More dignified and solemn than simply "brothers and fathers."

It might have been visible glory (cf. v. 55), as when the cloud and the fire appeared to Israel (Exo. 16:10; 24:16-17; Lev. 9:23; Num. 14:10; 16:19; 20:6; Deut. 5:24) and filled the tabernacle and the temple (Exo. 40:35; 1 Kings 8:11). It was the God of such glory who appeared to Abraham and called him. His glory was a great attraction to him. It separated (sanctified) him from the world unto God (Exo. 29:43) and was a great encouragement and strength that enabled him to follow God (Gen. 12:1, 4). In the same principle, God calls the New Testament believers by His invisible glory (2 Pet. 1:3).

Apparently Abraham journeyed into Canaan (Gen. 12:4-5), but actually God removed him into the good land.

I.e., Egypt (Exo. 1:1).

I.e., the Egyptians (Exo. 1:11, 13-14).

See note Gal. 3:17^3a.

Or, fodder (for their cattle).

Compare with seventy in Gen. 46:27 and Exo. 1:5. Stephen quoted this number from the Septuagint, which mentions five additional descendants of Joseph in Gen. 46:20. Hence, the number he mentioned of the house of Jacob who came to Egypt was seventy-five instead of seventy.

Or, different (in character). Not only another king, but a king of different character.

From v. 20 through v. 44 Stephen purposely gave a long narration in the most positive way concerning Moses. He did this to vindicate himself before his opposers, who had accused him of blaspheming Moses (Acts 6:11).

Lit., fair to God. A Hebraism denoting fair in the sight of God; hence, exceedingly fair.

Or, put out (to die).

I.e., wisdom in learning.

A dignified and solemn form of address.

Here and in v. 35 and v. 38 the Angel (Messenger) in the Old Testament was Christ the Lord, who is Jehovah, the Triune God (Exo. 3:2-16; Judg. 6:12-24; Zech. 2:6-11). This is proved by the Lord and God in the following verses.

The Lord and God in vv. 31-35 are the Angel (Messenger) in vv. 30, 35, 38.

Or, take notice of; hence, examine.

Lit., Having seen I saw. A Hebraism.

Or, was seen by him.

Or, young bull.

I.e., star worship.

I.e., heavenly bodies.

Probably referring to the twelve books of the minor prophets, from Hosea through Malachi, counting them as one book.

I.e., the portable tent-temple of the god, to be carried in procession (Vincent).

The Coptic name for Saturn.

Stephen called God "the God of glory" (v. 2) and "the Most High" to vindicate himself before his opposers, who had accused him of blaspheming God (Acts 6:11).

Implying that God would abandon the material temple of the Old Testament and initiate a new dispensation, that His people might worship Him in the spirit (John 4:24), in which is God's spiritual habitation, the church (Eph. 2:22).

This quotation from Isa. 66:1-2 indicates that the Lord was seeking a spiritual habitation in man's spirit. This is proved by the unquoted part of Isa. 66:2 that says, "But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit."

A very strong expression.

Since Stephen was full of the Spirit (v. 55) and was one with the Lord the Spirit (1 Cor. 6:17), to oppose him was to oppose the Holy Spirit. Hence, the Lord indicated to Saul, one of Stephen's persecutors (v. 58; 8:1), that he was persecuting Him (Acts 9:4).

The Greek word is a noun; the verb form of the same word is used in Gal. 3:19 and is rendered ordained there. The law of God was ordained through angels and became ordinances of angels.

See note Acts 5:33¹.

See note Acts 6:3¹.

A great vindication and encouragement to the persecuted one.

The Lord in ascension is usually referred to as sitting at the right hand of God (Matt. 26:64; Heb. 1:3, 13). But Stephen saw Him standing there. This indicates that the Lord was greatly concerned for His persecuted one.

The earth rejected Stephen and was closed to him, but the heavens opened up to him, indicating that the heavens were with him and for him.

Saul, who later became an apostle (Acts 13:9), helped the persecutors in their slaying of Stephen.

See note Acts 2:21¹.

Stephen prayed for his persecutors in the same way that his Lord, whom he loved and lived, had prayed for His (Luke 23:34).