Acts 7:53
Acts 7:53 in Multiple Translations
you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
ye who received the law as it was ordained by angels, and kept it not.
You, to whom the law was given as it was ordered by angels, and who have not kept it.
you who received the law by means of the angels, but refused to keep it.”
Which haue receiued the Lawe by the ordinance of Angels, and haue not kept it.
who received the law by arrangement of messengers, and did not keep [it].'
You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn’t keep it!”
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it .
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
You are the people who have received God’s laws. Those were laws that God caused angels to give to our ancestors. However, incredibly, you have not obeyed them!”
You see, God sent his angel messengers to your grand-fathers to give you God’s law, but you didn’t listen, and you didn’t do anything it says.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 7:53
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Acts 7:53 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Acts 7:53
Study Notes — Acts 7:53
- Context
- Cross References
- Acts 7:53 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Acts 7:53
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 7:53
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 7:53
- Trapp's Commentary on Acts 7:53
- Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 7:53
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 7:53
- Cambridge Bible on Acts 7:53
- Barnes' Notes on Acts 7:53
- Whedon's Commentary on Acts 7:53
- Sermons on Acts 7:53
Context — The Tabernacle of the Testimony
53you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”
54On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 2:2 | For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, |
| 2 | Galatians 3:19 | Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. |
| 3 | Acts 7:38 | He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 33:2 | He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand. |
| 5 | John 7:19 | Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps it. Why are you trying to kill Me?” |
| 6 | Galatians 6:13 | For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. |
| 7 | Psalms 68:17 | The chariots of God are tens of thousands— thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 20:18–21 | In the wilderness I said to their children: ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers or keep their ordinances or defile yourselves with their idols. I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’ But the children rebelled against Me. They did not walk in My statutes or carefully observe My ordinances—though the man who does these things will live by them—and they profaned My Sabbaths. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the wilderness. |
| 9 | Romans 2:23–25 | You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. |
| 10 | Exodus 19:1–20 | In the third month, on the same day of the month that the Israelites had left the land of Egypt, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. After they had set out from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, “This is what you are to tell the house of Jacob and explain to the sons of Israel: ‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. And all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has spoken.” So Moses brought their words back to the LORD. The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you.” And Moses relayed to the LORD what the people had said. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. And you are to set up a boundary for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful not to go up on the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows—whether man or beast, he must not live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain. ” When Moses came down from the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. “Be prepared for the third day,” he said to the people. “Do not draw near to a woman.” On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up, |
Acts 7:53 Summary
[This verse is saying that the Jewish leaders had been given God's law, which was delivered by angels, but they had not obeyed it. This is a serious accusation, because the law is a central part of God's plan for his people, as seen in Exodus 20:1-17. Stephen is emphasizing that having the law is not enough - we must also obey it, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:17-20. By not keeping the law, the Jewish leaders were missing out on the blessings and joy that come from obeying God's commands, as seen in Psalm 119:1-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the law was ordained by angels?
According to the Bible, angels were involved in the giving of the law to Moses, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:2 and Acts 7:53, highlighting the importance and divine origin of the law.
Why is Stephen emphasizing that the Jewish leaders have not kept the law?
Stephen is emphasizing this point to show that despite having the law, the Jewish leaders have failed to obey it, which is a theme also seen in Romans 2:17-24, where Paul writes about the importance of obeying the law, not just having it.
Is Stephen saying that the law is no longer important?
No, Stephen is not saying that the law is no longer important, but rather that the Jewish leaders have failed to live up to its standards, as also seen in Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus teaches about the importance of obeying the law.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on the law?
This verse fits with the broader biblical theme of the importance of obeying God's law, as seen in verses like Psalm 119:1-8 and James 1:22-25, which emphasize the importance of putting God's word into practice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the Jewish leaders, may be failing to keep God's law in my own life?
- How can I, like Stephen, faithfully proclaim the truth of God's word, even in the face of opposition?
- What role do angels play in the biblical story, and how can I learn from their example of obedience to God?
- In what ways can I, like the Psalmist, delight in God's law and make it a central part of my life, as seen in Psalm 119:1-8?
Gill's Exposition on Acts 7:53
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 7:53
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 7:53
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 7:53
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 7:53
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 7:53
Cambridge Bible on Acts 7:53
Barnes' Notes on Acts 7:53
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 7:53
Sermons on Acts 7:53
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Book of Acts Series - Part 11 | the Upward Look by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Acts and how ordinary people were able to spread the gospel and grow the church despite facing challenges. The speaker emphasize |
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Hebrews 1:4-14 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus Christ. He compares the fulfillment to someone going on a journey and finally appearing in person |
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Christ's Death as Preached by the Early Church by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. He acknowledges that it was man who physically killed Jesus, mocking and despisi |
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"Hebrews" Monday - Part 2 (Keswick Convention 2003) by Charles Price | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the limitations of the Old Testament law and its inability to bring about true salvation. He explains that the law was like a shadow, pointin |
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Genesis #18 Ch. 27-29 God's Principle of Retribution by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the author of the Bible, just as in business, it's not what you know but who you know. The story of Jacob and Esau |
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Beginning Faith by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a young man who arrives in a strange country and meets someone who resembles his father. The preacher uses this illustrat |
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The Gift of Tongues by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose of signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit in confirming the gospel message. He refers to Hebrews chapter 2, emphas |







