Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
Original Language Analysis
τίνα
Which
G5101
τίνα
Which
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 24
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τοῦ
them which
G3588
τοῦ
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφητῶν
of the prophets
G4396
προφητῶν
of the prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
3 of 24
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
ἐδίωξαν
have
G1377
ἐδίωξαν
have
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
5 of 24
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
τοῦ
them which
G3588
τοῦ
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρες
fathers
G3962
πατέρες
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 24
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπέκτειναν
they have slain
G615
ἀπέκτειναν
they have slain
Strong's:
G615
Word #:
10 of 24
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
τοῦ
them which
G3588
τοῦ
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προκαταγγείλαντας
shewed before
G4293
προκαταγγείλαντας
shewed before
Strong's:
G4293
Word #:
12 of 24
to anounce beforehand, i.e., predict, promise
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
them which
G3588
τοῦ
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
them which
G3588
τοῦ
them which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαίου
of the Just One
G1342
δικαίου
of the Just One
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
17 of 24
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
οὗ
of whom
G3739
οὗ
of whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
19 of 24
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 5:12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.1 Kings 19:10And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.2 Chronicles 36:16But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.1 Thessalonians 2:15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:Jeremiah 2:30In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.Revelation 19:10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.Acts 22:14And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:Nehemiah 9:26Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.
Historical Context
Prophetic persecution was well-documented - Elijah fled Jezebel, Jeremiah was imprisoned, Zechariah was stoned (2 Chronicles 24:21). Jesus referenced this pattern (Matthew 23:37).
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Israel consistently reject and persecute God's messengers?
- How does the pattern of prophet-persecution climax in Jesus' crucifixion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Stephen's indictment intensifies: 'Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?' Israel's treatment of prophets culminated in killing 'the Just One' - Jesus. The audience represents the culmination of prophet-persecution reaching its climax in Christ's murder.