσων υμας] Future active articular participle of κακοω kakoō old verb (from κακος kakos bad) as in Acts 7:6,Acts 7:19. Any real hurt, either that wishes to harm you or that can harm. See the words in Isaiah 50:9. [source]
Revelation 22:16Have sent [επεμπσα] First aorist active indicative of πεμπω pempō used here in the same sense as αποστειλας aposteilas in Revelation 1:1 as his personal messenger. It is the Jesus of history here speaking, who is also the Christ of theology and the Lamb of God.For the churches (επι ταις εκκλησιαις epi tais ekklēsiais). For this use of επι epi see Revelation 10:11; John 12:16. It is not just for the seven churches (Revelation 1:4), but for all the churches in the world then and now.I am the root and the offspring of David See Revelation 5:5 for “the root of David,” to which John now adds το γενος to genos in the sense of “offspring” (Acts 17:28.), not of family or race (Acts 4:6; Acts 7:13). Cf. Matthew 22:42-45.The bright, the morning star (ο αστηρ ο λαμπρος ο πρωινος ho astēr ho lampros ho prōinos). The Davidic King is called a star in Numbers 24:17; Luke 1:78. This “day-star” (πωσπορος phōsphoros) is interpreted as Christ (2 Peter 1:19). In Revelation 2:28 the phrase “the morning star” occurs in Christ‘s words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world (John 1:9; John 8:12). [source]
Revelation 22:16I am the root and the offspring of David [Εγω ειμι η ριζα και το γενος Δαυειδ] See Revelation 5:5 for “the root of David,” to which John now adds το γενος to genos in the sense of “offspring” (Acts 17:28.), not of family or race (Acts 4:6; Acts 7:13). Cf. Matthew 22:42-45.The bright, the morning star (ο αστηρ ο λαμπρος ο πρωινος ho astēr ho lampros ho prōinos). The Davidic King is called a star in Numbers 24:17; Luke 1:78. This “day-star” (πωσπορος phōsphoros) is interpreted as Christ (2 Peter 1:19). In Revelation 2:28 the phrase “the morning star” occurs in Christ‘s words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world (John 1:9; John 8:12). [source]
Greek Commentary for Acts 7:1
On this use of ει ei in a direct question, see note on Acts 1:6. Literally “Do these things hold thus?” A formal question by the high priest like our “Do you plead guilty, or not guilty?” (Furneaux). The abrupt question of the high priest would serve to break the evident spell of the angelic look on Stephen‘s face. Two charges had been made against Stephen (1) speaking against the holy temple, (2) changing the customs which Moses had delivered. Stephen could not give a yes or no answer to these two charges. There was an element of truth in each of them and a large amount of error all mixed together. So he undertakes to explain his real position by the historical method, that is to say, by a rapid survey of God‘s dealing with the people of Israel and the Gentiles. It is the same method adopted by Paul in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:16.) after he had become the successor of Stephen in his interpretation of the universal mission of Christianity. If one is disposed to say that Luke made up this speech to suit Stephen‘s predicament, he has to explain how the style is less Lukan than the narrative portions of Acts with knowledge of Jewish traditions that a Greek would not be likely to know. Precisely how Luke obtained the data for the speech we do not know, but Saul heard it and Philip, one of the seven, almost certainly. Both could have given Luke help about it. It is even possible that some one took notes of this important address. We are to remember also that the speech was interrupted at the end and may not include all that Stephen meant to say. But enough is given to give us a good idea of how Stephen met the first charge “by showing that the worship of God is not confined to Jerusalem or the Jewish temple” (Page). Then he answers the second charge by proving that God had many dealings with their fathers before Moses came and that Moses foretold the coming of the Messiah who is now known to be Jesus. It is at this point (Acts 7:51) that Stephen becomes passionate and so powerful that the wolves in the Sanhedrin lose all self-control. It is a great and masterful exposition of the worldwide mission of the gospel of Christ in full harmony with the Great Commission of Christ. The apostles had been so busy answering the Sadducees concerning the Resurrection of Christ and maintaining their freedom to teach and preach that they had not pushed the world-wide propaganda of the gospel as Jesus had commanded after they had received the Promise of the Father. But Stephen had proclaimed the same message of Christ and was now facing the same fate. Peter‘s mind had been enlightened by the Holy Spirit so that he could rightly interpret Joel and David in the light of Pentecost. “So Stephen read the history of the Old Testament with new eyes in the light of the life and death of Jesus” (Furneaux). [source]
