Reading for April 25th

Read Acts 7.51-8.3
In verse 51: The recitation now turns into a full indictment, addressed to you stiffed-necked people(see ex 33.3, 5) and your ancestors.
The sin is opposing the Holy Spirit (see Gamaliel's warning in 5.39).
In verse 52: The accusation of persecuting and killing the prophets is traditional speech (Lk 6.23, 26; 11.47-52; 13.34) calling for repentance.
It is dangerous if taken out of its prophetic context within Israel and used self-righteously by non-Jews (see Rom 1).
In calling Jesus the Righteous One, Luke draws upon the prophetic and wisdom traditions (Wis 2.12-22) of suffering righteous (also see Lk 23.47; Acts 3.14; 22.14).
In verse 55 rejecting Stephen is again "opposing the Holy Spirit" (v.51), as he is filled with the Holy Spirit (6.3, 10, 15).
In verse 56: the heavens opened at Jesus' baptism too (Lk 3.21) and in peter's vision (10.11).
The Son of Man (Dan 7.13) is clearly Jesus, usually "sitting at the right hand of power of God" (Lk 2.69; Acts 2.33), but now standing, perhaps preparing to receive Stephen or to come "in his glory" (Lk 9.26).
In verses 57-58: Stoning is the punishment for blasphemy, which is also why they covered their ears (see 7.51).
This is the first appearance of Saul, who appears as a leader since they laid their coats at his feet.
In verses 59-60: Stephen's giving up his spirit follows the pattern of Jesus' death in Luke 23.46, including the prayer for those who killed him (Lk 23.34).
In 8.1 Saul approved as a witness and was complicit in the murder (see Lk 11.48; Acts 22.20).

In 8.2-15-35: Scattered throughout the countryside.
In 8.2-3: Scattered by persecution.
The severe persecution (which lasts until 9.31) appears to be focused on the Hellenists.
The Apostles (6.2) were excepted.
The mission moves beyond Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria in accord with the promise (1.8; see also 9.31).
Devout Jews attended to proper burials (Lk 23.50; 9.59-60) with lamentation (Lk 23.27).
Acts 9.2; 22.4-5;26.10 claim Saul acted under the high priest's authority.
Jesus' word in Lk 21.12 identifies such persecution as within God's plan (see Acts 12.4; 16.23).
Comments or Questions..