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Then,it proceeds, said the high-priest, Are these things so? Acts 7:1 Observe, the question is put with mildness, that he may effect some great mischief. For this reason Stephen too begins his speech in a tone of gentleness, and says,
Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran. Acts 7:2 Immediately at the outset he overthrows their conceit, and makes it appear by what he says, that the temple is nothing, that the customs are nothing either, without their suspecting his drift: also that they shall not overcome the preaching; and that from powerless (ἀ μηχάνων) things God evermore contrives Him powerful (εὐμήχανα) instruments. Mark then how these threads make the texture of the whole speech: and moreover that having evermore enjoyed exceeding goodness, they still requited their Benefactor with the opposite conduct, and that they are now attempting impossibilities.
The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he came into Charran.Both the temple was not, and sacrifice was not, and yet a vision of God was vouchsafed to Abraham, and yet had he Persians for his ancestors, and was in a strange land. And he does well at the beginning of his speech to call Him, the God of glory:seeing that He has made them that are without honor to be glorious. Because(says he) it was He that made them glorious, He will make us also.Observe how he leads them away from things of the body, from the place, in the first instance, as the place was in question. The God of glory,says he: implying again, that He needs not the glory which comes from us, which comes by the Temple: for Himself is the Fountain thereof. Think not, he would say, in this way to glorify Him. And from your kindred.How then says the Scripture, that Abraham's father was willing to go out? Hence we learn, that it was in consequence of Abraham's vision, that his father was moved to join in the migration. Genesis 11:31 And said unto him, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and come into a land which I shall show you. Acts 7:3 It shows how far these men are from being children of Abraham, how obedient he was.
And from your kindred.Uncomfortable (φορτικὰ) reflections, both, that he endured the labors, while you reap the fruits, and that all your ancestors were in evil case. Then came he out of the land of the Chaldæans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, He removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. And He gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on.(v. 4, 5.) See how he raises their thoughts away from (their possession of) the land. For if He said (that, He will give: clearly [all came from him], and nothing from themselves. For he came, having left both kindred and country. Wherefore then did He not give it to him? Truly it was a figure of another land. And He promised to give it to him.Do you perceive, that he does not merely resume the thread of his discourse? He gave him not,says he; and He promised; and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.Again, what God can do: that out of impossibilities, He does all. For here is a man in Persia, so far away, and this man God says He will make lord of Palestine. But let us look back to what was said before. (Recapitulation.) The writer gives him this report above, that he was
full of faith.Acts 6:8. For it is possible to have a grace that does not consist in works of healing: For to one is given the grace of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:8-9 in such and such wise (τοιὣσδε). But here, it seems to me, it says that he was also gracious to look at: They saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Full of faith and of power: Acts 6:15 which is also the character given of Barnabas he was a good man, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.Acts 11:24 Whence we learn that the sincere and innocent are, above all others, the men to be saved, and that these same are also more gracious. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words.Acts 6:11 In the case of the Apostles they were annoyed that they preached the Resurrection, and that much people flowed unto them: but in this case, that they were getting their diseases healed. Acts 4:2 The things for which they ought to give thanks, they made matter of blame: O the madness! The men who overcame them by works, they expected to overcome by words! It is just what they did in the case of Christ, and always they forced them to words. For they were ashamed to seize them without more ado, having nothing to charge them with. And observe, not the persons themselves who bring them to judgment bear witness against them; for they would have been refuted: but they simply hire others, that it may not seem to be an act of mere violence. It is all of a piece with their proceeding in the case of Christ. And observe the power of the preaching, that, though they are not only scourged but stoned, it still prevails: not only, private individuals as they are, dragged to the bar, but assailed from all quarters: and, their enemies themselves being witnesses, not only were these worsted, but they were not ableeven to resistActs 6:10, though they were exceeding shameless: so mightily did it overthrow them, for all that they could do with their preposterous figments (as the saying that He had a devil— He that cast out devils!). For the battle was not man's, but God's against men. And there were many combined together; not only they in Jerusalem, but others as well. Acts 6:9 For we have heard him,say they, speaking blasphemous words against Moses and against God.Acts 6:11 O you shameless ones! You work blasphemous deeds, and think nothing of it. This is why Moses is added— because the things of God were no great concern to them: and it is ever and always Moses that they make mention of: This Moses, which brought us out.Acts 7:40 And they stirred up the people.Acts 6:12 Fickleness of the multitude! And yet how could a man who was a blasphemer have so succeeded? How could a blasphemer work such miracles among the people? But the undisciplined multitude made them strong who had the worst of it (in argument).