General- Seven Chosen (6:1-7)

Occasion- Increase (1a)

Problem (1b)-

Division

Hellenists Hebrews

Solution(2-6)-

The seven

Situation- Increase (7)

General- Seven Chosen (6:1-7)

Occasion- Increase (1a)

Problem (1b)-

Division

Hellenists Hebrews

Solution(2-6)-

The seven

Situation- Increase (7)

Accusations (6:8-7:1)

A. Blasphemy

Moses God (11)

B. Speaks vs.

C. Says- Jesus Christ

Accusations (6:8-7:1)

A. Blasphemy

Moses God (11)

B. Speaks vs.

C. Says- Jesus Christ

Holy Place (13)

Holy Place (13)

LawLaw

Destroy this place

Destroy this place

Change customs Moses

Change customs Moses

(14)(14)

Is this so? (7:1)

Is this so? (7:1)

Answer (7:2-53): History of Israel

A. Story of Abraham (7:2-8)-

Purpose of Peoplehood -> Worship

Purpose of History

B. Story of Jacob (7:9-16)-

Savior rejected and raised up:

Salvation possible

C. Story of Moses (7:17-43) (Note quantity here)-

Savior commissioned but rejected- “time of promise” (17) Promise-Prophet raised (38)

D. Story of Temple (7:44-50)- Confusion re. Temple: Results in idolatry- False worship

E. Conclusion: Story of Stephen’s hearers (7:51-53)- Lawlessness

Answer (7:2-53): History of Israel

A. Story of Abraham (7:2-8)-

Purpose of Peoplehood -> Worship

Purpose of History

B. Story of Jacob (7:9-16)-

Savior rejected and raised up:

Salvation possible

C. Story of Moses (7:17-43) (Note quantity here)-

Savior commissioned but rejected- “time of promise” (17) Promise-Prophet raised (38)

D. Story of Temple (7:44-50)- Confusion re. Temple: Results in idolatry- False worship

E. Conclusion: Story of Stephen’s hearers (7:51-53)- Lawlessness

Particular-Stephen (6:8-8:1)Particular-Stephen (6:8-8:1)“And gazing (avteni,santej) at him, all who sat in the council saw his face was like the face of an angel” (6:15)

“And gazing (avteni,santej) at him, all who sat in the council saw his face was like the face of an angel” (6:15)

Climax

Assassination

(7:54-8:1)

Climax

Assassination

(7:54-8:1)

Note: Contradiction between the purpose of worship (the temple) and revelation (Moses the law) vs. the reality of the people’s relation to them.

Note: Contradiction between the purpose of worship (the temple) and revelation (Moses the law) vs. the reality of the people’s relation to them.

“But he… gazed (avteni,saj) into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (7:55)

“But he… gazed (avteni,saj) into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (7:55)Revelation-LawRevelation-Law

SalvationSalvation Promise(s)Promise(s)

Acts 6:1-8:1 - SurveyActs 6:1-8:1 - Survey

Acts 6:1-8:1

Structures:

1 Particularization

Seven deacons chosen Portrait & Proclamation- Stephen

(6:1-6) (Including Stephen) (6:8-8:1)

2 Interrogation

6:8-7:1 - Problem/question Answer (7:2-53)

3 Recurrence of Contrast

Acts 6:1-8:1

Structures:

1 Particularization

Seven deacons chosen Portrait & Proclamation- Stephen

(6:1-6) (Including Stephen) (6:8-8:1)

2 Interrogation

6:8-7:1 - Problem/question Answer (7:2-53)

3 Recurrence of Contrast

Stephen (and Christ) vs. People & Rulers (esp. 6:8-15; 7:51-60)

Stephen (and Christ) vs. People & Rulers (esp. 6:8-15; 7:51-60)

God, Patriarchs vs. People (7:2-53)

God, Patriarchs vs. People (7:2-53)

Acts 6:1-8:1

4 Climax with Comparison (Discourse)

5 Climax (Story line)

Acts 6:1-8:1

4 Climax with Comparison (Discourse)

5 Climax (Story line)

7:2-50- History of Israel, characterized by Israel’s rejection of God’s appointed deliverers