“The glorified countenance of Stephen has caused a pause of surprise and admiration, which the high-priest interrupts by calling upon the accused for his defence” (Gloag). [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 7:1
Lit., shall be multiplied. See Acts 6:1, Acts 6:7; Acts 7:17; Acts 9:31; Hebrews 6:14. [source]
Literally, “confessed with an oath.” For this verb in the sense of promise, See Acts 7:17. Note middle voice of αιτησηται aitēsētai (ask for herself). Cf. Esther 5:3; Esther 7:2. [source]
Only here and Acts 7:19. Originally to engender; thence to produce alive or endue with life, and so to preserve alive. Wyc., shall quicken it. [source]
Or save it alive. Here only in the N.T. except 1 Timothy 6:13; Acts 7:19. It is a late word and common in medical writers, to bring forth alive (ζωοσ γενω zōos genō) and here to keep alive. [source]
Adjective here as in Acts 26:9, not preposition as in Acts 7:10; Acts 8:32. From εν en and αντιος antios (αντι anti), face to face. Concessive participle ποιησας poiēsas as in Acts 28:4 (διασωτεντα diasōthenta) which see. [source]
While Jacob himself remained in Canaan before he went down to Egypt and died there (Acts 7:15.). [source]
Imperfect active, repeatedly asked before Jesus answered. Lord (κυριε kurie). Here not in the sense of “sir” (Matthew 21:30), but to Jesus as Lord and Master as often in Acts (Acts 19:5, Acts 19:10, etc.) and in prayer to Jesus (Acts 7:59). Dost thou restore The use of ει ei in an indirect question is common. We have already seen its use in direct questions (Matthew 12:10; Luke 13:23 which see note for discussion), possibly in imitation of the Hebrew (frequent in the lxx) or as a partial condition without conclusion. See also Acts 7:1; Acts 19:2; Acts 21:37; Acts 22:25. The form of the verb αποκατιστανω apokathistanō is late (also αποκατισταω apokathistaō) omega form for the old and common αποκατιστημι apokathistēmi double compound, to restore to its former state. As a matter of fact the Messianic kingdom for which they are asking is a political kingdom that would throw off the hated Roman yoke. It is a futuristic present and they are uneasy that Jesus may yet fail to fulfil their hopes. Surely here is proof that the eleven apostles needed the promise of the Father before they began to spread the message of the Risen Christ. They still yearn for a political kingdom for Israel even after faith and hope have come back. They need the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 14-16) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4.). [source]
The use of ει ei in an indirect question is common. We have already seen its use in direct questions (Matthew 12:10; Luke 13:23 which see note for discussion), possibly in imitation of the Hebrew (frequent in the lxx) or as a partial condition without conclusion. See also Acts 7:1; Acts 19:2; Acts 21:37; Acts 22:25. The form of the verb αποκατιστανω apokathistanō is late (also αποκατισταω apokathistaō) omega form for the old and common αποκατιστημι apokathistēmi double compound, to restore to its former state. As a matter of fact the Messianic kingdom for which they are asking is a political kingdom that would throw off the hated Roman yoke. It is a futuristic present and they are uneasy that Jesus may yet fail to fulfil their hopes. Surely here is proof that the eleven apostles needed the promise of the Father before they began to spread the message of the Risen Christ. They still yearn for a political kingdom for Israel even after faith and hope have come back. They need the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 14-16) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4.). [source]
