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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER SEVEN:
A MARTYRS’ SPEECH

[“Jesus, receive my spirit”]
Key word: Martyrdom

Acts 7:1-7 – Abraham in a Foreign Land

AC7:1 Now the high priest 276 asked Stephen: “Is this all true?”

276	The high priest: The same priest that condemned Jesus the Nazarene.

AC7:2 So Stephen said: “Men, brothers 277 and fathers, listen. The God of glory [Psalm 29:3] appeared to our father Abraham while living in Mesopotamia, [Genesis 11:31] before he lived in Haran.

277	Men, brothers: Addressed to only males. The Greek is ANDRES ADELPHOI.

AC7:3 And [The God] said to him: ‘Depart from your land and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.’ [Genesis 12:1 (1943 BC)] 278

278	1943 BC: The dates provided here are generalizations. Others would give different dates.

AC7:4 After he left from the land of the Chaldeans he settled in Haran. 279 [Genesis 11:31] After the death of his father, he resettled from there in this land in which we now live. [Genesis 12:4]

279	Haran: A city or area in northern Mesopotamia. [Genesis 1:31] The name Haran was also used of one of Abraham’s brothers.

AC7:5 [The God] did not give Abraham an inheritance in this land, not even a square foot. [Deuteronomy 2:5] Instead, it was given to his seed after him, though he had no children. [Genesis 17:8; 48:4] AC7:6 The God 280 spoke in this manner to him, that his seed will be a stranger in a foreign land [Genesis 15:13] and these will enslave and mistreat them four hundred years. [Genesis 15:13]

280	The God: Like other inspired Christian writers and speakers, Stephen generally uses HO THEOS as his favorite designation for the Creator.

AC7:7 ‘However, I will condemn that nation wherever they serve as slaves,’ The God said, ‘and after these things [your seed] will depart and serve me in this place.’ [Genesis 15:13, 14; Exodus 3:12] AC7:8 Also, The God gave Abraham a covenant of circumcision, [Genesis 17:10 (1919 BC)] and so he became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. 281 [Genesis 21:4 (1918 BC)] Isaac became father to Jacob, and Jacob [became father] to the Twelve Patriarchs.”

281	The eighth day: God commanded this to occur on the eighth day, a time when the clotting element is highest in the baby’s blood. Later this was also commanded in the Law of Moses. [Leviticus 12:3] Jesus was also so circumcised. [Luke 2:21]

Acts 7:9-16 – From Isaac to Jacob in Egypt

AC7:9 “Now the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph and so sold him into Egypt. [Genesis 37:11 (1750 BC)] But The God was with him, 282 [Genesis 39:2]

282	The God was with him: Genesis 39:2 has YHWH. It is interesting that Stephen does not use YHWH but instead HO THEOS. It is clear Jehovah is the same as HO THEOS.

AC7:10 and He delivered him from all his oppressions. Also, [He] gave to Joseph charisma and wisdom in front of Pharaoh, King of Egypt. [Pharaoh] appointed Joseph a governor over Egypt, including his whole house. [Genesis 41:40, 41, 46 (1737BC)] AC7:11 Now a famine came over all the [land] of Egypt [Genesis 41:54] and Canaan causing great oppression. As a result our [own] forefathers could not find any food. AC7:12 When Jacob heard there was wheat in Egypt, he sent out our forefathers first. [Genesis 42:5, 6] AC7:13 Now, on their second [visit] Joseph made himself known again to his brothers, [Genesis 45:1] and thus the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh. [Genesis 45:16] AC7:14 Joseph sent and summoned his father Jacob and all the relatives, in all seventy-five souls. [Genesis 46:27] AC7:15 Thus, Jacob came down to Egypt [Genesis 46:29 (1728 BC)] and there he died as well as our forefathers. 283 [Genesis 49:33; Exodus 1:6 (1711-1657 BC)]

283	There he died as well as our forefathers: About this time Job lived alone as a sterling example of integrity in the earth. [Job 1:1-8]

AC7:16 They brought [their bodies] back to Shechem and were placed in the tomb that Abraham purchased for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.” 284 [Genesis 50:13]

284	Shechem: Likely Stephen follows a non-biblical tradition.

Acts 7:17-22 – Moses

AC7:17 “Now as the time drew near for The God’s promise to Abraham [to be fulfilled], the people grew and multiplied in Egypt. [Exodus 1:7] AC7:18 Then another king arose over Egypt who had not known Joseph. [Exodus 1:8] AC7:19 This [Pharaoh] used crafty deceit to take advantage of our nation and mistreated our forefathers, ordering the babies to be abandoned so that they would not remain alive. [Exodus 1:10, 22] AC7:20 At this time Moses was born, [Exodus 2:2 (1593 BC)] and he was a divinely beautiful baby 285 who was nurtured three months in his father’s house.