7:2-50- History of Israel, characterized by Israel’s rejection of God’s appointed deliverers

7:51-53- Declaration of ultimate rejection by the people of God’s great deliverer-Jesus

7:51-53- Declaration of ultimate rejection by the people of God’s great deliverer-Jesus

“As your fathers did, so do you” (7:51)

“As your fathers did, so do you” (7:51)

Stephen’s dispute and defense (attack upon) the people (6:8-7:53)Stephen’s dispute and defense (attack upon) the people (6:8-7:53)

Stephen’s death at the hands of the people (7:54-8:1)Stephen’s death at the hands of the people (7:54-8:1)

Acts 6:1-6

I. Problem (6:1) - In these days (note relation to preceding context)

3 Levels - Problem (note development)

Explicit, overt division

Allegation - Hellenists murmured (goggusmo.j) vs. Hebrews

Implicit dissension

(Unfairness, party spirit, divisiveness)

Acts 6:1-6

I. Problem (6:1) - In these days (note relation to preceding context)

3 Levels - Problem (note development)

Explicit, overt division

Allegation - Hellenists murmured (goggusmo.j) vs. Hebrews

Implicit dissension

(Unfairness, party spirit, divisiveness)Perception/Situation- Hellenists neglected by Hebrews-

daily distributionPerception/Situation- Hellenists neglected by Hebrews-

daily distribution

HebrewsHebrews

HellenistsHellenists

Note: Implicit recurring causation

Note: Implicit recurring causation

Note: Contrast

Note: Contrast

Essentially positive circumstancesEssentially positive circumstances

OccasionOccasionIncrease-Number of disciples (Positive-Work of God)Increase-Number of disciples (Positive-Work of God)

Overworked ApostlesOverworked ApostlesPreach-WordPreach-Word

Serve-TablesServe-TablesII. Solution (6:2-6)II. Solution (6:2-6) (effect)(effect)

(cause)(cause)

II. Solution (6:2-6) A. Proposal (6:2-5a)

1. Summons - Apostles(6:2a)2. Declarations (6:2b-4) a. Apostolate-Duties-Not right

(Negative)b. Consequent suggestion (1) Addressees-Brethren (cf.v.1-note contrast)

(2) Action-Body-You pick out

Cooperation

(3) Action-Apostles-We appoint-this task

b. Apostolate-Duties-Devote ourselves(Positive)

3. Response-Whole multitude-Pleased them (6:5a) B. Execution

1. Selection -- 1 Stephen by the 2 Philip (cf.8:4-40) whole 3 Prochorus church 4 Nicanor

5 Timon 6 Parmenas 7 Nicolaus

2. Appointment- Set before Apostles by Apostles

II. Solution (6:2-6) A. Proposal (6:2-5a)

1. Summons - Apostles(6:2a)2. Declarations (6:2b-4) a. Apostolate-Duties-Not right

(Negative)b. Consequent suggestion (1) Addressees-Brethren (cf.v.1-note contrast)

(2) Action-Body-You pick out

Cooperation

(3) Action-Apostles-We appoint-this task

b. Apostolate-Duties-Devote ourselves(Positive)

3. Response-Whole multitude-Pleased them (6:5a) B. Execution

1. Selection -- 1 Stephen by the 2 Philip (cf.8:4-40) whole 3 Prochorus church 4 Nicanor

5 Timon 6 Parmenas 7 Nicolaus

2. Appointment- Set before Apostles by Apostles

Conveners-The Apostles-12Conveners-The Apostles-12

Convened-Whole body-DisciplesConvened-Whole body-DisciplesCooperationCooperation

ApostlesApostles

Whole churchWhole church

Give up-Preaching wordGive up-Preaching wordServe tablesServe tables

SevenSevenAmong youAmong youCharacter-Good reputeCharacter-Good repute

ApostlesApostles

Whole churchWhole church (a) Full-Spirit

(b) Full-Wisdom(a) Full-Spirit(b) Full-Wisdom

CooperationCooperationPrayerPrayer

Ministry-WordMinistry-Word

Full-FaithFull-FaithFull-Holy SpiritFull-Holy Spirit

(cf.6:8-8:1)(cf.6:8-8:1)

