The Meaning of Acts 7:2 Explained

Acts 7:2

KJV: 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,

YLT: and he said, 'Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken: The God of the glory did appear to our father Abraham, being in Mesopotamia, before his dwelling in Haran,

Darby: And he said, Brethren and fathers, hearken. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

ASV: And he said, Brethren and fathers, hearken: The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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, 

What does Acts 7:2 Mean?

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

1  Stephen, permitted to answer to the accusation of blasphemy,
2  shows that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the fathers,
20  before Moses was born, and before the tabernacle and temple were built;
37  that Moses himself witnessed of Christ;
44  and that all outward ceremonies were ordained to last but for a time;
51  reprehending their rebellion, and murdering of Christ, whom the prophets foretold
54  Whereupon they stone Stephen to death,
59  who commends his soul to Jesus, and humbly prays for them

Greek Commentary for Acts 7:2

Brethren and fathers [ανδρες αδελποι και πατερες]
The spectators (brethren) and members of the Sanhedrin (fathers) as Paul in Acts 22:1. [source]
Hearken [ακουσατε]
First aorist (ingressive) active imperative, Give me your attention now. The God of glory (ο τεος της δοχης — Ho theos tēs doxēs). The God characterized by glory (genitive case, genus or kind) as seen in the Shekinah, the visible radiance of God. Jesus is also called “the Glory”=the Shekinah in James 2:1. Cf. Exodus 25:22; Exodus 40:34; Leviticus 9:6; Hebrews 9:5. By these words Stephen refutes the charge of blasphemy against God in Acts 6:11. Appeared First aorist passive indicative of οραω — horaō See Luke 23:43. Before there was temple or tabernacle and away over in Mesopotamia (Ur of the Chaldees, Genesis 11:31), even before (prin ē with the infinitive) he dwelt in Haran (Charran or Carrae not far from Edessa, where Crassus met death after his defeat by the Parthians b.c. 53). [source]
The God of glory [ο τεος της δοχης]
The God characterized by glory (genitive case, genus or kind) as seen in the Shekinah, the visible radiance of God. Jesus is also called “the Glory”=the Shekinah in James 2:1. Cf. Exodus 25:22; Exodus 40:34; Leviticus 9:6; Hebrews 9:5. By these words Stephen refutes the charge of blasphemy against God in Acts 6:11. [source]
Appeared [ωπτη]
First aorist passive indicative of οραω — horaō See Luke 23:43. Before there was temple or tabernacle and away over in Mesopotamia (Ur of the Chaldees, Genesis 11:31), even before (prin ē with the infinitive) he dwelt in Haran (Charran or Carrae not far from Edessa, where Crassus met death after his defeat by the Parthians b.c. 53). [source]
Brethren []
Addressing the audience generally. [source]
Fathers []
Addressing the members of the Sanhedrim. [source]
Of glory []
Outward, visible glory, as in the shekinah and the pillar of fire. [source]
Appeared [ὤφθη]
See on Luke 22:43. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 7:2

Luke 23:16 Chastise [παιδεύσας]
Originally to bring up a child ( παῖς ). Hence, to instruct; so Acts 7:22, of Moses instructed in the wisdom of the Egyptians; and Acts 22:3, of Paul instructed in the law. To discipline orcorrect, as Hebrews 12:6, Hebrews 12:7. The word is not synonymous with punish, since it always implies an infliction which contemplates the subject's amendment; and hence answers to chastise or chasten. So Hebrews 12:10; Revelation 3:19. In popular speech chastise and punish are often confounded. Chasten is from the Latin castus, “pure,” “chaste;” and to chasten is, properly, to purify. This meaning underlies even the use of the word by Pilate, who was not likely to be nice in his choice of words. Instead of punishing him with death, he will chastise him, in order to teach him better. So Wyc., I shall deliver him amended. [source]
John 6:52 Strove [εμαχοντο]
Imperfect (inchoative) middle of μαχομαι — machomai to fight in armed combat (Acts 7:26), then to wage a war of words as here and 2 Timothy 2:24. They were already murmuring (John 6:41), now they began bitter strife with one another over the last words of Jesus (John 6:43-51), some probably seeing a spiritual meaning in them. There was division of opinion about Jesus in Jerusalem also later (John 7:12, John 7:40; John 9:16; John 10:19). How can? The very idiom used by Nicodemus in John 3:4, John 3:9. Here scornful disbelief. This man Contemptuous use pictured in John 6:42. His flesh to eat As if we were cannibals! Some MSS. do not have αυτου — autou but the meaning is clear. The mystical appropriation of Christ by the believer (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 3:17) they could not comprehend, though some apparently were against this literal interpretation of “flesh” (σαρχ — sarx). [source]