285

He was a divinely beautiful baby: Exodus 2:2 says, “she saw how good-looking.” Compare notes on Hebrews 11:23. Here it should be remember that the charge against Stephen is that he spoke blasphemies against Moses. Thus, the several comments on Moses are directed to the Sanhedrin in his defense. The Greek here is ASTEIOS TO THEO.

AC7:21 Now when Moses was abandoned, the daughter of Pharaoh gathered him up and raised him for herself as a son. [Exodus 2:5, 10] AC7:22 Now Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, 286 and he became dynamic in his words and actions.” 287

286

Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians: This is based on non-biblical tradition. Solomon was also so educated. [1 Kings 4:30] It should be noted that Plato studied under the Egyptians and much of his doctrine is based on such. For details see the history Preparation of the Gospel by 3rd Century AD historian Eusebius. Despite this Egyptian education Moses does not adopt the cyclic cosmology or the immortality of the human soul.

287	Words and actions: The Nazarene is spoken of similarly. [Luke 24:19]

Acts 7:23-29 – “Who Appointed You Ruler?”

AC7:23 “Now when Moses was forty years old, 288 it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel. [Exodus 2:11 (1553 BC)]

288	When Moses was forty years old: This is based on Jewish tradition.

AC7:24 When he saw someone being abusive, Moses retaliated and brought justice for the oppressed person, striking down the Egyptian. [Exodus 2:12] AC7:25 Moses was thinking his [Israelite] brother would understand that The God had given him as their salvation, but they did not understand. AC7:26 Now the next day Moses saw [Israelites] quarrelling and trying to make for peace and reconciliation, he said to them: ‘Men, you are brothers, why are you so unkind to one another?’ [Exodus 2:13] AC7:27 But, the person who was unkind to his neighbor, pushed Moses back, saying: ‘Who appointed you ruler and judge over us? AC7:28 Do you want to kill me the same as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’ [Exodus 2:14] AC7:29 Hearing this word, Moses fled and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he became father of two sons.” [Exodus 2:15, 22; 18:3]

Acts 7:30-36 – From Sinai to the Red Sea

AC7:30 “Now, after forty more years, in the desert of Mount Sinai, an angel 289 appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning thorn bush. [Exodus 3:2 (1514 BC)]

289	An angel: Isaiah 63:9 calls this “the Angel of His Face.” For details on the “Angel of Yahweh” see Error of the Trinity or notes on 1 Corinthians 10:4 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. It is likely this “angel” was the Logos or the pre-existent Christ.

AC7:31 When Moses saw this he was awe-struck by the vision, [Exodus 3:3] and approaching it to have a closer look as YHWH’s voice 290 occurred: [Exodus 3:4]

290	YHWH’s voice: Actually the voice of the Angel of Yahweh as His Logos. Here Stephen uses the Greek PHONE [voice] KYRIOU [Lord’s] allowing for the possibility YHWH should occur here as it is in the account in Exodus 3:4.

AC7:32 ‘I am The God of your forefathers, The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.’ [Exodus 3:6] But Moses began to tremble and was afraid to continue to watch. [Exodus 3:6] AC7:33 And the Supreme Being 291 said to Moses: ‘Untie the sandals of your feet, for ground where you stand is holy! [Exodus 3:5]

291	The Supreme Being: Stephen does not use YHWH here, but HO KYRIOS. As the English “Lord” can mean “Supreme Being” NCMM uses this designation when it occurs.

AC7:34 I have seen the mistreatment of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and I have descended to deliver them. Come now, and I will send you to Egypt!’ [Exodus 3:7, 8, 10] AC7:35 This was the same Moses whom the [Israelites] had rejected, saying, ‘Who appointed you ruler and judge?’ [Exodus 2:14] This is the person, both ruler and redeemer, The God sent [Exodus 4:19] by the hand of the Angel 292 that had appeared to him in the thorn bush.

292	The Angel: This Angel remains with Moses and the Israelites throughout their wilderness trek. [Exodus 23:23; 32:34 and surrounding verses] He is called “the” Angel and like refers to the pre-existent Christ.

