Acts 7:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The basis for this charge was that, in disputing with the Jews, Stephen had expressed the thought that the Law of Moses was abolished in the New Testament. This included all its many ordinances and institutions, not excluding the Jerusalem temple.

That temple was now no longer the only place of true worship (Jn 4:21 and following).

Stephen now briefly recounts the history of God’s divine economy for the salvation of Israel. By the mere presentation of this history, he defends himself against the charge of blasphemy.

Through it he makes clear what God he confesses and how he confesses Him. For this purpose, among other things, at the beginning of his speech he calls God “the God of glory” (v. 2).

By this he shows with what reverence he treats this holy Name. Then, by pointing in the history of Israel to the world-governing right hand of God, he confesses still more clearly the whole majesty of God.

There the dynasties of kings often changed. Not only the state government changed, but also the population, with invasions by foreigners. During the Hebrews’ four hundred thirty years in Egypt, this could have happened more than once.

Yet as in all the destinies of the Hebrews there was a special divine providence, so also in this oppression. It drew them closer to one another and moved them to turn more to God.

It also moved Him to remember His great promises to Abraham’s posterity and His threats against their oppressors.

And so, in the very harshest measure of oppression against the Hebrews, God gives new means for the upbringing of the one who was to be their leader and deliverer from Egyptian bondage.

“Observe,” writes Blessed Theophylact, “that God’s promise was being strengthened through the very circumstances by which the devil strove to undermine it.

“For Israel was being afflicted, yet it grew and multiplied. The expression ‘that they should cast out’ hints that the king did not want the killing of the infants to be done openly.”