Acts 12:2 Killed with the sword [ανειλεν μαχαιρηι]
The verb is a favourite one with Luke (Acts 2:33; Acts 5:33, Acts 5:36; Acts 7:28; Acts 9:23-29; Acts 10:39, etc.). Instrumental case and Ionic form of μαχαιρα — machaira The Jews considered beheading a shameful death as in the case of the Baptist (Matthew 14:10). [source]
Acts 13:18 Suffered he their manners [ετροποπορησεν]
First aorist active indicative of τροποπορεω — tropophoreō late word from τροπος — tropos manner, and περω — pherō reading of Aleph B D and accepted by Westcott and Hort. But A C Sahidic Bohairic read ετροποπορησεν — etrophophorēsen from τροποπορεω — trophophoreō (τροπος — trophos a nurse, and περω — pherō late word (II Macc. Acts 7:27), probably correct word here and Deuteronomy 1:31. [source]
Acts 13:46 Ye thrust it from you [απωτειστε αυτον]
Present middle (indirect, from yourselves) indicative of απωτεω — apōtheō to push from. Vigorous verb seen already in Acts 7:27, Acts 7:39 which see. [source]
Acts 16:11 The day following [ημεραι]
Locative case of time with εις Νεαν Πολιν — hēmerāi (day) to be supplied (Acts 7:26; Acts 20:15; Acts 21:18; Acts 23:11). With adverse winds it took five days to make the run of 125 miles (Acts 20:6). To Neapolis (eis Nean Polin). To New Town (Newton, Naples, Neapolis). The port of Philippi ten miles distant, Thracian, but reckoned as Macedonian after Vespasian. [source]
Acts 2:5 Were dwelling [ησαν κατοικουντες]
Periphrastic imperfect active indicative. Usually κατοικεω — katoikeō means residence in a place (Acts 4:16; Acts 7:24; Acts 9:22, Acts 9:32) as in Acts 2:14 (Luke 13:4). Perhaps some had come to Jerusalem to live while others were here only temporarily, for the same word occurs in Acts 2:9 of those who dwell in Mesopotamia, etc. [source]
Acts 11:4 Expounded [εχετιτετο]
Imperfect middle of εκτιτημι — ektithēmi to set forth, old verb, but in the N.T. only in Acts (Acts 7:21; Acts 11:4; Acts 18:26; Acts 28:23), a deliberate and detailed narrative “in order” Old word for in succession. In the N.T. only in Luke 1:2; Luke 8:1; Acts 3:24; Acts 11:14; Acts 18:23. Luke evidently considered this defence of Peter important and he preserves the marks of authenticity. It came originally from Peter himself (Acts 11:5, Acts 11:6, Acts 11:15, Acts 11:16). “The case of Cornelius was a test case of primary importance” (Page), “the first great difficulty of the early Church.” Part of the story Luke gives three times (Acts 10:3-6, Acts 10:30-32; Acts 11:13.). See the discussion chapter 10 for details given here. [source]
Acts 13:46 It was necessary to you first [υμιν ην αναγκαιον πρωτον]
They had done their duty and had followed the command of Jesus (Acts 1:8). They use the very language of Peter in Acts 3:26 Ye thrust it from you (απωτειστε αυτον — apōtheisthe auton). Present middle (indirect, from yourselves) indicative of απωτεω — apōtheō to push from. Vigorous verb seen already in Acts 7:27, Acts 7:39 which see. Judge yourselves unworthy Present active indicative of the common verb κρινω — krinō to judge or decide with the reflexive pronoun expressed. Literally, Do not judge yourselves worthy. By their action and their words they had taken a violent and definite stand. Lo, we turn to the Gentiles (ιδου στρεπομετα εις τα ετνη — idou strephometha eis ta ethnē). It is a crisis (ιδου — idou lo): “Lo, we turn ourselves to the Gentiles.” Probably also aoristic present, we now turn (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 864-70). Στρεπομετα — Strephometha is probably the direct middle (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 806-08) though the aorist passive εστραπην — estraphēn is so used also (Acts 7:39). It is a dramatic moment as Paul and Barnabas turn from the Jews to the Gentiles, a prophecy of the future history of Christianity. In Romans 9-11 Paul will discuss at length the rejection of Christ by the Jews and the calling of the Gentiles to be the real (the spiritual) Israel. [source]
Acts 16:11 We made a straight course [ευτυδρομησαμεν]
First aorist active indicative of compound verb ευτυδρομεω — euthudromeō (in Philo) from adjective ευτυδρομος — euthudromos (in Strabo), running a straight course In the N.T. only here and Acts 21:1. It is a nautical term for sailing before the wind. Luke has a true feeling for the sea. To Samothrace (τηι επιουσηι — eis Samothrāikēn). A small island in the Aegean about halfway between Troas and Neapolis. The day following Locative case of time with εις Νεαν Πολιν — hēmerāi (day) to be supplied (Acts 7:26; Acts 20:15; Acts 21:18; Acts 23:11). With adverse winds it took five days to make the run of 125 miles (Acts 20:6). To Neapolis (eis Nean Polin). To New Town (Newton, Naples, Neapolis). The port of Philippi ten miles distant, Thracian, but reckoned as Macedonian after Vespasian. [source]
