Reading
Acts 6:1-8:3
Keys to the Text
Moses and the Law: Moses was the greatest and most revered of all of the Old Testament prophets. The Ten Commandments and all the laws and instructions recorded in Exodus through Deuteronomy made up the "law of Moses." It was this law that the Jewish religious leaders held above all others. Stephen recounts the Israelites' history, including Moses' prediction that another great prophet would come - Jesus.
Stoning: The usual method of capital punishment in ancient Israel. People who broke specific statutes of the law of Moses were put to death by stoning. Stoning was usually carried out by the men of the community, upon the testimony of at least two witnesses, who would then cast the first stones (Deuteronomy 17:5-7; John 8:7; Acts 7:58). Stoning usually took place outside the settlement or camp. Offenses punishable by stoning were certain cases of disobedience, child sacrifice, consultation with magicians, blasphemy, breaking the Sabbath, the worship of false gods, rebellion against parents, and adultery. (Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
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