Acts Chapter 7 · Verse 53
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλάβετε
have received
G2983
ἐλάβετε
have received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
2 of 10
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
4 of 10
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
εἰς
by
G1519
εἰς
by
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀγγέλων
of angels
G32
ἀγγέλων
of angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
7 of 10
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 2:2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;Galatians 3:19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.Acts 7:38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:Deuteronomy 33:2And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.John 7:19Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?Galatians 6:13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition held that angels mediated the law's giving at Sinai (Galatians 3:19, Hebrews 2:2). Stephen turns their accusation back on themselves - they violated what they claimed to defend.
Questions for Reflection
- How does religious privilege increase accountability for obedience?
- What does accusing law-keepers of law-breaking accomplish in Stephen's argument?
Analysis & Commentary
The irony peaks: they 'received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.' Those accusing Stephen of law-breaking were themselves law-breakers. Privilege of receiving the law increased guilt for disobedience. Angels mediating Sinai's revelation emphasized its sacredness.