Acts 16:13 By a river side [παρα ποταμον]
The little river Gangites (or Gargites) was one mile west of the town. Philippi as a military outpost had few Jews. There was evidently no synagogue inside the city, but “without the gates” Infinitive with accusative of general reference in indirect discourse. Προσευχη — Proseuchē is common in the lxx and the N.T. for the act of prayer as in Acts 2:42 then for a place of prayer either a synagogue (III Macc. Acts 7:20) or more often an open air enclosure near the sea or a river where there was water for ceremonial ablutions. The word occurs also in heathen writers for a place of prayer (Schurer, Jewish People, Div. II, Vol. II, p. 69, Engl. Tr.). Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 222) quotes an Egyptian inscription of the third century b.c. with this sense of the word and one from Panticapaeum on the Black Sea of the first century a.d. (Light from the Ancient East, p. 102). Juvenal (III. 296) has a sneering reference to the Jewish προσευχα — proseucha Josephus (Ant. XIV. 10, 23) quotes a decree of Halicarnassus which allowed the Jews “to make their prayers The rule of the rabbis required ten men to constitute a synagogue, but here were gathered only a group of women at the hour of prayer. In pioneer days in this country it was a common thing to preach under bush arbours in the open air. John Wesley and George Whitfield were great open air preachers. Paul did not have an inspiring beginning for his work in Europe, but he took hold where he could. The conjecture was correct. It was a place of prayer, but only a bunch of women had come together Macedonian inscriptions show greater freedom for women in Macedonia than elsewhere at this time and confirm Luke‘s story of the activities of women in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea. [source]
Acts 22:3 Brought up [ανατετραμμενος]
Perfect passive participle again of ανατρεπω — anatrephō to nurse up, to nourish up, common old verb, but in the N.T. only here, Acts 7:20., and MSS. in Luke 4:16. The implication is that Paul was sent to Jerusalem while still young, “from my youth” (Acts 26:4), how young we do not know, possibly thirteen or fourteen years old. He apparently had not seen Jesus in the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16). [source]
Acts 22:3 Instructed [πεπαιδευμενος]
Perfect passive participle again (each participle beginning a clause), this time of παιδευω — paideuō old verb to train a child (παις — pais) as in Acts 7:22 which see. In this sense also in 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 2:12. Then to chastise as in Luke 23:16, Luke 23:22 (which see); 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 12:6. [source]
Acts 7:26 Would have set them at one again [συναλλασσω]
Better, he tried to reconcile them (or change them into peace). It is the conative imperfect active as in Matthew 3:14 of καταλλασσω — sunallassō only here in the N.T. though common in the old Greek. Vulgate has reconciliabat. The usual word in the N.T. for reconcile is αδικειτε αλληλους — katallassō Do ye wrong one to another (adikeite allēlous). The same word used in Acts 7:24 of the wrong done one of the Hebrews by the Egyptian, but here both are “brethren.” [source]
Acts 7:26 Do ye wrong one to another [adikeite allēlous)]
The same word used in Acts 7:24 of the wrong done one of the Hebrews by the Egyptian, but here both are “brethren.” [source]
Acts 7:39 Would not be [ουκ ητελησαν γενεσται]
Aorist active, negative aorist, were unwilling to become Indirect middle of the very verb used of the man (Acts 7:27) who “thrust” Moses away from him. Turned back Second aorist passive indicative of στρεπω — strephō to turn. They yearned after the fleshpots of Egypt and even the gods of Egypt. It is easy now to see why Stephen has patiently led his hearers through this story. He is getting ready for the home-thrust. [source]
Acts 22:3 Born [γεγεννημενος]