AC7:36 This Moses led them out [of Egypt] – having performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt – and through the Red Sea, and also during the forty years in the desert.” [Exodus 12:41; Exodus 7-9; Exodus 14:21; 15:5; 16:35; Numbers 14:33]

Acts 7:37-43 – A Foretold Prophet and Idolatry

AC7:37 “This is the same Moses, the person who said to the sons of Israel: ‘The God will raise up for you a Prophet 293 like me from among your brothers.’ [Deuteronomy 18:15]

293	Prophet: Peter has quoted the same verse at Acts 3:22. [Luke 7:16; 22:19; John 1:23; 6:14; 7:40]

AC7:38 This is the person that was in the congregation in the desert to whom the Angel spoke at Mount Sinai. [Deuteronomy 5:4] [He spoke] also to our forefathers who received Living Words to give to us. [Exodus 21:1; Deuteronomy 9:10] AC7:39 These were our forefathers who refused to become obedient, but instead they pushed [Moses] away and in their hearts wanted to turn back to Egypt. [Exodus 16:3] AC7:40 They said to Aaron: ‘Make gods for us who will go ahead of us, for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt, we have no idea what has happened to him.’ [Exodus 32:1, 23] AC7:41 And so, in those days they made a calf, and bringing an offering to the idol they were taking delight in the work of their hands. 294 [Exodus 32:6]

294	Taking delight in the work of their hands: Paul also alludes to this event at 1 Corinthians 10:7.

AC7:42 But, The God turned away [from them] and abandoned them 295 over to worship the army of the heaven, just as it has been written in the Bible of the Prophets: 296 ‘House of Israel, did you bring to Me sacrifices and offerings during the forty years in the desert?

295	God turned away [from them] and abandoned them: Just because one is a descendant of Abraham does not automatically assure God’s blessing. Disobedience and lack of faith lead to His curse. [Psalm 81:12; Romans 1:24; 2 Peter 2:9]

296	Bible of the Prophets: Or, book, scroll. The Greek is BIBLO.

AC7:43 No, instead you took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, 297 the images that you made to prostrate before them. So, I will deport you beyond Babylon.’” [Amos 5:25-27 LXX]

297

Rephan: An astrological god as in Saturn, from which the winter feast of Saturnalia comes, resulting finally in Christmas. On the difference in the name note: F. J. A. Hort. “In the LXX of Am v 26 the form used is [Rhai·phan’] or [Rhe·phan’], which is similar to Repa or Repha, one of the names of the Egyptian Saturn (Seb).” [The New Testament in the Original Greek, by Westcott and Hort, Graz, 1974, Vol. II, appendix, p. 92]

Acts 7:44-50 – From The Tabernacle to the Temple

AC7:44 “Our forefathers had the Tent of the Testimony in the desert, just as the One speaking commanded Moses to make it according to the type 298 that he had seen. [Exodus 25:40]

298	According to the type: Or, example, model, fashion, design, figure. Paul quotes the same verse at Hebrews 8:5.

AC7:45 Also, our forefathers who received [the Tent] accompanied it with Joshua [Joshua 3:14] when taking possession [of the land] of the non-Hebrews, whom The God drove out before the faces of our forefathers [Joshua 23:9 (1450 BC)] until the days of David. {1077 BC} AC7:46 [He] found unmerited favor in the sight of The God and he asked that he might discover a permanent habitation for The God of Jacob. [2 Samuel 7:2] AC7:47 However, Solomon was the one that constructed a House for Him. [1 Kings 6:1 (1027 BC)] AC7:48 Even though the Most High does not reside in a place made by human hands, [2 Chronicles 6:18] just as the prophet says: AC7:49 ‘“The heaven is My throne, and the earth is a footstool for My feet. What kind of house will you build for Me,” says YHWH, 299 “or what resting place is there for Me?

299	Says YHWH: The Greek is LEGEI [is saying] KYRIOS [Lord] and suggests YHWH may belong here as it is in the quotation of Isaiah 66:1, 2. Stephen has been accused of speaking against the Temple and in these past phrases he proves God does not dwell in human-made buildings.

AC7:50 Did not My hand make everything?”’” [Isaiah 66:1, 2]

Acts 7:51-53 – Always Resisting the Holy Pneuma

AC7:51 “You stiff-necked people 300 [Exodus 33:3, 5] – hearts and ears uncircumcised 301 [Deuteronomy 10:16] – you [Jews] always continue to resist the holy Pneuma, 302 [Isaiah 63:10] just as your forefathers also did!

300	Stiff-necked people: Or, obstinate, stubborn. Stephen is only quoting Moses but the Sanhedrin gets the point. Because one is a descendant of Abraham does not ensure God’s blessing.

301	Hearts and ears uncircumcised: Stephen references Deuteronomy 10:16. [Compare Leviticus 26:41] On true circumcision see notes on Romans 2:28, 29. True circumcision of heart and ears is based on conviction in Jesus the Nazarene, and obedience to his teachings.

