Acts 7:1

¶ Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

Then {G1161} said {G2036} the high priest {G749}, Are {G1487}{G686}{G2192} these things {G5023} so {G3779}?

The cohen hagadol asked, “Are these accusations true?”

Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?”

And the high priest said, Are these things so?

Acts 7:1 KJV: "¶ Then said the high priest, Are these things so?"

Context of Acts 7:1

Acts 7:1 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Stephen, one of the first deacons chosen by the early church. Immediately preceding this verse, Stephen had been arrested and brought before the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, on serious charges. He was accused of blasphemy against God, Moses, the Temple, and the Law (see Acts 6:11-14). The high priest, likely Caiaphas, who also presided over the trial of Jesus, initiates the formal proceedings with this direct question. This verse sets the stage for Stephen's powerful and lengthy defense, which recounts Israel's history and culminates in a sharp rebuke of his accusers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Formal Interrogation: The high priest's question is the official opening of Stephen's trial. It's a formal demand for Stephen to respond to the grave accusations leveled against him.
  • Confrontation with Authority: Stephen stands before the highest religious authority of his time, facing the same institution that condemned Jesus. This highlights the inherent conflict between the emerging Christian message and the established Jewish leadership.
  • The Nature of Truth: The question "Are these things so?" invites Stephen to either confirm or deny the charges. His subsequent speech, however, transcends a simple defense, becoming a profound declaration of truth rooted in God's historical dealings with Israel, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Are these things so?" translates the Greek εἰ ἔχει ταῦτα οὕτως; (ei echei tauta houtōs?). This is a straightforward interrogative, essentially asking "Do these things stand in this way?" or "Are these allegations true?" It's not inherently accusatory in tone but rather a formal invitation for Stephen to present his side. The simplicity of the question belies the profound theological and historical discourse that is about to unfold from Stephen.

Related Scriptures

This moment mirrors other significant trials of early Christian figures before the Sanhedrin:

  • Jesus' Trial: The high priest's role and the nature of the accusations bear striking similarities to the trial of Jesus Christ (e.g., Matthew 26:57-68).
  • Peter and John: Earlier in Acts, Peter and John also faced questioning by the Sanhedrin for their preaching of Jesus' resurrection (see Acts 4:7).
  • Stephen's Defense: This verse is the gateway to Stephen's extensive sermon, which begins in Acts 7:2 and continues through the chapter, leading to his martyrdom.

Practical Application

Acts 7:1 offers several points for contemporary reflection:

  • Facing Scrutiny: Believers may face questions or accusations about their faith. This verse reminds us that such challenges are not new and that God can empower us to respond.
  • Speaking Truth to Power: Stephen's courage in the face of immense authority serves as an example of boldly proclaiming God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous.
  • Preparation for Defense: While Stephen's defense was Spirit-led, it highlights the importance of understanding our faith and being prepared to articulate it when asked, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 18:19

    The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

  • John 18:21

    Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

  • Matthew 26:61

    And said, This [fellow] said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

  • Matthew 26:62

    And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee?

  • John 18:33

    Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

  • John 18:35

    Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

  • Mark 14:58

    We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back