Perfect passive participle of γενναω — gennaō See above in Acts 21:39 for the claim of Tarsus as his birth-place. He was a Hellenistic Jew, not an Aramaean Jew (cf. Acts 6:1). Brought up (ανατετραμμενος — anatethrammenos). Perfect passive participle again of ανατρεπω — anatrephō to nurse up, to nourish up, common old verb, but in the N.T. only here, Acts 7:20., and MSS. in Luke 4:16. The implication is that Paul was sent to Jerusalem while still young, “from my youth” (Acts 26:4), how young we do not know, possibly thirteen or fourteen years old. He apparently had not seen Jesus in the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16). At the feet of Gamaliel The rabbis usually sat on a raised seat with the pupils in a circle around either on lower seats or on the ground. Paul was thus nourished in Pharisaic Judaism as interpreted by Gamaliel, one of the lights of Judaism. For remarks on Gamaliel see chapter Acts 5:34. He was one of the seven Rabbis to whom the Jews gave the highest title αββαν — Rabban (our Rabbi). αββι — Rabbi (my teacher) was next, the lowest being αβ — Rab (teacher). “As Aquinas among the schoolmen was called Doctor Angelicus, and Bonaventura Doctor Seraphicus, so Gamaliel was called the Beauty of the Law ” (Conybeare and Howson). Instructed (πεπαιδευμενος — pepaideumenos). Perfect passive participle again (each participle beginning a clause), this time of παιδευω — paideuō old verb to train a child (παις — pais) as in Acts 7:22 which see. In this sense also in 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 2:12. Then to chastise as in Luke 23:16, Luke 23:22 (which see); 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 12:6. According to the strict manner Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Philemon 3:4-7. Of our fathers (πατρωιου — patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ — pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος — Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου — tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Acts 22:3 At the feet of Gamaliel [προς τους ποδας Γαμαλιηλ]
The rabbis usually sat on a raised seat with the pupils in a circle around either on lower seats or on the ground. Paul was thus nourished in Pharisaic Judaism as interpreted by Gamaliel, one of the lights of Judaism. For remarks on Gamaliel see chapter Acts 5:34. He was one of the seven Rabbis to whom the Jews gave the highest title αββαν — Rabban (our Rabbi). αββι — Rabbi (my teacher) was next, the lowest being αβ — Rab (teacher). “As Aquinas among the schoolmen was called Doctor Angelicus, and Bonaventura Doctor Seraphicus, so Gamaliel was called the Beauty of the Law ” (Conybeare and Howson). Instructed (πεπαιδευμενος — pepaideumenos). Perfect passive participle again (each participle beginning a clause), this time of παιδευω — paideuō old verb to train a child (παις — pais) as in Acts 7:22 which see. In this sense also in 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 2:12. Then to chastise as in Luke 23:16, Luke 23:22 (which see); 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 12:6. According to the strict manner Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Philemon 3:4-7. Of our fathers (πατρωιου — patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ — pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος — Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου — tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Acts 7:39 Thrust him from them [απωσαντο]
Indirect middle of the very verb used of the man (Acts 7:27) who “thrust” Moses away from him. [source]
Acts 7:48 In houses made with hands [εν χειροποιητοις]
No word here for “houses” or “temples” in correct text Literally, “In things made with hands” It occurs in Mark 14:58 of the temple and of the sanctuary of Moab (Isaiah 16:12). It occurs also in Acts 7:24; Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:24; Ephesians 2:11. Common in the old Greek. The prophet (ο προπητης — ho prophētēs). Isaiah 66:1. Isaiah taught plainly that heaven is God‘s throne. [source]
Acts 7:21 Took up [ανειλατο]
Second aorist middle indicative (with first aorist vowel α — a instead of ε — e as often in the Koiné{[28928]}š) of αναιρεω — anaireō common in the N.T. in the sense of take up and make away with, to kill as in Acts 7:28, but here only in the N.T. in the original sense of taking up from the ground and with the middle voice (for oneself). Quoted here from Exodus 2:5. The word was used of old for picking up exposed children as here. Vincent quotes Aristophanes (Clouds, 531): “I exposed (the child), and some other women, having taken it, adopted Nourished him for her own son (ανετρεπσατο αυτον εαυτηι εις υιον — anethrepsato auton heautēi eis huion). Literally, “she nursed him up for herself (εαυτηι — heautēi besides middle voice) as a son.” This use of εις — eis =as occurs in the old Greek, but is very common in the lxx as a translation of the Hebrew le. The tradition is that she designed Moses for the throne as the Pharaoh had no son (Josephus, Ant. ii. 9, 7). [source]
Acts 7:26 Appeared [οραω]
