Acts 7:53 – “You who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen is concluding his powerful speech to the Jewish leaders by confronting them with a final accusation. He tells them that they had received God’s law but failed to obey it.

Stephen points out that the law was given through angels, which refers to the Jewish tradition that angels played a role in delivering the law to Moses on Mount Sinai (Deuteronomy 33:2, Galatians 3:19, Hebrews 2:2). This was a way of emphasizing the divine origin and importance of the law.

However, despite having the law and taking great pride in it, the Jewish leaders did not truly obey it. They might have followed the outward rules, but their hearts were far from God. Worse yet, they rejected the very Messiah that the law pointed to—Jesus Christ.

Stephen was exposing their hypocrisy. They claimed to be the keepers of God’s law, but in reality, they were breaking it by resisting God’s plan and rejecting His Son.

Historical Context

1. The Law Given at Mount Sinai – In Exodus 19-20, God gave Moses the law, including the Ten Commandments, which became the foundation of Israel’s covenant with God.
2. The Role of Angels in Giving the Law – Jewish tradition held that angels were involved in delivering the law to Moses (Deuteronomy 33:2, Galatians 3:19, Hebrews 2:2). This highlighted the sacredness of the law.
3. The Jewish Leaders’ Pride in the Law – The religious leaders saw themselves as the guardians of God’s law. They believed that following it made them righteous. But in reality, they were more focused on rules than on truly following God.
4. Stephen’s Trial Before the Sanhedrin – The Jewish leaders accused Stephen of blaspheming the law (Acts 6:13-14), but he turned the tables on them, showing that they were the ones who had failed to obey it.

Theological Implications

1. Having God’s Word is Not Enough—Obedience is Required – The Jewish leaders had the law, the temple, and religious traditions, but they were still disobedient. True faith is not just about knowing God’s commands—it is about living them out.
2. Religious Hypocrisy is Dangerous – Stephen exposed the religious leaders’ hypocrisy. They claimed to follow God, but their actions showed otherwise.
3. Rejecting Jesus is Rejecting God’s Law – The entire Old Testament law pointed to Jesus (Luke 24:44). By rejecting Him, the Jewish leaders were breaking the very law they claimed to defend.
4. The Law Alone Cannot Save – The law was given to show people their sin and lead them to Christ (Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:24). But instead of humbling themselves, the Jewish leaders used the law to justify themselves.

Literary Analysis

This verse is a strong accusation wrapped in irony.

• “You who have received the law” – Emphasizes that they had a great privilege. They had God’s direct revelation, yet they did not follow it.
• “That was given through angels” – This phrase adds weight to their responsibility. If the law came from heaven, they had no excuse for not obeying it.
• “But have not obeyed it” – This is the final indictment. Stephen exposes that their religious status meant nothing if they were not actually following God.

Stephen’s words mirror Jesus’ own rebukes of the Pharisees, who followed religious rules but missed the heart of God’s commands (Matthew 23:23-28).

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 33:2 – Mentions angels as part of God’s giving of the law.
• Psalm 147:19-20 – Israel was given the law, a privilege not given to other nations.
• Galatians 3:19 – Paul confirms that the law was given through angels.
• Matthew 23:23-28 – Jesus condemns the Pharisees for focusing on external religion while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
• James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• Knowing God’s Word is not enough—we must obey it. Many people have Bibles on their shelves but do not live by its teachings.
• Religious activity does not equal obedience. Going to church, reading the Bible, and following traditions are meaningless if our hearts are not submitted to God.
• Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. Just like the Jewish leaders, many people today try to earn righteousness through good works instead of trusting in Jesus, who fulfilled the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17).
• God desires a heart of obedience, not empty religion. Stephen’s words challenge us to examine our own faith—are we truly following God, or just going through the motions?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Even though Stephen’s words are a rebuke, they reveal God’s love in a powerful way.

• God gave His law to guide His people. The law was meant to be a blessing, showing them how to live in a way that honored Him.
• God sent prophets and ultimately Jesus to call people to obedience. Even when His people strayed, He kept reaching out, calling them back to Him.
• God desires transformation, not just tradition. He does not want people to just know about Him—He wants them to follow Him with their whole hearts.

This verse shows that God’s love includes calling people to true obedience, not just outward religious practice.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the True Fulfillment of the Law – The law pointed to the need for a Savior, and Jesus fulfilled it perfectly (Matthew 5:17).
2. Jesus Obeyed Where the Jewish Leaders Failed – The religious leaders claimed to follow God, but they disobeyed. Jesus, however, obeyed God completely (Philippians 2:8).
3. Jesus Exposed Religious Hypocrisy – Just as Stephen rebuked the Sanhedrin, Jesus also called out those who honored God with their lips but not their hearts (Matthew 15:7-9).
4. Jesus Provides the Way to True Righteousness – The law cannot save, but Jesus offers true righteousness through faith (Romans 3:21-22).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How can we avoid falling into the trap of knowing God’s Word but not obeying it?
2. What does true obedience to God look like in daily life?
3. Are there ways that people today, like the religious leaders, claim to follow God but actually resist Him?
4. How does Jesus fulfill the law, and how should that change the way we approach God?
5. What steps can we take to ensure our faith is real and not just religious routine?