What did Stephen cover in his speech in Acts chapter 7?
Stephen traced the whole sphere of Jewish history: from the call of Abram, through the Law, and through the coming of Christ to proclaim Himself as their Messiah. When he lifted up the name of Jesus of Nazareth, his hearers were ready to jump on him and put him to death.
Les explains that Acts chapter 7 serves as an overview leading up to Saul of Tarsus and the outcalling of the Church, which is the next part of resurrection. In that speech Stephen goes through the whole sphere of Jewish history—from the call of Abram, through the Law, through the coming of Christ to proclaim Himself as their Messiah. When Stephen lifted up the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the crowd was ready to jump on him and put him to death. Les also notes that God is sovereign and keeps things secret until He reveals them; at that point He had not yet revealed that the salvation of the whole human race was wrapped up in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, because He was still dealing with Israel on the grounds of covenant promises.
More Questions
Why does Les take the class to Acts chapter 7 when overviewing the book of Acts?
In overviewing the book of Acts, Les brings the class all the way to Acts chapter 7 in order to lead up to Saul of Tarsus and the outcalling of the Church, which is the next part of resurrection.
How does Stephen build his argument in Acts 7?
Stephen builds his argument in Acts 7 from Abraham and the Abrahamic covenant, then the promises made to the nation of Israel, and finally applies it to his Jewish audience.