Acts 7:2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

And {G1161} he said {G5346}, Men {G435}, brethren {G80}, and {G2532} fathers {G3962}, hearken {G191}; The God {G2316} of glory {G1391} appeared {G3700} unto our {G2257} father {G3962} Abraham {G11}, when he was {G5607} in {G1722} Mesopotamia {G3318}, before {G4250}{G2228} he {G846} dwelt {G2730} in {G1722} Charran {G5488},

and Stephen said:

“Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to Avraham avinu in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran

And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,

And he said, Brethren and fathers, hearken: The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

Commentary

Context of Acts 7:2

Acts 7:2 is the opening statement of Stephen's powerful defense speech before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council. Accused of blasphemy against Moses and the Temple, Stephen doesn't immediately refute the charges directly. Instead, he begins a historical survey, starting with God's foundational call to Abraham, aiming to demonstrate God's consistent work outside of the Temple and traditional Jewish expectations, thereby revealing the true nature of Israel's relationship with God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Initiative: Stephen emphasizes that God, described as "The God of glory," initiated the relationship with Abraham. This highlights God's sovereignty and His active involvement in human history, long before the Mosaic Law or the Temple existed.
  • Abraham's Call and Journey: The verse immediately points to the beginning of Israel's national story, rooted in God's specific call to an individual in a foreign land. This call set in motion the covenant promises that would define the Jewish people.
  • God's Presence Beyond Geographic Boundaries: By stating that God appeared to Abraham in "Mesopotamia" (Ur of the Chaldees) and "before he dwelt in Charran" (Haran), Stephen subtly argues that God's presence and activity are not confined to the land of Israel or the Temple. This foreshadows a broader, more universal understanding of God's work.

Historical and Cultural Context

Stephen's mention of "Mesopotamia" and "Charran" (Haran) refers to the journey of Abraham's family from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran, as recorded in Genesis 11:31. Ur was a significant city in ancient Mesopotamia, a region known for its advanced civilization and polytheistic worship. Haran was a major trading city further north. By emphasizing that God appeared to Abraham in these pagan lands, Stephen underscores that God's call is not limited by human culture or location, but is divine and personal.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The God of glory" (Greek: ho theos tēs doxēs) is a powerful descriptor. "Glory" (doxa) in this context signifies God's inherent majesty, visible splendor, and awesome power. It emphasizes the transcendence and supreme nature of the God who chose to reveal Himself to Abraham, setting Him apart from the idols of Mesopotamia.

Practical Application

Acts 7:2 reminds us that God often initiates His relationship with humanity. His call is sovereign, personal, and can come to anyone, anywhere, regardless of their background or current circumstances. Just as He appeared to Abraham in a foreign land, God continues to reveal Himself and call individuals to a life of faith and purpose today. This verse encourages us to be attentive to God's voice and to trust in His leading, even when it requires leaving the familiar for the unknown, just as Abraham did.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 11:31 (8 votes)

    And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

  • Acts 22:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence [which I make] now unto you.

  • Psalms 29:3 (5 votes)

    The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

  • Nehemiah 9:7 (4 votes)

    Thou [art] the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

  • John 1:14 (4 votes)

    And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

  • Hebrews 1:3 (4 votes)

    Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

  • Genesis 15:7 (3 votes)

    ¶ And he said unto him, I [am] the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.