Stephen Preacheth about Israel

Acts 7:1-36; Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin is a masterful one. He is charged with speaking "blasphemous words against Moses, and against God," against "this holy place" (the temple), and against "the law." (Vs. 11, 13.) His reply: 'I have spoken the truth. The whole history of Israel points toward the coming of Christ. Moses and all the prophets foretold his mortal ministry and divine Sonship. But you unbelieving scribes and rulers are following in the footsteps of your rebellious fathers who rejected the word of God which came in their day.'

Acts 7:1-36; The manner in which Stephen handles his problem illustrates how one dispensation ties into the next, and how the events occurring and the prophesies made in one age lay the foundation for what is to transpire in a subsequent era. Out of Abraham and the patriarchal dispensation, the nation and history of Israel grew; and out of the history of Israel and the prophecies of her holy men, came Jesus and his saving ministry.

Acts 7:1-36; A similar approach in offering salvation to men is often made by the Lord's servants in this day. Standing before Christian people, who suppose they believe what transpired in the meridian of time, modern witnesses of Christ recite the events of Jesus' and Paul's ministries, and the historical data relative to the apostasy; then they show how the restoration of the gospel grows naturally out of these, and how if men believe the testimonies of the previous dispensations, they will accept those of the present one.

Acts 7:2; 2. Before he dwelt in Charran] The Old Testament does not say that God appeared to Abraham in Ur of Chaldea (in Mesopotamia) before he moved to Haran (Charran), though such is implied in Genesis 15:7, Josh. 24:2-3, and Neh. 9:7. But from the Book of Abraham, as translated by Joseph Smith in modern times, we learn that Stephen knew whereof he spoke (Abraham 1:16-19), he and the ancient Jews undoubtedly having scriptural accounts not now found in our Old Testament.

Acts 7:3; 3. This promise as found in Genesis appears to have been made by God while Abraham was in Haran. (Genesis 12:14.) The Book of Abraham, however, confirms that Stephen is correct, and that the promise was given in Ur of the Chaldees before Abraham and his kindred dwelt in Haran. (Abraham 2:1-5.)

Acts 7:4; 4. According to the chronology in Genesis, Terah lived sixty years after Abraham left Haran (Genesis 11:26, 32; 12:4), which is contrary to what Stephen here recites. From the Book of Abraham we learn that Abraham was sixty-two and not seventy-five years of age when he left Haran (Genesis 12:4; Abraham 2:14), showing at least that much of an error in the Old Testament account. Presumably, in this as in other historical statements, Stephen and not Genesis gives the true account.

Acts 7:5; 5. Abraham's inheritance in Canaan, for himself and his seed after him, was to be an eternal inheritance, one that would endure in time and in eternity. This promise is the hope of Israel, the hope that the meek shall inherit the earth, first during the millennial era and finally in that same immortal state when the earth becomes a celestial sphere. (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., pp. 366-368.) The principle is the same as when the Lord spoke to his Latter-day Saints of their "land of promise" in these words: "I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts. And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away." (D&C 38:19-20.)

Acts 7:6; 6. Four hundred years] Genesis 15:13 agrees; Exodus 12:40 and Galatians 3:17 say four hundred and thirty years.

Acts 7:8; 8. Circumcision] See Acts 15:1-35.

Acts 7:22; 22. ....... was mighty in words] Though not eloquent to begin with, Moses apparently acquired this talent. When he received his call to deliver Israel, Moses said to the Lord: "I am not eloquent, . . . but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue." The Lord replied: "I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." In addition to this the Lord made Aaron a spokesman for Moses. (Exodus 4:10-16.)

Acts 7:30-34; 30-34. Both God and an angel spoke to Moses "in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush." Exodus 3 and 4 preserve a partial account of the glorious events which transpired there. From latter-day revelation we also know that the Lord said unto Moses on that occasion: "Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship me." (Moses 1:17.)

Acts 7:33; 33. To aid his children in developing those feelings of awe, respect, and godly fear which increase reverence, the Lord commands removal of shoes, kneeling in prayer, abstaining from laughter, and similar things, at appropriate times and places.