What is the context?
The high priest asks whether the charges against Stephen are true. Stephen answers by recounting God’s dealings with Israel, beginning with Abraham. He addresses the council respectfully and speaks of the God of glory who took the initiative to call their father.
God’s appearance comes in Mesopotamia, before Abraham settles in Haran or enters the promised land. The promise of land and descendants comes before Abraham has a child, and its fulfillment is still ahead. Stephen’s opening makes God’s work larger than one location or one moment in Israel’s history.
The account includes the promised descendants’ suffering, God’s judgment of their oppressor, their future worship, and the covenant of circumcision. Isaac, Jacob and the twelve patriarchs belong to the story of God keeping His word through generations.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand the opening as a respectful account of God’s promises that also prepares Stephen’s answer about the temple and the law. Wesley’s discussion of verse 2 emphasizes the sequence: God was at work before the law was given or the temple built, and His presence was not confined to the place where the council now sits.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Hebrews 11:8–16 also describes Abraham and his family living by faith while the fullness of the promise remains ahead. Their life as strangers is joined to hope in the city God prepares. The delay in receiving everything promised does not mean God has forgotten His word.
Galatians 3:16, 29 connects the promise to Abraham’s offspring with Christ and with those who belong to Him. Stephen begins with a family story whose reach the wider New Testament explains through the promised Messiah.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.