First aorist passive indicative of μαχομενοις — horaō not with idea that only a vision but rather that it was sudden or unexpected. As they strove (μαχομαι — machomenois). Present middle participle of συνηλλασσεν αυτους εις ειρηνεν — machomai actually fighting. Would have set them at one again Better, he tried to reconcile them (or change them into peace). It is the conative imperfect active as in Matthew 3:14 of καταλλασσω — sunallassō only here in the N.T. though common in the old Greek. Vulgate has reconciliabat. The usual word in the N.T. for reconcile is αδικειτε αλληλους — katallassō Do ye wrong one to another (adikeite allēlous). The same word used in Acts 7:24 of the wrong done one of the Hebrews by the Egyptian, but here both are “brethren.” [source]
Romans 11:1 Did God cast off? [μη απωσατο ο τεοσ]
An indignant negative answer is called for by μη — mē and emphasized by μη γενοιτο — mē genoito (God forbid). Paul refers to the promise in the O.T. made three times: 1 Samuel 12:22; Psalm 94:14 (Psalms 93:14, lxx); Psalm 94:4. First aorist middle indicative (without augment) of απωτεω — apōtheō to push away, to repel, middle, to push away from one as in Acts 7:27. For I also (και γαρ εγω — kai gar egō). Proof that not all the Jews have rejected Christ. See note on Philemon 3:5 for more of Paul‘s pedigree. [source]
Romans 15:18 By word and deed [λογωι και εργωι]
Instrumental case with both words. By preaching and life (Luke 24:19; Acts 1:1; Acts 7:22; 2 Corinthians 10:11). [source]
1 Corinthians 2:9 Have entered [ἀνέβη]
Lit., went up. See on Acts 7:23. Compare Daniel 2:29, Sept. [source]
1 Corinthians 2:8 Lord of glory []
The Lord whose attribute is glory. Compare Psalm 29:1; Acts 7:2; Ephesians 1:17; James 2:1. [source]
1 Corinthians 11:32 Ye are chastened of the Lord [υπο του Κυριου παιδευομετα]
On this sense of παιδευω — paideuō from παις — pais child, to train a child (Acts 7:22), to discipline with words (2 Timothy 2:25), to chastise with scourges see note on Luke 23:16 (Hebrews 12:7), and so by afflictions as here (Hebrews 12:6). υπο του Κυριου — Hupo tou Kuriou can be construed with κρινομενοι — krinomenoi instead of with παιδευομετα — paideuometha [source]
1 Corinthians 2:8 For had they known it [ει γαρ εγνωσαν]
Condition of the second class, determined as unfulfilled, with aorist active indicative in both condition Peter in the great sermon at Pentecost commented on the “ignorance” The Lord of glory (τον Κυριον της δοχης — ton Kurion tēs doxēs). Genitive case δοχης — doxēs means characterized by glory, “bringing out the contrast between the indignity of the Cross (Hebrews 12:2) and the majesty of the Victim (Luke 22:69; Luke 23:43)” (Robertson and Plummer). See James 2:1; Acts 7:2; note on Ephesians 1:17; and Hebrews 9:5. [source]
1 Corinthians 2:8 The Lord of glory [τον Κυριον της δοχης]
Genitive case δοχης — doxēs means characterized by glory, “bringing out the contrast between the indignity of the Cross (Hebrews 12:2) and the majesty of the Victim (Luke 22:69; Luke 23:43)” (Robertson and Plummer). See James 2:1; Acts 7:2; note on Ephesians 1:17; and Hebrews 9:5. [source]
2 Corinthians 10:4 Through God [τῷ Θεῷ]
Lit., mighty unto God, in God's sight. See on exceeding fair, Acts 7:20. Rev., before God. [source]
2 Corinthians 10:4 Of the flesh [σαρκικα]
See note on 1 Corinthians 3:3; note on 2 Corinthians 1:12. They had accused him of artifices and craft. Mighty before God (δυνατα τωι τεωι — dunata tōi theōi). This dative of personal interest (ethical dative) can be like αστειος τωι τεωι — asteios tōi theōi (Acts 7:20), in God‘s eyes, as it looks to God. To the casting down of strongholds Καταιρεσις — Kathairesis is old word from καταιρεω — kathaireō to take down, to tear down walls and buildings. Carries on the military metaphor. Οχυρωμα — Ochurōma is old word, common in the Apocrypha, from οχυροω — ochuroō to fortify, and that from οχυρος — ochuros (from εχω — echō to hold fast). Nowhere else in N.T. In Cilicia the Romans had to tear down many rocky forts in their attacks on the pirates. [source]
2 Corinthians 10:4 Mighty before God [δυνατα τωι τεωι]
This dative of personal interest (ethical dative) can be like αστειος τωι τεωι — asteios tōi theōi (Acts 7:20), in God‘s eyes, as it looks to God. [source]
2 Corinthians 5:18 Who reconciled us to himself through Christ [του καταλλαχαντος ημας εαυτωι δια Χριστου]
