Devine Scripture

Acts 7:1

What does Acts 7:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 7:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 7:1 means

The high priest’s brief question opens a formal examination: Are the charges true that Stephen blasphemes Moses, the Law, and the Temple? This summons requires Stephen to account for his teaching before Israel’s highest council. The question is not simply about facts, but about fidelity to God’s revelation. It invites Stephen either to deny the accusations or explain how his message fits God’s purposes. The scene is solemn, as the spiritual leaders weigh a man’s words about God’s ways. The inquiry sets the stage for Stephen to unfold Israel’s story, showing that he stands with the patriarchs and prophets, not against them, and that God’s plan climaxes in the Righteous One, Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the high priest said, Are these things so?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the high priest said, Are these things so?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the high priest said, Are these things true?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the chief priest said, `Are then these things so?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then the high priest said: Are these things so?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the high priest said, Are these things then so?

Context

Following accusations reported in Acts 6, Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin. Their witnesses claimed he spoke against Moses and the Temple. Now the high priest directly challenges him. This question triggers Stephen’s extended address, which will recount Israel’s history from Abraham to Solomon, highlight persistent resistance to God’s messengers, and finally confront the council with their own rejection of the Righteous One. The verse thus functions as the legal and rhetorical doorway into Stephen’s sweeping biblical narrative and bold conclusion.

v.1This passage

v.2And he said, Brethren and fathers, hearken: The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 26:61

    and said, This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

  • John 18:19

    The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.

  • John 18:33

    Pilate therefore entered again into the Prætorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

  • Acts 6:13

    and set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law:

  • Mark 14:58

    We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.

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