— This was what most annoyed them. We have heard him,they say, speaking blasphemous words against Moses and against GodActs 6:13: and again, This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law,and with an addition, the customs which Moses delivered to usActs 6:14; Moses, not God. Upon the supposition of a design to overturn their manner of life (πολιτείας), they accused him of impiety also. But to show that it was not in the nature of such a man to speak such things, and harshly [ Then all,it says, which were in the council, looking steadfastly upon him, saw his face, as it had been the face of an angel] Acts 6:15: so mild was he even in countenance. For, in cases where persons were not falsely accused, Scripture mentions nothing of this kind: but as in this case it was all false accusation, with reason does God rectify it by the very look of the man. For the Apostles indeed were not falsely accused, but were forbidden: but this man is falsely accused: and therefore before all else his countenance pleads for him. This abashed even the priest. And he said,etc. Acts 7:1 He shows here, that the promise was made before the Place, before Circumcision, before Sacrifice, before the Temple, and that it was not of their merit that these received either Circumcision or Law, but that the land was the reward of obedience alone. Moreover, that neither on the giving of circumcision does the promise receive its fulfillment. Also, that these were figures, and (so was) both the leaving his country at God's command— not against the law (for home and country is where God shall lead):
Then came he out,it says, of the land of the Chaldeans Acts 7:4:— and that if one look closely into the matter, the Jews are of Persian origin: and that, without miracles, one must do as God bids, whatever hardships be the consequence; since the Patriarch left both the grave of his father and all that he had, in obedience to God's command. But if Abraham's father was not allowed to take part with him in the privilege of migrating to Palestine, because he was unworthy: much more shall the children (be excluded at last), for all that they may have gone a good distance on the way.
And He promised,it says, to give it to him, and to his seed after him. Acts 7:5 Herein is shown the greatness both of God's goodness and of Abraham's faith. For the expression,
when as yet he had no child,does show his obedience and faith. Promised to give it to him and to his seed.And yet the events showed the contrary: namely, after he came, he had not so much as to set his foot on,had not a child; which very things were contrary to his faith. These things having seen, let us likewise, whatever God shall promise, receive the same, however contrary may be the events. And yet in our case, they are not contrary, but very suitable. For where the promises are, there, when the contraries turn out, they are really contrary; but in our case it is just the reverse: for He has told us that we should have tribulation here, but our rest there. Why do we confound the times? Why do we turn things upside down? Say, are you afflicted, and livest in poverty, and in dejection? Be not troubled: for it were worth being troubled at, were thou destined to be afflicted in that world: as for this present affliction, it is the cause of rest. Not the being afflicted is an evil; the evil is, to sin. This is the sore affliction, however we may pass our days in luxury:— not to speak of the life to come, it is so even in this life present. Think how our conscience is stung with remorse, and whether this is not worse than any kind of torture! I should like to put the question searchingly to those who live in evil ways (ἐ ν κακοἵς), whether they never come to reflect upon their own sins, whether they do not tremble, and are in fear and anguish, whether they do not think those blessed who live in abstinence, them of the mountains, them of the strict rule? (τοὺς ἐν πολλῇ φιλοσοφί& 139Apostles rejoiced when scourged. Paul gives this exhortation, saying,
Acts 7:6-7
See, what a number of years the Promise has been given, and the manner of the Promise, and nowhere sacrifice, nowhere circumcision! He here shows, how God Himself suffered them to be afflicted, not that He had anything to lay to their charge.
And they shall bring them into bondage,etc. But nevertheless, they did not these things with impunity. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage I will judge, said God.For, to show that they are not to go by this, in estimating who are pious (by reason of their saying, He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him,) Matthew 27:43.— He, the Same that promised, He that gave the land, first permits the evils. So also now, though He has promised a Kingdom, yet He suffers us to be exercised in temptations. If here the freedom was not to be till after four hundred years, what wonder, with regard to the Kingdom? Yet he performed it, and lapse of time availed not to falsify His word. Moreover, it was no ordinary bondage they underwent. And the matter does not terminate solely in the punishment of those (their oppressors); but they themselves also, He says, shall enjoy a mighty salvation. Here he reminds them too of the benefit which they enjoyed. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so he begot Isaac.Here he lets himself down to lower matters. And circumcised him on the eighth day: and Isaac (begot) Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. Acts 7:8.— Here he seems to hint now at the type.