Status-ProselyteStatus-ProselyteOrigin-AntiochOrigin-Antioch

PrayedPrayedLaid hands-themLaid hands-them

CooperationCooperation

Note recurrence and chiastic arrangement

Note recurrence and chiastic arrangement

ApostlesApostles

Whole churchWhole churchCooperationCooperation

DeaconsDeacons

Acts 7 - Speech of StephenI. Story of Abraham (7:2-8) - Foundational: Meaning and purpose of Israel’s

peoplehood The Acts of God toward Abraham

A. Appeared (7:2) God of glory-Revelation Shekinah

B. Said (7:3-4a)

C. Removed(7:4b)

D. Promised(7:5-7)

Promise of Posterity

E. Gave(7:8)

Israel’s beginnings characterized by the sovereign action, promise, and purpose of God (and by human response to that action, promise, and purpose).

Acts 7 - Speech of StephenI. Story of Abraham (7:2-8) - Foundational: Meaning and purpose of Israel’s

peoplehood The Acts of God toward Abraham

A. Appeared (7:2) God of glory-Revelation Shekinah

B. Said (7:3-4a)

C. Removed(7:4b)

D. Promised(7:5-7)

Promise of Posterity

E. Gave(7:8)

Israel’s beginnings characterized by the sovereign action, promise, and purpose of God (and by human response to that action, promise, and purpose).

Recipient-Our Father AbrahamRecipient-Our Father Abraham

Circumstances (locale)Circumstances (locale)

In MesopotamiaIn MesopotamiaBefore HaranBefore Haran

CommandCommand Depart-Land of kindredDepart-Land of kindredGo->Land-Show youGo->Land-Show you

Consequence-AbrahamConsequence-Abraham Departed-Land ChaldeansDeparted-Land ChaldeansLived-HaranLived-Haran

Destination->This landDestination->This land

Time-After father’s deathTime-After father’s death

Neg.-Did not give inheritance (implies children-esp. son)Neg.-Did not give inheritance (implies children-esp. son)

Pos.Pos.General-GiveGeneral-Give

Particular-ChildrenParticular-Children

Possession->Abraham and posterityPossession->Abraham and posterityThough-No childrenThough-No children

a. Enslavement,ill treatment-alien land

b. Escape

a. Enslavement,ill treatment-alien land

b. Escape Judgment-OppressorsJudgment-Oppressors

ExodusExodus Worship (latreu,sousi,n) me in this place

Worship (latreu,sousi,n) me in this place

ClimaxClimax

2 Dimensions of promise: Possession-land, Children

2 Dimensions of promise: Possession-land, Children

Object-Covenant of circumcisionObject-Covenant of circumcisionEffect-Abraham-Father of patriarchsEffect-Abraham-Father of patriarchs

ClimaxClimax

Promise of Possession of Land

Promise of Possession of Land

Acts 7- Speech of Stephen

II. Story of Joseph (and Jacob) (7:9-16)

A. Fall and Rise of Joseph (7:9-10)

1. Act of Patriarchs

vs. Contrast

2. Act of God

Causn

B. Deliverance (Salvation) of Israel (7:11-15a)

1. Occasion-Famine

(7:11)

2. Revelation to Brothers

(7:12-13)

3. Call-Jacob

(7:14-16)

Acts 7- Speech of Stephen

II. Story of Joseph (and Jacob) (7:9-16)

A. Fall and Rise of Joseph (7:9-10)

1. Act of Patriarchs

vs. Contrast

2. Act of God

Causn

B. Deliverance (Salvation) of Israel (7:11-15a)

1. Occasion-Famine

(7:11)

2. Revelation to Brothers

(7:12-13)

3. Call-Jacob

(7:14-16)

Reason-JealousReason-JealousConsequence-Sold him->EgyptConsequence-Sold him->Egypt

Presence-God with him (cf.2:25-28)Presence-God with him (cf.2:25-28)

