1. “...and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8b by Bob DeWaay Gospel of Grace Fellowship Acts 7:1-8 The Promises to Abraham December 13, 2015

2. 2 Acts 7:1-3 (ESV) And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’” Citing Israel’s history is common (See Psalm 78) “appeared” is ‘orao_ or “was seen” literally Stephen is respectful (“brothers and fathers”) Promises to Abraham: Acts 7:1-8

3. 3 Acts 7:4 (ESV) Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. Abraham obeyed God without question See Genesis 11:31- 12:3 “Which you are now living” ties them to God’s promises Promises to Abraham: Acts 7:1-8

4. 4 Acts 7:5 (ESV) Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. These promises were given objectively by God and were believed despite lack of current proof The fulfillment to his “seed” is fulfillment to Abraham (Romans 4:18) Promises to Abraham: Acts 7:1-8

5. 5 See Genesis 15:13, 14 A reason for the delayed promise is found in Genesis 15:16 (iniquity of the Amorites) See Genesis 15:13, 14 A reason for the delayed promise is found in Genesis 15:16 (iniquity of the Amorites) Promises to Abraham: Acts 7:1-8 Acts 7:6 (ESV) And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years

6. 6 Acts 7:7 (ESV) But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’ Stephen cites God’s fulfilled promises In Acts 6:14 “this place” is used to refer to the temple Promises to Abraham: Acts 7:1-8

7. 7 Acts 7:8 (ESV) And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs Stephen again cites God’s fulfilled promises Previously childless Abraham has heirs who become the patriarchs Abraham believed and obeyed God Promises to Abraham: Acts 7:1-8