And the patriarchs moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt. Acts 7:9 Here again, the type of Christ. Though they had no fault to find with him, and though he came on purpose to bring them their food, they thus ill-treated him. Still here again the promise, though it is a long while first, receives its fulfillment.
And God was with him— this also is for them— and delivered him out of all his afflictions. Acts 7:10. He shows that unknowingly they helped to fulfil the prophecy, and that they were themselves the cause, and that the evils recoiled on their own selves.
And gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, Gave him favor,in the eyes of a barbarian, to him, the slave, the captive: his brethren sold him, this (barbarian) honored him. Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren. Acts 7:11-13. They came down to buy, and had to depend upon him for everything. What then did he? [
He made himself known to his brethren:] not to this point only did he carry his friendliness; he also made them known to Pharaoh, and brought them down into the land. And Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, and were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. But when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. Acts 7:13-18. Then again, fresh disappointment (ἀ νελπιστία): first, famine, but they came through that: secondly, the falling into the hands of their enemy: thirdly, the being destroyed by the king. Then (to show) God's fullness of ways and means (εὐμήχανον),
In which time,it says, Moses was born, and was exceeding fair. Acts 7:20 If the former circumstance was wonderful, that Joseph was sold by his brethren, here again is another circumstance more wonderful still, that the king
nourishedthe very person who was to overthrow his dominion, being himself the person that was to perish. Do you observe all along a figurative enacting, so to say, of the resurrection of the dead? But it is not the same thing for God himself to do a thing, and for a thing to come to pass in connection with man's purpose (προαίρεσις). For these things indeed were in connection with man's purpose [but the Resurrection by itself, independently.]— And he was mighty,it says, in word and in deed Acts 7:22: he that was to have died. Then again he shows how ungrateful they were to their benefactor. For, just as in the former instance, they were saved by the injured Joseph, so here again they were saved by another injured person, I mean, Moses.
And when he was full forty years old,etc. For what though they killed him not actually? In intention they did kill, as did the others in the former case. There, they sold out of their own into a strange land: here, they drive from one strange land into another strange land: in the former case, one in the act of bringing them food; in this, one in the act of giving them good counsel; one to whom, under God, the man was indebted for his life! Mark how it shows (the truth of) that saying of Gamaliel's, If it be of God, you cannot overthrow it.Acts 5:39 See the plotted-against eventually becoming the authors of salvation to those plotting against them: the people, plotting against itself, and itself plotted against by others; and for all this, saved! A famine, and it did not consume them: nor was this all: but they were saved by means of the very person, whom they had expected to be destroyed (by their means). A royal edict, and it did not consume them: nay then most did their number increase, when he was dead who knewthem. Their own Saviour they wished to kill, but for all that, they had not power to do it. Do you observe, that by the means whereby the devil tried to bring to naught the promise of God, by those very means it was advanced? And God spoke on this wise,etc. (Recapitulation, v. 6, 7.)
This is suitable to be said here also: that God is rich in ways and means to bring us up from hence. For this above all showed the riches of God's resources, that in its very reverses (ἀ ποστροφῇ) the nation increased, while enslaved, while evil-entreated, and sought to be exterminated. And this is the greatness of the Promise. For had it increased in its own land, it had not been so wonderful. And besides, it was not for a short time, either, that they were in the strange land: but for four hundred years. Hence we learn a (great lesson) of philosophic endurance (φιλοσοφίαν):— they did not treat them as masters use slaves, but as enemies and tyrants— and he foretold that they should be set in great liberty: for this is the meaning of that expression,
They shall serve (Me): and they shall come up hither again(ἐ νταὕθα ἐπανελεύσονται); and with impunity. — And observe, how, while he seems to concede something to circumcision, he in fact allows it nothing Acts 7:8; since the Promise was before it, and it followed after.—
And the patriarchs,he says, moved with envy. Acts 7:9 Where it does no harm, he humors (χαρίζεται) them: for they prided themselves much on these also.— And he shows, that the saints were not exempt from tribulation, but that in their very tribulations they obtained help. And that these persons did themselves help to bring about the results, who wished to cut short these same (afflictions): just as these made Joseph the more glorious: just as the king did Moses, by ordering the children to be killed: since had he not ordered, this would not have been: just as also that (Hebrew) drives Moses into exile, that there he may have the Vision, having become worthy. Thus also him who was sold for a slave, makes He to reign as king there, where he was thought to be a slave. Thus also does Christ in His death give proof of His power: thus also does He there reign as king where they sold Him.