Here Paul uses one of his great doctrinal words, καταλλασσω — katallassō old word for exchanging coins. Διαλλασσω — Diallassō to change one‘s mind, to reconcile, occurs in N.T. only in Matthew 5:24 though in papyri (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 187), and common in Attic. Καταλλασσω — Katallassō is old verb, but more frequent in later writers. We find συναλλασσω — sunallassō in Acts 7:26 and αποκαταλλασσω — apokatallassō in Colossians 1:20.; Ephesians 2:16 and the substantive καταλλαγη — katallagē in Romans 5:11; Romans 11:15 as well as here. It is hard to discuss this great theme without apparent contradiction. God‘s love (John 3:16) provided the means and basis for man‘s reconciliation to God against whom he had sinned. It is all God‘s plan because of his love, but God‘s own sense of justice had to be satisfied (Romans 3:26) and so God gave his Son as a propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25; Colossians 1:20; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10). The point made by Paul here is that God needs no reconciliation, but is engaged in the great business of reconciling us to himself. This has to be done on God‘s terms and is made possible through (δια — dia) Christ. [source]
Ephesians 6:4 Nurture and admonition [παιδείᾳ καὶ νουθεσίᾳ]
Πας δείᾳ from παίς achild. In classical usage, that which is applied to train and educate a Child. So Plato: “Education ( παιδεία ) is the constraining and directing of youth toward that right reason which the law affirms, and which the experience of the best of our elders has agreed to be truly right” (“Laws,” 659). In scriptural usage another meaning has come into it and its kindred verb παιδεύειν , which recognizes the necessity of correction or chastisement to thorough discipline. So Leviticus 26:18; Psalm 6:1; Isaiah 53:5; Hebrews 12:5-8. In Acts 7:22 παιδεύω occurs in the original classical sense: “Moses was instructed ( ἐπαιδεύθη ) in all the wisdom,” etc. The term here covers all the agencies which contribute to moral and spiritual training. Discipline is better than Rev., chastening. Νουθεσία admonitionoccurs only here, 1 Corinthians 10:11, and Titus 3:10. The kindred verb νουθετέω towarn or admonish, is found only in Paul's letters, with the single exception of Acts 20:31(see note). Its distinctive feature is training by word of mouth, as is shown by its classical usage in connection with words meaning to exhort or teach. Xenophon uses the phrase νουθετικοὶ λόγοι admonitorywords. Yet it may include monition by deed. Thus Plato, speaking of public instruction in music, says that the spectators were kept quiet by the admonition of the wand ( ῥάβδου νουθέτησις , “Laws,” 700). He also uses the phrase πληγαῖς νουθετεῖν toadmonish with blows. It includes rebuke, but not necessarily. Trench happily illustrates the etymological sense ( νοῦς themind, τίθημι toput ): “Whatever is needed to cause the monition to be laid to heart.” Admonition is a mode of discipline, so that the two words nurture and admonition stand related as general and special. [source]
Ephesians 1:17 Father of glory [ὁ πατὴρ τῆς δόξης]
The Father to whom the glory belongs. Note the article, the glory, preeminently. Compare Acts 7:2; 1 Corinthians 2:8. See Psalm 18:3, “who is worthy to be praised;” where the Hebrew is is praised. The exact phrase has no parallel in Scripture. [source]
Ephesians 1:17 The Father of glory [ο πατηρ της δοχης]
The God characterized by glory (the Shekinah, Hebrews 9:5) as in Acts 7:2; 1 Corinthians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 1:3; James 2:1. [source]
Ephesians 2:19 No more [ουκετι]
No longer. Sojourners (παροικοι — paroikoi). Old word for dweller by (near by, but not in). So Acts 7:6, Acts 7:29; 1 Peter 2:11 (only other N.T. examples). Dwellers just outside the house or family of God. Fellow-citizens Old word from οικος — oikos (house, household), but in N.T. only here, Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:8. Gentiles now in the family of God (Romans 8:29). [source]
Ephesians 2:19 Sojourners [παροικοι]
Old word for dweller by (near by, but not in). So Acts 7:6, Acts 7:29; 1 Peter 2:11 (only other N.T. examples). Dwellers just outside the house or family of God. [source]
1 Timothy 3:16 Seen of angels [ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις]
Better, appeared unto or showed himself to, as Matthew 17:3; Luke 1:11; Acts 7:2; Hebrews 9:28. The same verb is used of the appearance of the risen Christ to different persons or parties (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). The reference of the words cannot be determined with certainty. They seem to imply some great, majestic occasion, rather than the angelic manifestations during Jesus' earthly life. Besides, on these occasions, the angels appeared to him, not he to them. The reference is probably to his appearance in the heavenly world after his ascension, when the glorified Christ, having been triumphantly vindicated in his messianic work and trial, presented himself to the heavenly hosts. Comp. Philemon 2:10; Ephesians 3:10, and, in the latter passage, note the connection with; “the mystery,” 1 Timothy 3:9. [source]
2 Timothy 3:8 As [ὃν τρόπον]
