What is the meaning of Acts 7:1? Then – Luke sets the scene by linking this moment to the flow of events that closed chapter 6 (Acts 6:15); the council is staring at Stephen, “whose face was like that of an angel.” – “Then” signals God’s perfect timing. Just as in Acts 3:1 or Acts 5:19–21, nothing happens by accident; every step of the early church unfolds under the Lord’s sovereign plan (Romans 8:28). – It also indicates a legal progression: charges have been stated (Acts 6:11–14), now the formal inquiry begins. The high priest – The office identified here echoes back to God’s establishment of the high priesthood through Aaron (Exodus 28:1, Leviticus 16:32). Though individual priests could be corrupt, the role itself remained significant in Israel’s life. – At this time the position was likely held by Caiaphas, who had presided over Jesus’ trial (Matthew 26:57); the same opposition to Christ now confronts His servant Stephen, fulfilling Jesus’ warning in John 15:20. – The high priest represents the highest earthly religious authority. Yet Acts consistently shows that true authority belongs to Christ alone (Acts 4:10–12). Asked Stephen – Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5), is on trial because of his bold, Spirit-empowered ministry (Acts 6:8–10). – By asking, the council grants him the floor. God turns a courtroom into a pulpit, just as He later does for Paul before Agrippa (Acts 26:1). – The verb “asked” suggests an official judicial interrogation, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy in Luke 21:12–15 that His followers would testify before rulers. "Are these charges true?" – The accusations: “speaking against Moses and against God” (Acts 6:11) and threatening “this holy place and the law” (Acts 6:13). They mirror the false testimonies leveled against Jesus in Mark 14:57–59. – The question invites Stephen to defend the faith, echoing 1 Peter 3:15. His response (Acts 7:2–53) will trace Israel’s history, exposing hardened hearts while upholding God’s unbroken promises. – Notice the irony: those who revere the Law are violating the ninth commandment by relying on false witnesses (Exodus 20:16). Stephen’s forthcoming speech will confront this hypocrisy. summary Acts 7:1 marks the official opening of Stephen’s trial. God’s providential “Then” brings him before the highest Jewish authority. The high priest’s question grants Stephen an opportunity to proclaim the gospel and defend God’s truth. What looks like a threat becomes a platform, demonstrating that the Lord turns opposition into an occasion for witness, just as He promised. |
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