Genitive absolute again. Paul could not go to the synagogue, as his custom was, being a bound prisoner. So he invited the Jewish leaders to come to his lodging and hear his explanation of his presence in Rome as a prisoner with an appeal to Caesar. He is anxious that they may understand that this appeal was forced upon him by Festus following Felix and lot because he has come to make an attack on the Jewish people. He was sure that false reports had come to Rome. These non-Christian Jews accepted Paul‘s invitation. Nothing against (ουδεν εναντιον ouden enantion). Adjective here as in Acts 26:9, not preposition as in Acts 7:10; Acts 8:32. From εν en and αντιος antios (αντι anti), face to face. Concessive participle ποιησας poiēsas as in Acts 28:4 (διασωτεντα diasōthenta) which see. Yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans This condensed statement does not explain how he “was delivered,” for in fact the Jews were trying to kill him when Lysias rescued him from the mob (Acts 22:27 -36). The Jews were responsible for his being in the hands of the Romans, though they had hoped to kill him first. [source]
See on James 3:6. Used elsewhere by Paul only at Titus 1:5, in the sense of to appoint to office or position. This is its most frequent use in the New Testament. See Matthew 24:25; Acts 6:3; Acts 7:10; Hebrews 5:1, etc. The primary meaning being to set down, it is used in classical Greek of bringing to a place, as a ship to the land, or a man to a place or person; hence to bring before a magistrate (Acts 17:15). From this comes the meaning to set down as, i.e., to declare or show to be; or to constitute, make to be. So 2 Peter 1:8; James 4:4; James 3:6. The exact meaning in this passage is disputed. The following are the principal explanations: 1. Set down in a declarative sense; declared to be. 2. Placed in the category of sinners because of a vital connection with the first tranegressor. 3. Became sinners; were made. This last harmonizes with sinned in Romans 5:12. The disobedience of Adam is thus declared to have been the occasion of the death of all, because it is the occasion of their sin; but the precise nature of this relation is not explained. [source]
A.V. misses the sense of the middle voice, removing or transferring yourselves, and also the force of the continuous present, are removing or going over, indicating an apostasy not consummated but in progress. The verb is used in Class. of altering a treaty, changing an opinion, desertion from an army. For other applications see Acts 7:16; Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5. Comp. lxx, Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 23:10; Isaiah 29:17. Lightfoot renders are turning renegades. [source]
This at least includes pecuniary remuneration for services, if it is not limited to that. The use of τιμή as pay or price appears Matthew 27:6, Matthew 27:9; Acts 4:34; Acts 7:16; 1 Corinthians 6:20. Double, not in a strictly literal sense, but as πλείονα τιμὴν morehonor, Hebrews 3:3. The comparison is with those Elders who do not exhibit equal capacity or efficiency in ruling. The passage lends no support to the Reformed theory of two classes of Elders - ruling and teaching. The special honor or emolument is assigned to those who combine qualifications for both. [source]
Neither βλάσφημος nor διώκτης is used by Paul. Βλάσφημος in Acts 7:11; 2 Peter 2:11; διώκτης N.T.o ὑβριστής in Romans 1:30only; often in lxx. See on blasphemy Mark 7:22, and comp. 1 Corinthians 10:30. Ὑβριστής is one whose insolence and contempt of others break forth in wanton and outrageous acts. Paul was ὑβριστής when he persecuted the church. He was ὑβρισθείς shamefullyentreated at Philippi (1 Thessalonians 2:2). Christ prophesies that the Son of man shall be shamefully entreated ( ὑβρισθήσεται , Luke 18:32). Similar regretful references of Paul to his former career appear in Acts 22:4; Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:23. Such a passage may have occurred in some Pauline letters to which this writer had access, or it may be an imitation. [source]
Present active participle of ζωογονεω zōogoneō (ζωογονος zōogonos from ζωοσ γενω zōosεπι Ποντιου Πειλατου genō), late word to give life, to bring forth alive, in N.T. only here and Acts 7:19. See 1 Samuel 2:6. [source]
This may signify the purpose of his translation, but probably refers to the result. He was translated so that he did not see death. Comp. Matthew 21:32; Acts 7:19; Romans 7:3. [source]