302	You [Jews] always continue to ‘resist the holy Pneuma’: Or, WEY: continually at strife; TCN: forever resisting. In citing Isaiah 63:10 Stephen makes a blanket condemnation of the Jews as a group. Paul states the Jews as a people are under a curse. [Romans 9:3; Galatians 3:13]

AC7:52 Which of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute? 303 They killed those who proclaimed beforehand about the coming of the Righteous One, 304 whom you [Jews] have become [his] betrayers and murderers! 305

303	Which of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute: Compare 2 Chronicles 36:16 and notes on Matthew 23:29-32. The Jewish hierarchy are under a blanket condemnation unless they as individuals “repent and turn around,” as Peter directed.

304	The coming of the Righteous One: Peter has used a similar designation as a general term for the Messiah. [Acts 3:14]

305	You [Jews] have become [his] betrayers and murderers: Like Peter, Stephen lays the blame for Messiah’s death on the Jewish hierarchy. Such injustice was foretold by Isaiah 53:8. [Psalm 22] It is likely Saul of Tarsus among those listening to his testimony.

AC7:53 Though you received the Law [of Moses] by angelic orders 306 you do not keep it!” 307

306	Received the Law [of Moses] by angelic orders: Or, KJV: by the disposition of angels; ASV: ordained by; TCN: transmitted by; BER: mediation. Particularly one, the Angel of Yahweh whom Stephen has already mentioned. [Acts 7:38] Compare notes on Galatians 3:19 and Hebrews 2:2.

307	You do not keep it: Like all others who insist on keeping the Law of Moses, none keep it.

Acts 7:54-60 – A Near-death Vision

AC7:54 Now hearing these things 308 [the Sanhedrin] became infuriated in their hearts 309 and they began to grind their teeth at Stephen.

308	Now hearing these things: Likely Saul of Tarsus also heard this.

309	Infuriated in their hearts: Or, cut to the heart. That is, their “uncircumcised hearts.”

AC7:55 However, full of the holy Pneuma, Stephen gazed into the Celestialum, 310 and he saw God’s glory and Jesus 311 standing at the right hand of The God. 312 [Psalm 110:1]

310	Gazed into the Heaven: Or, TCN: gazed intently at the sky.

311	He saw God’s glory and Jesus: Like both Daniel and John, Stephen sees no third person in the Holy Ghost. [Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:1]

312	Standing at the right hand of The God: A paraphrase of Psalm 110:1, though here Jesus is “standing.” Such “standing” is also used of a king who reigns. [Daniel 11, 12]

AC7:56 Then, Stephen said: “Behold, I see the Celestialum opened and the Son of Humankind standing at the right hand of The God!” 313 [Daniel 7:13; Psalm 110:1]

313

Son of Humankind standing at the right hand of The God: Stephen uses the exact same conflate, or compound paraphrase of Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 – indicating there were fulfilled then in the year 33 AD – used by Jesus before the same priests. Compare notes on Matthew 26:64 where Jesus tells these priests they will live to see the fulfillment of these two verses.

AC7:57 But, covering their ears and screaming loudly, they all rushed against him with one impulse. AC7:58 Then they dragged Stephen outside the city 314 to stone him. Also, the witnesses [against him] removed his garments and put them at the feet of a young man named Saul. 315

314	Outside the city: Compare Hebrews 13:12.

315	A young man named Saul: Paul is first introduced. [Acts 8:1] He confesses to his terrible sin at Acts 22:20.

AC7:59 And, as they stoned Stephen he called out: 316 “Master Jesus, receive my life-force!” 317

316

Stephen he called out: Or, KJV: calling on God; TCN: he appealed to the Master; WEY: while he prayed. The Greek is EPI-CALOUMENON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1941, to invoke for aid, appeal]. Some use this to prove Christians should pray to Jesus. However, Stephen has seen Jesus and is speaking to him as his Master or Lord. Jesus taught that prayer should be addressed to his Father, The God. [Matthew 6:9; John 15:16; 16:23]

317	Receive my life-force: Or, spirit. Compare Ecclesiastes 12:7. Jesus has been given authority to resurrection his disciples. [John 5:21, 28; 6:39] This is the same statement Jesus made to his Father. [Luke 23:46.] Compare Psalm 31:5

AC7:60 Finally, falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice: “Master, do not hold this sin against them!” 318 And having said this he fell asleep [in death].

318	Master, do not hold this sin against them: Similar to Jesus’ own plea. [Luke 23:34; note: some mss lack this]

Review Questions on Chapter Seven