ActivityActivity Negative-Rescued him-all afflictionsNegative-Rescued him-all afflictionsPositivePositive Cause-Gave-Wisdom (cf.6:10) & favorCause-Gave-Wisdom (cf.6:10) & favor

Effect-Made rulerEffect-Made ruler EgyptEgyptAll householdAll household

Great afflictionGreat afflictionNo foodNo food

2nd visit2nd visit

Made himself known to themMade himself known to them

Journey of Jacob & kindred -> EgyptJourney of Jacob & kindred -> Egypt

Death of Jacob -> Burial in ShechemDeath of Jacob -> Burial in Shechem

Acts 7 - Speech of StephenStory of Moses (7:17-43)I. Problem-Need for Deliverance-Oppression (7:17-19)

II. Solution - Moses as Savior (7:20-43)

A. Arrival (7:20-22)

B. Work in Israel (7:23-43)1. Initial encounter (7:23-24) a. Attitude-Came into heart (7:23) b. Events (7:24-29)

1 Deliverance (24-25)

2 Rejection (26-28)

3 Reaction-Moses (29)

Prepn/Realn

2. Mission to Israel (7:30-43)

Acts 7 - Speech of StephenStory of Moses (7:17-43)I. Problem-Need for Deliverance-Oppression (7:17-19)

II. Solution - Moses as Savior (7:20-43)

A. Arrival (7:20-22)

B. Work in Israel (7:23-43)1. Initial encounter (7:23-24) a. Attitude-Came into heart (7:23) b. Events (7:24-29)

1 Deliverance (24-25)

2 Rejection (26-28)

3 Reaction-Moses (29)

Prepn/Realn

2. Mission to Israel (7:30-43)

Time-Time of promise-near (cf.v.5)Time-Time of promise-near (cf.v.5)

Condition-PeopleCondition-PeopleIncreasedIncreased

OppressedOppressed

Death->Threat to promiseDeath->Threat to promiseInterrogationInterrogation

Birth-At this time-Beautiful before GodBirth-At this time-Beautiful before GodEarliest rearing-Father’s house (->true Israelite)Earliest rearing-Father’s house (->true Israelite)

Adoption-Pharaoh’s daughter (cf.v.10)Adoption-Pharaoh’s daughter (cf.v.10)Wisdom-Egyptians

(cf.v.10)Wisdom-Egyptians

(cf.v.10)

MightyMighty WordsWordsDeedsDeeds

ChildhoodChildhood

Prepn/RealnPrepn/Realn

Avenged-One wronged (avdikou,menon)Avenged-One wronged (avdikou,menon)Reason-Thought understood God delivering

(swthri,an)-Reason-Thought understood God delivering

(swthri,an)-

Occasion-Would reconcile-Peace (eivrh,nhn)Occasion-Would reconcile-Peace (eivrh,nhn)Response from wrongdoerResponse from wrongdoer

Action-Thrust aside (avpw,sato)

Action-Thrust aside (avpw,sato)Speech-Who-

Made youSpeech-Who-

Made you

Ruler (a;rconta)

Ruler (a;rconta)Judge

(dikasth.n)

Judge (dikasth.n)

Reason-at retortReason-at retort

Action-Fled->Exile (cf.v.6)

Action-Fled->Exile (cf.v.6)

Not understandNot understand

InterrogationInterrogation

Answer (v.35)-GodAnswer (v.35)-God

CausnCausn

Causal ContrastCausal Contrast

Attempted Deliverance

Rejection (avpw,sato)

Attempted Deliverance

Rejection (avpw,sato)

(evkdi,khsin)(evkdi,khsin)

by his handby his hand

Speech of Stephen

Story of Moses - continued

2. Mission to Israel (7:30-43)

a. Call-Deliver (7:30-34)

1 Appearance-God in burning bush (Mt. Sinai)-40 yrs. (7:31a)

2 Speech-God (7:31b-34)

a Speech-God-I am (7:31b-32a)

b Response-Moses (7:32b)

c Further speech-God (7:33-34)

Speech of Stephen

Story of Moses - continued

2. Mission to Israel (7:30-43)

a. Call-Deliver (7:30-34)