And gave him favor and wisdom,etc. Acts 7:10 This was not only by way of honor, but that he should have confidence in his own power.
And he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Now there came a dearth,etc. On account of famine— such preparations is he making— with threescore and fifteen souls,he says, Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. Acts 7:11-16. It shows, that they were not masters even to the extent of a burying-place.
But when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, till another king arose, which knew not Joseph(v. 17, 18). Observe, that it is not during the four hundred years that He multiplies them, but (only) when the end was about to draw near. And yet already four hundred years were passed, nay more, in Egypt. But this is the wonder of it. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil-entreated our fathers, that they should cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. Acts 7:19
Dealt subtly:he hints at their not liking to exterminate them openly: that they should cast out their young children,it says. In which time Moses was born and was exceeding fair. Acts 7:20 This is the wonder, that he who is to be their champion, is born, neither after nor before, these things, but in the very midst of the storm (θυμῷ).
And was nourished up in his father's house three months.But when man's help was despaired of, and they cast him forth, then did God's benefit shine forth conspicuous. And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. Acts 7:21 Not a word of Temple, not a word of Sacrifice, while all these Providences are taking place. And he was nourished in a barbarian house.
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. Acts 7:23 Forty years he was there, and was not found out from his being circumcised. Observe, how, being in safety, they overlook their own interests, both he and Joseph, in order that they may save others:
And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. Acts 7:23-25— See how up to this point he is not yet offensive to them; how they listened to him while he said all this. And
his face,we read, was as the face of an angelActs 6:15.— For he supposed,etc. And yet it was by deeds that his championship was shown; what intelligence was there need of here? But still for all this they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, you are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? Acts 7:26-28 Do you mark with what mildness he addresses them? He who had shown his wrath in the case of the other, shows his gentleness in his own case.
But he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Will you kill me, as you did the Egyptian yesterday?Mark; the very words which they said to Christ: Who made You ruler and judge over us?So habitual a thing was it for Jews to wrong (their benefactors) when in the act of receiving benefits! And again, mark the atrocious baseness: (μιαρίαν al. μοχθηρίαν, Sav. marg.) As you did the Egyptian yesterday! Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he begot two sons. Acts 7:29 But neither did flight extinguish the plan of Providence, as neither did death (i.e. the death of Christ).
And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. Acts 7:30 Do you mark that it is not hindered by lapse of time? For when he was an exile, when a stranger, when he had now passed much time in a foreign land, so as to have two sons, when he no longer expected to return, then does the Angel appear to him. The Son of God he calls an Angel, as also he calls Him man. (Appears) in the desert, not in a temple. See how many miracles are taking place, and no word of Temple, no word of Sacrifice. And here also not simply in the desert, but in the bush.
When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him. Acts 7:31 Lo! He was deemed worthy of the Voice also.
I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.(v. 32, 33.) Lo! how He shows that He is none other than the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob— He, the Angel of the Great Counsel.(Isaiah 9:6. LXX. Wonderful, Counsellor,E.V.) Here he shows what great loving-kindness God herein exhibits. Then Moses trembled, and dared not behold. Then said the Lord to him, Put off your shoes from your feet; for the place where you stand is holy ground.Not a word of Temple, and the place is holy through the appearance and operation of Christ. Far more wonderful this than the place which is in the Holy of Holies: for there God is nowhere said to have appeared in this manner, nor Moses to have thus trembled. And then the greatness of His tender care. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of My people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you into Egypt. Acts 7:34 See, how he shows, that both by kindnesses, and by chastisements, and by miracles, God was drawing them to Him: but they were still the same. That God is everywhere present, they learned.
Hearing these things, let us in our afflictions flee to Him. Now these things I have spoken, that we should not make enjoyment every way our object. How then does Paul say,
This is very suitable to the matter in hand.
