Sunday, May 4, 2025

Reading for May 11th

 Read Acts 7.1-16.  In 7.1-8.1: Stephen's witness. In 7.1: The interrogation recalls Jesus' trial before the high priests (Lk 22.67) and Pilate (Lk 23 23.3). In verses 2-50: This extended retelling of 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 unusual title (Ps 29.3) for the Lord who appeared to Abraham in Gen 12.7. In verse 3: The quotation is from Gen 12.1-5: The contrast between present promise and future possession originates in Gen (13.15; 17.8; 48.4). In verse 6: Israel knew what was to be resident aliens (Gen 15.13; Ex 2.22; 18.3; Deut 23.7), even at 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, Stephens's focus in 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. Comments or Questions..

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