Reading for April 22nd

Read Acts 7.1-16
7.1-81 Stephen's witness.
In 7.1: The interrogation recalls Jesus' trail before the high priest (Lk 22.67)  and Pilate (Lk 23.3).
In verse 2-50: This extended retelling of the stories from genesis displays careful interpretations of the Greek version known as the Septuagint (LXX).
As they are retold, the stories emphasize God's initiative and activity.
In verse 2: The God of glory is an unusual title (Ps 29.3) for the Lord who appeared to Abraham in Gen 12.7.
In verse 3: The quotation is from Gen 12.1.
In verse 5: The contrast between present promise and future possession originates in Genesis (13.13; 17.8; 48.4).
In verse 6: Israel knew what it was to be resident aliens (gen 15.13; ex 2.22; 18.3; Deut 23.7), even in their own land, because it belonged to God (Lev 25.23).
In verse 7: The quotation of gen 15.14 continues.
In verse 8: The covenant of circumcision is described in several passages in Genesis (17.10-14).
On the twelve patriarchs and their relationship  to the  twelve apostles, see Lk 22.30; Acts 1.26.
In verse 9: Gen 37.11 also identifies their jealousy, closely connected with their hatred for Joseph's receiving their father's love (Gen 37.4; see Acts 5.17).
Among all the stories of the patriarchs, Stephen's focus on Joseph highlights a divided Israel with God taking special care of Joseph, for God was with him (see Gen 39.2, 21, 23; and Peter in Acts 10.38).
In verses 11-16: these verses are a condensed version of Gen 41-50.
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