Acts Chapter 7 — Stephen’s Speech and Martyrdom
Stephen delivers a historical defense of his faith before the council and is subsequently stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Acts 7:51
“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do.”
This verse marks the climax of Stephen's speech, where he directly challenges the council's rejection of God's messengers.
Acts 7:56
“and said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!'”
This is a rare instance where the title 'Son of Man' is used by someone other than Jesus to describe His divine authority.
Acts 7:60
“He kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, 'Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!' When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Stephen's final words echo the forgiveness offered by Jesus on the cross, showing his character even in death.
Chapter Summary
Acts 7 centers on Stephen, one of the seven deacons, as he stands before the high priest and the Sanhedrin to answer charges of blasphemy. Stephen provides a lengthy and detailed overview of Israel’s history, beginning with God's call to Abraham and continuing through the lives of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. He emphasizes God's faithfulness despite the frequent rejection of His messengers by the people, specifically focusing on the life of Moses. Stephen points out that just as their ancestors resisted the prophets, the current council has resisted the Holy Spirit and murdered the Righteous One. Enraged, the crowd drags Stephen outside the city to stone him. As he dies, Stephen sees a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, prays for the forgiveness of his executioners, and dies. The chapter concludes by noting that a young man named Saul was present and approved of the execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stephen used the history of Israel to show that God does not dwell only in a physical temple and that the people of Israel had a history of rejecting the very deliverers God sent to them. His speech served as a defense against charges of blasphemy and a critique of the council's rejection of Jesus.
The Saul mentioned in verse 58 is the man who would later become the Apostle Paul. At this time, he was a persecutor of the early church and was present to witness and approve of Stephen's execution.
The phrase 'fell asleep' is a common New Testament idiom used to describe the death of a believer. It reflects the Christian hope of a future resurrection rather than a permanent state of death.
Study Note
Stephen’s vision of Jesus 'standing' at the right hand of God is notable, as other New Testament passages typically describe Jesus as 'sitting' in that position of authority.
Related Chapters
Acts 6
This chapter provides the context for Stephen's arrest and the accusations brought against him.
Genesis 12
Stephen begins his historical account with the calling of Abraham described in this chapter.
Exodus 3
Stephen references the burning bush and the calling of Moses as a pivotal moment in God's deliverance of Israel.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.