Acts 7:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Stephen begins with Abraham: the God of glory appeared to him in Mesopotamia, long before he reached the promised land.
What Does Acts 7:2 Mean?
Addressing the council with respect, Stephen starts where Israel starts: God appearing to Abraham far away in Mesopotamia, before he ever settled in Haran.
The opening sentence already answers the charge against him. The God of glory revealed himself outside the holy land, before the temple stood, before the law was given. His presence has never been fenced inside one place; wherever he draws near, that ground becomes a meeting place. It is a truth that will blaze again when Stephen himself sees that glory at the end of this day.
Acts 7:2 in the Original Language
doxa (δόξα), 'glory' -- the weight and shining splendor of the presence of God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 7:2
What does Acts 7:2 mean?
Stephen begins with Abraham: the God of glory appeared to him in Mesopotamia, long before he reached the promised land.