1 Appearance-God in burning bush (Mt. Sinai)-40 yrs. (7:31a)

2 Speech-God (7:31b-34)

a Speech-God-I am (7:31b-32a)

b Response-Moses (7:32b)

c Further speech-God (7:33-34)

God-FathersGod-Fathers

GodGodAbrahamAbrahamIsaacIsaacJacobJacob

TrembledTrembled

Did not dare-lookDid not dare-look

(1) Holiness-Take off shoes ,<-This place (to,poj-cf.6:13;7:7)-

Holy

(1) Holiness-Take off shoes ,<-This place (to,poj-cf.6:13;7:7)-

Holy(being)(being)

(2) Deliverance (Action)

(2) Deliverance (Action)

Reason-Ill-treatment/groaningReason-Ill-treatment/groaning

ActionActionPurpose-Come down->

Deliver themPurpose-Come down->

Deliver themSend you->EgyptSend you->Egypt

CausnCausn

CausnCausn

Speech of Stephen

Story of Moses, continued

b. Activity (7:35-43)

1 Deliverer-”This Moses” (7:35-36)

2 Prophet-”This…Moses” said (7:37)

3 Lawgiver- “This is he” (7:38-43)

a Revelation-Moses(7:38)

b Response-Israel(7:39-41)

c Reaction-God(7:42-43)

Speech of Stephen

Story of Moses, continued

b. Activity (7:35-43)

1 Deliverer-”This Moses” (7:35-36)

2 Prophet-”This…Moses” said (7:37)

3 Lawgiver- “This is he” (7:38-43)

a Revelation-Moses(7:38)

b Response-Israel(7:39-41)

c Reaction-God(7:42-43)

CommissionCommission

ExecutionExecution

Israel refused (hvrnh,santo-cf.3:13-17)

Israel refused (hvrnh,santo-cf.3:13-17)

God sentGod sent RulerRulerDeliverer (lutrwth.n)Deliverer (lutrwth.n)

Who madeWho made RulerRulerJudgeJudge

Led out-IsraelLed out-IsraelMeans-Wonders & SignsMeans-Wonders & Signs

Future-God will raise up prophet-brethrenFuture-God will raise up prophet-brethren

Past-As raised me upPast-As raised me upComparative substnComparative substn

Future ProphetFuture Prophet

Place-In wilderness (congregation)

Place-In wilderness (congregation)

With Angel-SinaiWith Angel-Sinai

With our fathersWith our fathers

Reception-Living oracles->Give usReception-Living oracles->Give us

Neg.-Refused obey himNeg.-Refused obey himPos.-Turned hearts->Egypt (evstra,fhsan)Pos.-Turned hearts->Egypt (evstra,fhsan)Reason-Do not know happened-MosesReason-Do not know happened-Moses

Manifestation - Made calf-IdolatryManifestation - Made calf-IdolatryActions-Turned (evstra,fhsan)->Gave them worship

heavenly bodiesActions-Turned (evstra,fhsan)->Gave them worship

heavenly bodiesSubstantiation-Scriptural testimony-Amos 5:27-29)

->JudgmentSubstantiation-Scriptural testimony-Amos 5:27-29)

->Judgment

Rejoiced-Work of handsRejoiced-Work of hands (cf.v.7)(cf.v.7)

CausnCausn

Causal ContrastCausal Contrast

False worship- IdolatersFalse worship- Idolaters

(Recurrence v.28)

(Recurrence v.28)

Speech of Stephen

Story of Temple (7:44-50)

I. The fathers and the tent of witness (skhnh) (7:44-45)

A. In wilderness - Character of tent - Made

(Divine initiation)

B. In Canaan-Protection-Tent

(Divine aid/Protection)

II. David and his request (7:46) (skh,nwma)

A. Cause - Found favor - Sight of God

B. Effect - Asked build habitation

Speech of Stephen

Story of Temple (7:44-50)

I. The fathers and the tent of witness (skhnh) (7:44-45)

A. In wilderness - Character of tent - Made

(Divine initiation)

B. In Canaan-Protection-Tent

(Divine aid/Protection)

