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Acts 7 and Bible History
Acts 7 and Bible History
In Acts 7 we have the written record of Stephen’s speech to some in the Jewish synagogue. He has one main objective: the Jewish people have from the beginning rejected God’s revelation. A short outline could include: Abraham (1-9); Joseph (9-11); Jacob (12-16); Egyptian Bondage (17-19); Moses (20-35) and the deliverance from Egypt (36-37); Wilderness Wanderings (38-44); Conquest of Canaan (45); David (46), and Solomon (47)
He is ‘aiming for’ their rejection of Jesus as the Christ: 51 "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. 52 "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 keep it." (Acts 7:51-53).
This is one of several passages in the bible that gives a history of the people. See also Nehemiah 9 and Psalm 105 and 106. Here is a short list of helpful books that will give you a good overview of the story of the Bible:
Learning or Teaching Bible History
· Three Cycle Approach by Bob Waldron (Guardian of Truth Foundation publication)
· Old Testament History – Wilbur Fields, College Press publication
· Outline of Bible History by Michael Wilson, firm foundation publication
· Big Picture of the Bible (there is a basic workbook, a series of PPTXs,)
Hugh DeLong
