Atos 7:17-21 NVT

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 7:17

Verse 17 17.Stephen passeth over unto the deliverance of the people, before which (405) went that innumerable issue which had increased beyond the ordinary manner in no long space of time. Therefore, he setteth down this as a singular gift of God, that the people was increased, to the end we may know that that came not to pass according to the common or wonted custom of nature. But, on the other side, God seemeth to take from the Jews all hope, because Pharaoh doth tyrannously afflict them, and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 7:19

Verse 19 19.Dealt subtilely. The old interpreter did not translate this amiss, to deceive. (406) For Stephen meaneth that the king of Egypt did craftily invent new shifts and wicked pretenses, that he might every now and then lay heavier burdens upon the people, like as almost all tyrants do; for how unjustly soever they vex their subjects, they are [but] too witty to invent excuses. And it is not to be doubted but that Pharaoh abused this honest color, that it was not meet that the Jews, who... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 7:20

Verse 20 20.It is not without cause that Stephen noteth the circumstance of time. Moses was born at the very same time when the king had commanded that all the men children should be cast out. Therefore, it seemeth that the minister of deliverance is dead before he is born. But that time is most fit for God to work in, when there is no hope or counsel to be looked for at man’s hands. And it appeareth also most plainly how God doth make perfect his power in man’s weakness, (2 Corinthians 41:9.)... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:1-17

Stephen's address: lessons of the patriarchal time. Stephen's view of Jesus and his mission rests, as every sound and thoughtful view must do, on the whole past history of the nation—as a nation called to a spiritual destiny in the purposes of God. I. THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL IS ROOTED IN DIVINE REVELATION . Her God is the "God of glory." Power, holiness, perfect freedom, are included in this idea of the "glorious God." History is a Divine revelation, because it unfolds... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:1-53

The recital of a nation's spiritual pedigree—its leading suggestions. Technically the description of a defense may very justly be applied to the long stretch of these verses. They no doubt do stand for Stephen's formal defense. He has been very mildly challenged by the high priest to say whether the "things" laid to his charge "are so." And he loses not a minute in replying. He replies, however, in his own way. That way is somewhat indirect. His tone betrays some sense of his being in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:1-60

The first martyrdom. When we look at the Lord Jesus as our Exemplar, though we are conscious that all his excellences of life and character were strictly human, and within the range of those human faculties which we possess in common with our Lord, yet are we also conscious that the transcendent perfection of his human life is what we can never reach. Our Lord's goodness was the goodness of man, and yet it is a goodness that we never can attain to. Where his feet stood firm, our feet will... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:2-53

Stephen's defense. It was usual in the court of the Sanhedrim to allow an accused person to plead guilty or not guilty, and to speak in his own defense. As this address of Stephen's is his defense, we must know of what he was accused. Generally it may be said that he was a blasphemer of God and the Law; but, to understand how such a charge could possibly be made, we must appreciate the intense and superstitious feeling concerning Mosaism which characterized the rulers of that day. The more... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:8-19

Israel and Egypt: Divine providence. The connection of the people of God with the land of Egypt is profoundly interesting, and suggests valuable lessons for all time. We are reminded by the text of— I. THE UNDULATORY CHARACTER OF OUR HUMAN LIFE . This in the eventful experiences of Joseph ( Acts 7:9 , Acts 7:10 ). First rejoicing in his father's peculiar favor, then sold into Egyptian slavery, then rising to a position of trust in the house of his master, then cast... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:17

As for when, A.V.; vouchsafed unto for had sworn to, A.V. and T.R. Vouchsafed ; ὁμολογεῖν , in the sense of" to promise," as in Matthew 14:7 , and not unfrequently in Greek writers, for ὀμνύειν , to swear. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:17-29

Israel in Egypt: the rise of Moses. We may view these events as typical of the Christian time or as expressive of an inner meaning, a Divine logic of history. We may learn, then, from this passage— I. THAT DIVINE BEGINNINGS IN HISTORY ARE NEVER WITHOUT STRUGGLES , The people grew and increased, but a sudden check was given to their prosperity by the accession of a new king. Israel might have settled in Egypt and have achieved no great thing for the world, had not... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 7:17

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 7:19

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 7:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:1-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:1-53

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:1-60

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:2-53

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:8-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:17-29

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