The formula occurs in the Synoptic Gospels (see Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34), and in Acts (Acts 1:11; Acts 7:28), but not in Paul. Jannes and Jambres. According to tradition, the names of the chiefs of the magicians who opposed Moses. Exodus 7:11, Exodus 7:22. [source]
Hebrews 11:8 When he was called to go out - obeyed [καλούμενος ἐξελθεῖν ὑπήκουσεν]
A.V. is wrong. Ἐξελθεῖν togo out should be construed with ὑπήκουσεν obeyedand καλούμενος beingcalled is to be taken absolutely. Καλούμενος , the present participle, indicates Abraham's immediate obedience to the call: while he was yet being called. Rend. “when he was called obeyed to go out.” The infinitive explains the more general obeyed, by specifying that in which his obedience was shown. For the construction, see Acts 15:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 5:5. For the narrative, see Genesis 12:1-6, and comp. Acts 7:2-5. [source]
Hebrews 11:23 Proper [ἀστεῖον]
Only here and Acts 7:20, on which see note. Rend. “comely.” [source]
Hebrews 11:23 Was hid [εκρυβη]
Second aorist passive indicative of κρυπτω — kruptō to hide, as in Matthew 5:14. Three months Old adjective used as neuter substantive in accusative case for extent of time, here only in N.T. A goodly child Literally, “the child was goodly” (predicate adjective). Old adjective from αστυ — astu (city), “of the city” (“citified”), of polished manners, genteel. In N.T. only here and Acts 7:20, about Moses both times. Quoted from Exodus 2:2. The king‘s commandment Late compound for injunction from διατασσω — diatassō only here in the N.T. [source]
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and forever [Ιησους Χριστος εχτες και σημερον ο αυτος και εις τους αιωνας]
There is no copula in the Greek. Vincent insists that εστιν — estin be supplied between Ιησους — Iēsous and Χριστος — Christos “Jesus is Christ,” but it more naturally comes after Χριστος — Christos as the Revised Version has it. The old adverb εχτες — echthes is rare in the N.T. (John 4:52; Acts 7:28; Hebrews 13:8). Here it refers to the days of Christ‘s flesh (Hebrews 2:3; Hebrews 5:7) and to the recent work of the leaders (Hebrews 13:7). “Today” Hence the peril of apostasy from the only hope of man. [source]
James 2:5 The poor of this world [τοὺς πτωχοὺς τοῦ κόσμου]
But the correct reading is τῷ κόσμῳ , to the world; and the expression is to be explained in the same way as ἀστεῖος τῷ Θεῷ , fair unto God, Acts 7:20, and δυνατὰ τῷ Θεῷ , mighty through (Rev., before )God, 2 Corinthians 10:4. So Rev., poor as to the world, in the world's esteem. Poor, see on Matthew 5:3. [source]
James 2:1 The Lord of glory []
Compare 1 Corinthians 2:8; Acts 7:2; Ephesians 1:17. [source]
James 2:5 As to the world [τωι κοσμωι]
The ethical dative of interest, as the world looks at it as in Acts 7:20; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 10:4; James 4:4. By the use of the article (the poor) James does not affirm that God chose all the poor, but only that he did choose poor people (Matthew 10:23-26; 1 Corinthians 1:26-28).Rich in faith (πλουσιους εν πιστει — plousious en pistei). Rich because of their faith. As he has shown in James 1:9.Which he promised Genitive of the accusative relative ην — hēn attracted to the case of the antecedent βασιλειας — basileias (the Messianic kingdom), the same verb and idea already in James 1:12 Cf. the beatitude of Jesus in Matthew 5:3 for the poor in spirit. [source]
2 Peter 2:7 Vexed [καταπονούμενον]
Only here and Acts 7:24. Κατά gives the force of worn down. So Rev., sore distressed. [source]
2 Peter 2:7 Sore distressed [καταπονουμενον]
Present passive participle of καταπονεω — kataponeō late and common verb, to work down, to exhaust with labor, to distress, in N.T. only here and Acts 7:24.By the lascivious life of the wicked (υπο της των ατεσμων εν ασελγειαι αναστροπης — hupo tēs tōn athesmōn en aselgeiāi anastrophēs). “By the life in lasciviousness of the lawless.” Ατεσμος — Athesmos (alpha privative and τεσμος — thesmos), late and common adjective (cf. ατεμιτος — athemitos 1 Peter 4:3) for rebels against law (of nature and conscience here). Αναστροπη — Anastrophē is frequent in 1 Peter. [source]
Jude 1:9 Michael the archangel []
Here we strike a peculiarity of this epistle which caused its authority to be impugned in very early times, viz., the apparent citations of apocryphal writings. The passages are Judges 1:9, Judges 1:14, Judges 1:15. This reference to Michael was said by Origen to be founded on a Jewish work called “The Assumption of Moses,” the first part of which was lately found in an old Latin translation at Milan; and this is the view of Davidson, so far at least as the words “the Lord rebuke thee” are concerned. Others refer it to Zechariah 3:1; but there is nothing there about Moses' body, or Michael, or a dispute about the body. Others, again, to a rabbinical comment on Deuteronomy 34:6, where Michael is said to have been made guardian of Moses' grave. Doubtless Jude was referring to some accepted story or tradition, probably based on Deuteronomy 34:6. For a similar reference to tradition compare 2 Timothy 3:8; Acts 7:22. [source]
