What does Acts 7:53 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 7:53, as found in the King James Version of the Bible, reads, "Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." This verse is part of a speech made by Stephen before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.

Stephen is accusing the Israelites of having a history of disobedience to God despite having been given the divine law.

The law he refers to is the Mosaic Law, which, according to Jewish tradition, was mediated by angels.

The phrase "disposition of angels" suggests the involvement of angels in the giving of the law, an idea common in Jewish thought that the angels acted as intermediaries in the giving of the law at Mount Sinai.

However, the deeper accusation here is that the Israelites, despite having received such a noble law through such a wondrous means, did not obey it.

The criticism is sharply ironical because it contrasts the divine origin of the law and the less than divine response of the people who were supposed to uphold it.

Historical Context

Acts 7:53 occurs in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, during the account of Stephen's trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin.

Stephen was one of the first deacons of the early Christian Church, and his speech, filled with accusations against the Jewish leaders, would lead to his martyrdom by stoning.

This verse is set in a period of early Christianity where there was significant tension between the newly formed Christian sect and the established Jewish religion.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, this verse has been used to highlight the belief in the need for a new covenant through Jesus Christ, who, as believed by Christians, came because the people were unable to keep the old covenant , the law given through Moses.

However, from a Jewish viewpoint, the interpretation would differ. Jews maintain that the Mosaic Law is still in effect.

Some Jewish interpretations may see the acts of the Sanhedrin as a defense of their faith instead of the defiance Stephen presents.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder about the importance of not just receiving teachings, laws, or wisdom, but also the vital importance of applying them.

In a broader sense, it speaks to integrity; having principles or laws is moot without the commitment to live by them. It encourages self-reflection regarding personal or collective compliance with one's values and beliefs.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 2:2 "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;"
• Galatians 3:19 "Wherefore 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."
• Deuteronomy 33:2 "And 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."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word used for "received" is "λαβόντες" (labontes), indicating having taken or accepted something given to them.

The word "disposition" comes from "διαταγῶν" (diatagon), which can be thought of as arrangements, orders, or administration.

The term "angels" translates from "ἀγγέλων" (angelon), meaning messengers, which is common in the Bible not just for heavenly beings but also human messengers or intermediaries.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Judaism, the idea of angels participating in the giving of the Law is evidenced in some Rabbinic literature.

Comparatively, in other religious traditions, intermediaries between God or gods and humans are not uncommon.

For example, in Greek mythology, Hermes acts as the messenger of the gods.

In Hinduism, there is a concept of divine intermediaries or manifestations known as avatars.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself does not directly lend to scientific analysis as it deals with theological and religious law rather than empirical facts or phenomena.

However, the existence and role of angels as proposed in this context fall within the realm of belief and religious doctrine rather than scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and religious figures have commented on this verse.

For example, John Calvin saw this as a rebuke pointing out the hypocrisy of professing reverence for the law without following it.

Matthew Henry viewed the verse as emphasizing the gravity of the Jewish leadership's actions, given that angels had a role in mediating the law, making their disobedience more serious.

Most commentators agree on the essential theme of the verse: a critique of failing to live up to sacred obligations.