The verb used of Enoch's translation, lxx, Genesis href="/desk/?q=ge+5:24&sr=1">Genesis 5:24. In Acts 7:16of the transporting of the remains of Jacob and his sons to Sychem. In Galatians 1:6, of the sudden change in the religious attitude of the Galatians. In Hebrews 7:12, of the change in the priesthood. [source]
First aorist passive indicative of μετατιτημι metatithēmi old verb to transpose, to change as in Hebrews 7:12; Acts 7:16. That he should not see death Here again του tou with the infinitive usually expresses purpose, but in this case result is the idea as in Matthew 21:23; Romans 1:24; Romans 7:3, etc. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1002). He was not found Imperfect passive of ευρισκω heuriskō from Genesis 5:24. Was still not found. Translated First aorist active of same verb as μετετετη metetethē just before. Translation Substantive from the same verb μετατιτημι metatithēmi used already in Hebrews 7:12 for change. See also Hebrews 12:27. Our very word “metathesis.” He hath had witness borne him Perfect passive indicative of μαρτυρεω martureō stands on record still, “he has been testified to.” That he had been well-pleasing unto God Perfect active infinitive of ευαρεστεω euaresteō late compound from ευαρεστος euarestos (well-pleasing), in N.T. only in Hebrews 11:5.; Hebrews 13:16. With dative case τεωι theōi Quoted here from Genesis 5:22, Genesis 5:24. The word is common of a servant pleasing his master. [source]
“Now Moses indeed on his part” In Moses was in “God‘s house” “as a servant” Old word, in lxx, only here in N.T. and quoted from Numbers 12:7. Kin to the verb τεραπευω therapeuō to serve, to heal, and τεραπεια therapeia service (Luke 9:11) and a group of servants (Luke 12:42). For a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken Objective genitive of the articular future passive participle of λαλεω laleō It is not certain what it means whether the “testimony” In contrast with Moses As a son Instead of a τεραπων therapōn (servant). Over his house The difference between επι epi and εν en added to that between υιος huios and τεραπων therapōn It is very neat and quite conclusive, especially when we recall the high place occupied by Moses in Jewish thought. In Acts 7:11 the Jews accused Stephen of speaking “blasphemous words against Moses and God” (putting Moses on a par with God). [source]
The word signifying peculiarly a child at birth, or of tender years. See Luke 18:15; Acts 7:19. Of the infant Jesus, Luke 2:12, Luke 2:16. Here marking the recency of Christian life in the converts addressed. [source]
Future active articular participle of κακοω kakoō old verb (from κακος kakos bad) as in Acts 7:6, Acts 7:19. Any real hurt, either that wishes to harm you or that can harm. See the words in Isaiah 50:9. [source]
First aorist active indicative of πεμπω pempō used here in the same sense as αποστειλας aposteilas in Revelation 1:1 as his personal messenger. It is the Jesus of history here speaking, who is also the Christ of theology and the Lamb of God.For the churches (επι ταις εκκλησιαις epi tais ekklēsiais). For this use of επι epi see Revelation 10:11; John 12:16. It is not just for the seven churches (Revelation 1:4), but for all the churches in the world then and now.I am the root and the offspring of David See Revelation 5:5 for “the root of David,” to which John now adds το γενος to genos in the sense of “offspring” (Acts 17:28.), not of family or race (Acts 4:6; Acts 7:13). Cf. Matthew 22:42-45.The bright, the morning star (ο αστηρ ο λαμπρος ο πρωινος ho astēr ho lampros ho prōinos). The Davidic King is called a star in Numbers 24:17; Luke 1:78. This “day-star” (πωσπορος phōsphoros) is interpreted as Christ (2 Peter 1:19). In Revelation 2:28 the phrase “the morning star” occurs in Christ‘s words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world (John 1:9; John 8:12). [source]
See Revelation 5:5 for “the root of David,” to which John now adds το γενος to genos in the sense of “offspring” (Acts 17:28.), not of family or race (Acts 4:6; Acts 7:13). Cf. Matthew 22:42-45.The bright, the morning star (ο αστηρ ο λαμπρος ο πρωινος ho astēr ho lampros ho prōinos). The Davidic King is called a star in Numbers 24:17; Luke 1:78. This “day-star” (πωσπορος phōsphoros) is interpreted as Christ (2 Peter 1:19). In Revelation 2:28 the phrase “the morning star” occurs in Christ‘s words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world (John 1:9; John 8:12). [source]