This Moses,he says. This,the man who had been in danger of losing his life; the man who had been set at naught by them; thisthe man whom they had declined: thissame, God having raised up, sent unto them. Whom they refused, saying, Who made you a ruler?just as they themselves (the hearers) said, We have no king, but Cæsar.John 19:15 He here shows also, that what was then done, was done by Christ. The same did God send by the hand of the Angel,who said unto him, I am the God of Abraham. Thissame Moses, he says—and observe how he points to his renown— thissame Moses, he says, brought them out, after that he had showed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like me(v. 36, 37): set at naught like me. Him, likewise, Herod wished to kill, and in Egypt He found preservation just as it was with the former, even when He was a babe, He was aimed at for destruction. This is he, that was in the Church in the wilderness with the Angel which spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us. Acts 7:38 Again no mention of temple, none of sacrifice.
With the Angel,it says, he received the lively oracles to give unto the fathers.It shows, that he not only wrought miracles, but also gave a law, as Christ did. Just as Christ first works miracles, and then legislates: so did Moses. But they did not hear him, keeping their disobedience, even after the miracles: To whom,he says, our fathers would not obey: Acts 7:39 after the wonders done in those forty years. And not only so, but just the contrary:
but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt. Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us; for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what has become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the Prophets, O you house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Yea, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which you made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. (v. 40, 43.) The expression,
gave them up,means, He suffered. Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion he had seen. Acts 7:44 Even when there was a Tabernacle, yet there were no sacrifices.
Did ye offer unto Me slain beasts and sacrifices?Amos 5:25 There was the tabernacle of witness,and yet it profited them nothing, but they were consumed. But neither before, nor afterwards, did the miracles profit them anything. Which also, our fathers that came after brought in.Do you see, how the holy place is there wherever God may be? For to this end also he says, in the wilderness,to compare place with place. Then the benefit (conferred upon them): And our fathers that came after brought it in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. (v. 45, 46.) David
desired to find favor:and he built not, he, the wonderful, the great; but the castaway, Solomon. But Solomon,it says, built Him an house. Howbeit the Most High dwells not in (places) made with hands. Acts 7:47-50 This was shown indeed already by what had been before said: but it is shown also by the voice of a prophet;
What house will you build for Me? Says the Lord God. As says the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will you build for me? Says the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?Isaiah 66:1-2 Marvel not, he says, if they on whom Christ confers His benefits refuse His kingdom, seeing in the case of Moses it was just the same.
(Recapitulation).
He brought them out;and rescued them not in a general way, but also while they were in the wilderness. Wonders and signs,etc. Acts 7:35-50 Do you mark that they themselves (Stephen's hearers) are concerned in those old miracles also?
This is that Moses: Acts 7:37 he, that conversed with God; he, that had been saved out of situations so strange and wonderful; he, that wrought so great works, and had so great power. [
Which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet,etc.] He shows, that the prophecy must by all means be fulfilled, and that Moses is not opposed to Him. This is he that was in the Church in the wilderness, and, that said unto the children of Israel. Acts 7:38 Do you mark that thence comes the root, and that
salvation is from the Jews?John 4:22 With the Angel,it says, which spoke unto him.Romans 11:16 Lo, again he affirms that it was He (Christ) that gave the Law, seeing Moses was with Himin the Church in the wilderness. And here he puts them in mind of a great marvel, of the things done in the Mount: Who received living oracles to give unto us.On all occasions Moses is wonderful, and (so) when need was to legislate. What means the expression, Living oracles(λόγια)? Those, whereof the end was shown by words (διὰ λόγων): in other words, he means the prophecies. Then follows the charge, in the first instance, against the patriarchs [after], the signs and wonders,after the receiving of the lively oracles: To whom,he says, our fathers would not obey. Acts 7:39 But concerning those, Ezekiel says that they are not
living;as when he says, And I gave you statutes that are not good.Ezekiel 20:25 It is with reference to those that he says, Living. But thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt— the place where they groaned, where they cried, whence they called upon God. And said unto Aaron, Make us gods which shall go before us. Acts 7:40 O the folly!
Make,say they; that they may go before us.Whither? Into Egypt.See how hard they were to tear away from the customs of Egypt! What do you say? What, not wait for him that brought you out, but flee the benefit, and deny the Benefactor? And mark how insulting they are: For as for this Moses,they say:— which brought us out of the land of Egyptnowhere the name of God: instead of that, they ascribed all to Moses. Where they ought to give thanks (to God), they bring Moses forward: where it was, to do as the Law bade them, they no longer make account of Moses. We know not what has become of him.And yet he told them that he was going up to receive the Law: and they had not patience to wait forty days. Make us gods— they did not say, a God.— And yet one may well wonder at this, that they do not even know.— And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifices unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands Acts 7:41: for which they ought to have hid their faces. What wonder that you know not Christ, seeing ye knew not Moses, and God Who was manifested by such wonders? But they not only knew Him not: they also insulted in another way, by their idol making.
Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven Acts 7:42 Hence these same
customsdate their origin, hence the sacrifices: they were themselves the first that made sacrifices to their idols! For that is why it is marked, They made a calf in Horeb, and offered sacrifices to the idol:seeing that, before this the name of sacrifice is nowhere mentioned, but only lively ordinances, and lively oracles. And rejoiced— that is the reason for the feasts. Exodus 32:5-6 As it is written in the Book of the Prophets— and observe, he does not cite the text without a purpose, but shows by it that there is no need of sacrifices; saying: Did ye offer slain beasts and sacrifice to Me?— He lays an emphasis on this word (to Me?). You cannot say that it was from sacrificing to Me, that you proceeded to sacrifice to them:— by the space of forty years:and this too, in the wilderness,where He had most signally shown Himself their Protector. Yea, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan: images which you made to worship them.The cause of sacrifices! And I will carry you away beyond Babylon. Acts 7:43 Even the captivity, an impeachment of their wickedness!
But a Tabernacle,say you, there was (the Tabernacle) 'of Witness.' Acts 7:44 (Yes,) this is why it was: that they should have God for Witness: this was all.
According to the fashion,it says, that was shown you on the mount:so that on the mount was the Original. And this Tabernacle, moreover, in the wilderness,was carried about, and not locally fixed. And he calls it, Tabernacle of witness:i.e. (for witness) of the miracles, of the statutes. This is the reason why both it and those (the fathers) had no Temple. As He had appointed, that spoke unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.Again, it was none other than He (Christ) that gave the fashion itself. Until the days of David Acts 7:45: and there was no temple! And yet the Gentiles also had been driven out: for that is why he mentions this:
Whom God drove out,he says, before the face of our fathers. Whom He drove out,he says: and even then, no Temple! And so many wonders, and no mention of a Temple! So that, although first there is a Tabernacle, yet nowhere a Temple. Until the days of David,he says: even David, and no Temple! And he sought to find favor before God Acts 7:46: and built not:— so far was the Temple from being a great matter!
But Solomon built Him an house. Acts 7:47 They thought Solomon was great: but that he was not better than his father, nay not even equal to him, is manifest.
Howbeit the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands; as says the prophet, Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. (v. 48, 49.) Nay, not even these are worthy of God, forasmuch as they are made, seeing they are creatures, the works of His hand. See how he leads them on little by little (showing) that not even these are to be mentioned. And again the prophecy says openly,
What house will you build Me?etc. What is the reason that at this point he speaks in the tone of invective (καταφορικὥς)? Great was his boldness of speech, when at the point to die: for in fact I think he knew that this was the case.
You stiffnecked,he says, and uncircumcised in heart and ears.This also is from the prophets: nothing is of himself. You do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Acts 7:51 When it was not His will that sacrifices should be, you sacrifice: when it is His will, then again ye do not sacrifice: when He would not give you commandments, you drew them to you: when you got them, you neglected them. Again, when the Temple stood, you worshipped idols: when it is His will to be worshipped without a Temple, you do the opposite. Observe, he says not,
You resist God,but, the Spirit:so far was he from knowing any difference between Them. And, what is greater: As your fathers did,he says, so do ye.Thus also did Christ (reproach them), forasmuch as they were always boasting much of their fathers. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One:he still says, the Just One,wishing to check them: of Whom you have been now the betrayers and murderers— two charges he lays against them — who have received the Law by the disposition of Angels, and have not kept it. Acts 7:52 How,
By the disposition of Angels?Some say (The Law), disposed by Angels; or, put into his hand by the Angel Who appeared to him in the bush; for was He man? No wonder that He who wrought those works, should also have wrought these. You slew them who preached of Him,much more Himself. He shows them disobedient both to God, and to Angels, and the Prophets, and the Spirit, and to all: as also Scripture says elsewhere: Lord, they have slain Your Prophets, and thrown down Your altars.1 Kings 19:10 They, then, stand up for the Law, and say, He blasphemes against Moses:he shows, therefore, that it is they who blaspheme, and that (their blasphemy is not only against Moses, but) against God; shows that theyfrom the very beginning have been doing this: that theyhave themselves destroyed their customs,that there is no need of these: that while accusing him, and saying that he opposed Moses, they themselves were opposing the Spirit: and not