Acts Chapter 7 · Verse 1

Authorized King James Version

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Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

Original Language Analysis

Εἶπεν said G2036
Εἶπεν said
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 1 of 9
to speak or say (by word or writing)
δὲ Then G1161
δὲ Then
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 9
but, and, etc
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεύς the high priest G749
ἀρχιερεύς the high priest
Strong's: G749
Word #: 4 of 9
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
Εἰ Are G1487
Εἰ Are
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 5 of 9
if, whether, that, etc
ἄρα G687
ἄρα
Strong's: G687
Word #: 6 of 9
therefore
ταῦτα these things G5023
ταῦτα these things
Strong's: G5023
Word #: 7 of 9
these things
οὕτως so G3779
οὕτως so
Strong's: G3779
Word #: 8 of 9
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
ἔχει G2192
ἔχει
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 9 of 9
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Analysis & Commentary

The high priest's question 'Are these things so?' opened the door for Stephen's defense. Rather than directly answering false charges (Acts 6:13-14), Stephen demonstrated continuity between Jesus and Israel's history. His speech is Acts' longest, showing its theological importance.

Historical Context

The high priest at this time was likely Caiaphas (AD 18-36) or possibly his successor. Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin paralleled Jesus' trial before the same body.

Questions for Reflection