II. David and his request (7:46) (skh,nwma)

A. Cause - Found favor - Sight of God

B. Effect - Asked build habitation

As God commanded Moses (Rec. of comparison)

As God commanded Moses (Rec. of comparison)

Acc.-Pattern-Had seenAcc.-Pattern-Had seen

When God dispossessed nationsWhen God dispossessed nations

God-Thrust out before fathersGod-Thrust out before fathers

(Divine Approval)(Divine Approval)

III. Solomon and the Temple (7:47-50) (oi=kon)

A. Human Activity-Solomon built house-Him (7:47) (oivkodo,mhsen oi=kon)

B. Divine Reality

(7:48-50)

1. Declaration-Omnipresence

(God as universal, sovereign king)

2. Contradiction

3. Declaration-Creation-My hand made all these things

(Climax)

Note progression from divine initiation to divine disapproval

III. Solomon and the Temple (7:47-50) (oi=kon)

A. Human Activity-Solomon built house-Him (7:47) (oivkodo,mhsen oi=kon)

B. Divine Reality

(7:48-50)

1. Declaration-Omnipresence

(God as universal, sovereign king)

2. Contradiction

3. Declaration-Creation-My hand made all these things

(Climax)

Note progression from divine initiation to divine disapproval

Assertion-God does not dwell-Houses made with hands (cf.v.41)

Assertion-God does not dwell-Houses made with hands (cf.v.41)Substantiation (Scripture - Is. 66:1-2)Substantiation (Scripture - Is. 66:1-2)

Heaven-ThroneHeaven-ThroneEarth-FootstoolEarth-Footstool

What house-Build-Me?What house-Build-Me?(oivkodo,mhsen oi=kon)-cf.v.47)(oivkodo,mhsen oi=kon)-cf.v.47)

What-Place (to,poj-cf.6:13,14;7:7,33)-My rest?

What-Place (to,poj-cf.6:13,14;7:7,33)-My rest?

Note: Contrast between human hands vs. divine hands

Note: Contrast between human hands vs. divine hands

Note: Contrast between restrictive scope (“house”) and inclusive scope (“all things”)

Note: Contrast between restrictive scope (“house”) and inclusive scope (“all things”)

(Cause)(Cause)

(Effect)(Effect)

(Cause)(Cause)

(Divine Disapproval)(Divine Disapproval)

ContrastContrast

(Contrast)(Contrast)

(Contrast)(Contrast)

Speech of StephenStory of Stephen’s Hearers - (7:51-53) (Climax)

You - Present generation - Character (7:51)a Stubbornness - Stiff-neckedb Evil - Uncircumcisedc Rebellion - Always resist - Holy Spirit

Main Assertion - Comparison

Fathers - Past generation - Actions (7:52) a Persecuted prophets b Killed - Foretellers - Righteous one

(note contrast)You - Present generation - Actions (7:53)

a Particular Sin

b General Rebellion- Contradiction

Climax to Stephen’s speech-They-Not Jesus or Stephen-Are guilty and deserve death

Speech of StephenStory of Stephen’s Hearers - (7:51-53) (Climax)

You - Present generation - Character (7:51)a Stubbornness - Stiff-neckedb Evil - Uncircumcisedc Rebellion - Always resist - Holy Spirit

Main Assertion - Comparison

Fathers - Past generation - Actions (7:52) a Persecuted prophets b Killed - Foretellers - Righteous one

(note contrast)You - Present generation - Actions (7:53)

a Particular Sin

b General Rebellion- Contradiction

Climax to Stephen’s speech-They-Not Jesus or Stephen-Are guilty and deserve death

HeartHeartEarsEars (Note contrast with 6:8-7:1; 7:7,38)(Note contrast with 6:8-7:1; 7:7,38)

Past-As your fathers didPast-As your fathers did

Present-So do youPresent-So do you(7:52)(7:52)

BetrayedBetrayed

MurderedMurderedRighteous OneRighteous One

Reception-Received Law as delivered-angels

Reception-Received Law as delivered-angels

Observance-Do not keep it!Lawless

Observance-Do not keep it!Lawless