merely opposing, but with murder added to it: and that they had their enmity all along from the very beginning. Do you see, that he shows them to be acting in opposition both to Moses and to all others, and not keeping the Law? And yet Moses had said, A Prophet shall the Lord raise up unto you: and the rest also told of this (Christ) that He would come: and the prophet again said, What house will you build Me?and again, Did ye offer to Me slain beasts and sacrificesthose forty years?Deuteronomy 18:18 Such is the boldness of speech of a man bearing the Cross. Let us then also imitate this: though it be not a time of war, yet it is always the time for boldness of speech. For, See in what way gentleness is destroyed, when evil thoughts gnaw at it. This is why there is such a dog, barking mightily: we have also sling and stone (ye know what I mean): we have also spear and enclosure and cattle-fold: let us guard our thoughts unhurt. If the dog be gentle (σαίνῃ) with the sheep, but savage against those without, and keep vigilant watch, this is the excellence of a dog: and, be he ever so famished, not to devour the sheep; be he ever so full, not to spare the wolves. Such too is anger meant to be: however provoked, not to forsake gentleness; however at quiet, to be on the alert against evil thoughts: to acknowledge the friend, and not for any beating forsake him, and for all his caressing, to fly at the intruder. The devil uses caressing full oft: let the dog know at sight that he is an intruder. So also let us caress (σαίνωμεν) Virtue, though she put us to pain, and show our aversion to Vice, though she give us pleasure. Let us not be worse than the dogs, which, even when whipped and throttled, do not desert their master: but if the stranger also feed them, even so they do hurt. There are times when anger is useful; but this is when it barks against strangers. What means it,
When they heard these things, they were cut to See, once more, the wrong-doers in trouble. Just as the Jews are perplexed, saying,
What are we to do with these men?so these also are cut to the heart.Acts 4:16 And yet it was he that had good right to be incensed, who, having done no wrong, was treated like a criminal, and was spitefully calumniated. But the calumniators had the worst of it in the end. So true is that saying, which I am ever repeating, Ill to do, is ill to fare.And yet he (in his charges against them) resorted to no calumny, but proved (what he said). So sure are we, when we are shamefully borne down in a matter wherein we have a clear conscience, to be none the worse for it.— If they desired,say you, to kill him, how was it that they did not take occasion, out of what he said, that they might kill him?They would fain have a fair-seeming plea to put upon their outrage. Well then, was not the insulting them a fair plea?It was not his doing, if they were insulted: it was the Prophet's accusation of them. And besides, they did not wish it to look as if they killed him because of what he had said against them— just as they acted in the case of Christ; no, but for impiety: now this word of his was the expression of piety. Wherefore, as they attempted, besides killing him, to hurt his reputation also, they were cut to the heart.For they were afraid lest he should on the contrary become an object of even greater reverence. Therefore, just what they did in Christ's case, the same they do here also. For as He said, You shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of GodMatthew 26:64, and they, calling it blasphemy, ran upon Him;just so was it here. There, they rent their garments;here, they stopped their ears. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. Acts 7:55-58 And yet, if he lied, they ought to have thought him beside himself, and to have let him go.— But he wished to bring them over,
and said, Behold,etc., for, since he had spoken of Christ's death, and had said nothing of His resurrection, he would fain add this doctrine also. Standing at the right hand of God.And in this manner He appeared to him: that, were it but so, the Jews might receive Him: for since the (idea of His) sitting (at the right hand of God) was offensive to them, for the present he brings forward only what relates to His Resurrection. This is the reason also why his face was glorified. For God, being merciful, desired to make their machinations the means of recalling them unto Himself. And see, how many signs are wrought! And cast him out of the city, and stoned him.Here again, without the city,and even in death, Confession and Preaching. Hebrews 13:21 And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts 7:59 This is meant to show them that he is not perishing, and to teach them.
And he knelt down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. Acts 7:60 To clear himself, and show that neither were his former words prompted by passion, he says,
Lord lay not this sin to their charge: wishing also even in this way to win them over. For to show that he forgave their wrath and rage in murdering him, and that his own soul was free from all passion, was the way to make his saying to be favorably received. |
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