What does Acts 7:16 mean?

Explanation

Acts 7:16 discusses an event in early Jewish history concerning the burial of the patriarchs.

It is part of Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin in which he gives an overview of Jewish history and God's dealings with Israel.

Stephen mentions that the bodies of Jacob and his sons were brought back to Shechem (spelled "Sychem" in the King James Version) and laid in the tomb that Abraham purchased.

However, there is a point of confusion here: the Old Testament states that Jacob was buried in the cave of Machpelah, which Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite (Genesis 23:16-20, 50:13), while Joseph was indeed buried in Shechem after his bones were carried out of Egypt (Joshua 24:32), in a parcel of land that Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor (John 4:5).

Historical Context

Acts was written by Luke in the first century A.D., and this passage reflects the Christian understanding of Hebrew scripture at the time. Shechem, an ancient city in the region of Samaria near modern-day Nablus, was a significant site in the Old Testament.

It was here where Abraham first built an altar upon entering Canaan, and later it became a city of refuge.

It was also the first capital of the Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam. The reference to the burial in Shechem could be a conflation of different scriptural accounts or a reference to a tradition not detailed in the surviving texts of the Old Testament.

Theological Insights

This verse may offer insights into the importance of remembering and honoring the patriarchs, as well as the significance of the Promised Land in Christian theology.

Additionally, within the context of Stephen's speech, it reflects how the early Christian community viewed the Old Testament narratives and their patriarchs, emphasizing the continuity between Jewish heritage and Christian belief.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to respect their religious history and heritage, as well as to recognize the importance of sacred spaces. It can also be interpreted as a call to faithfulness in upholding traditions and commitments across generations.

Cross-References

• Genesis 23:16-20: "And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant. […] And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah […]."
• Genesis 50:13: "For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre."
• Joshua 24:32: "And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver […]."
• John 4:5: "Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph."

Language Study

• Sychem (Shechem): A significant city in the Old Testament, known in modern times as Nablus.
• Sepulchre: Refers to a tomb or burial chamber.
• Abraham bought for a sum of money: Indicates a legal transaction, emphasizing the rightful ownership of the land for burial.
• Sons of Emmor (Hamor): Emmor or Hamor was the father of Shechem and the prince of the city with whom Jacob negotiated the purchase of land.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, burial sites were often considered sacred and involved complex ceremonies and rituals.

The burial of ancestors in a specific place could also indicate a claim to the land.

In this light, the biblical account of the patriarchs' burial reinforces the Jewish claim to the Promised Land.

Comparatively, ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures also placed significant emphasis on the burial of their ancestors, often with elaborate tombs and rituals.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern archaeology endeavors to explore ancient sites like Shechem and tombs of biblical figures to understand the historical realities behind scriptural narratives.

While the historicity of the specific purchase and burial mentioned in Acts 7:16 may not be substantiated through current archaeological evidence, these investigations provide insight into the cultures and practices of ancient Near Eastern peoples.

Commentaries

Scholars and biblical commentators have different perspectives on Acts 7:16:

• Some posit that Stephen made an error in conflating the two burial sites or traditions.

Others suggest that Stephen may have referred to a different purchase by Abraham not recorded in Genesis.

• Some theologians see this as a harmonization challenge but argue that it does not detract from the overall message of Stephen's defense and the intent of Luke's account in the Acts of the Apostles.
• Modern commentators may also focus on the broader theme of Stephen's speech, highlighting God's faithfulness to His people, the importance of the patriarchs, and the land promises, rather than the specific details of the burial site.