Jude 1:9 Contending with the devil [τωι διαβολωι διακρινομενος]
Present middle participle of διακρινω — diakrinō to separate, to strive with as in Acts 11:2. Dative case διαβολωι — diabolōi he disputed Imperfect middle of διαλεγομαι — dialegomai as in Mark 9:34.Concerning the body of Moses (περι του Μωυσεως σωματος — peri tou Mōuseōs sōmatos). Some refer this to Zechariah 3:1, others to a rabbinical comment on Deuteronomy 34:6. There is a similar reference to traditions in Acts 7:22; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:8. But this explanation hardly meets the facts.Durst not bring “Did not dare (first aorist active indicative of τολμαω — tolmaō), to bring against him” (second aorist active infinitive of επιπερω — epipherō).A railing accusation (κρισιν βλασπημιας — krisin blasphēmias). “Charge of blasphemy” where 2 Peter 2:11 has “βλασπημον κρισιν — blasphēmon krisin Peter also has παρα κυριωι — para kuriōi (with the Lord), not in Jude.The Lord rebuke thee First aorist active optative of επιτιμαω — epitimaō a wish about the future. These words occur in Zechariah 3:1-10 where the angel of the Lord replies to the charges of Satan. Clement of Alex. (Adumb. in Ep. Judae) says that Jude quoted here the Assumption of Moses, one of the apocryphal books. Origen says the same thing. Mayor thinks that the author of the Assumption of Moses took these words from Zechariah and put them in the mouth of the Archangel Michael. There is a Latin version of the Assumption. Some date it as early as b.c. 2, others after a.d. 44. [source]
Jude 1:9 Concerning the body of Moses [περι του Μωυσεως σωματος]
Some refer this to Zechariah 3:1, others to a rabbinical comment on Deuteronomy 34:6. There is a similar reference to traditions in Acts 7:22; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:8. But this explanation hardly meets the facts. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 7:2 mean?

- And he began to speak Men brothers and fathers listen The God - of glory appeared to the father of us Abraham being in - Mesopotamia before rather dwelling his Haran
δὲ ἔφη Ἄνδρες ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες ἀκούσατε Θεὸς τῆς δόξης ὤφθη τῷ πατρὶ ἡμῶν Ἀβραὰμ ὄντι ἐν τῇ Μεσοποταμίᾳ πρὶν κατοικῆσαι αὐτὸν Χαρράν

  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἔφη  he  began  to  speak 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: φημί  
Sense: to make known one’s thoughts, to declare.
Ἄνδρες  Men 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀνήρ  
Sense: with reference to sex.
ἀδελφοὶ  brothers 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀδελφός  
Sense: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.
πατέρες  fathers 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: προπάτωρ 
Sense: generator or male ancestor.
ἀκούσατε  listen 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀκουστός 
Sense: to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf.
Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
δόξης  of  glory 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: δόξα  
Sense: opinion, judgment, view.
ὤφθη  appeared 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἶδον 
Sense: to see with the eyes.
τῷ  to  the 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πατρὶ  father 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: προπάτωρ 
Sense: generator or male ancestor.
ἡμῶν  of  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
Ἀβραὰμ  Abraham 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἀβραάμ  
Sense: the son of Terah and the founder of the Jewish nation.
ὄντι  being 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
τῇ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Μεσοποταμίᾳ  Mesopotamia 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Μεσοποταμία  
Sense: the entire country between the two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates.
πρὶν  before 
Parse: Adverb
Root: πρίν  
Sense: before, formerly.
  rather 
Parse: Conjunction
Root:  
Sense: either, or, than.
κατοικῆσαι  dwelling 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: κατοικέω 
Sense: to dwell, settle.
αὐτὸν  his 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
Χαρράν  Haran 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Χαρράν  
Sense: a city in Mesopotamia, of great antiquity and made famous by the defeat of Crassus.