Reading for May 12th

 Read Acts 7.17-50. The story of Moses to Solomon, from Exodus to kings, is told in sequence (note times in vv. 20, 23, 26, 30, 42, 45) and from within Israel (our ancestors in vv. 19, 32, 38, 39, 44, 45), repeating the themes of the scriptural histories of God's fidelity and Israel's rejection. Like Moses' speech at the end of his life (Deut 32-34), Stephen is citing Israel's history "in witness against you" (Deut 32.46), as a call to repentance. In verse 22: In the telling of Ex 2 in many Jewish sources, Moses was famous for his mastery of the wisdom of the Egyptians. In verses 25-27: This interpretation of what they did not understand is consistent with Luke's emphasis on the "ignorance" that can be forgiven (3.17; 17.30). To push Moses aside is to reject him as ruler and liberator (v. 35). In verse 30: The appearance of the angel in the flame of a burning bush (Ex 3.2)was variously allegorized in many first-century interpretations. Like the Pharisees who where known to believe in angelic messengers, Stephen receives these accounts literally (see vv. 38, 53). In verse 35: The phrase this Moses who me they rejected (see also v. 37, this is the Moses who said) parallel this Jesus whom you crucified (2.36 and see also 2.23, 32). In verse 37: Stephen invokes the crucial passage from Deut 18.15 that was used to identify Jesus as "the prophet  like Moses" (3.22) In verse 39: Our ancestors were unwilling to obey ... pushed him aside( see comment on v. 27). In verse 40-41: On the story of the calf see Ex 32. In verse 41: Idolatry is the most grievous sin in Israel, violating the first commandment. In verses 42-23: The book of the prophets may refer to a collection of twelve minor prophets. The prophetic verdict of Amos 5.25-27 against Israel's idolatry is now cited not merely for exile beyond Damascus, but beyond Babylon. In verse 44-48: This scriptural arguments turns against the Temple as God's dwelling place, because the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands (see v. 41 on idols and Paul's speech about temples in 17.24. In verses 49-50: This citation from Isa 66.1 further claims the whole creation as dwelling made by my hands." Ps 132.13-14, by contrasts, affirms Zion as God's chosen habitation and resting place forever. Comments of Question...