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Then said the high-priest

"The glorified countenance of Stephen has caused a pause of surprise and admiration, which the high-priest interrupts by calling upon the accused for his defence" (Gloag).

Brethren

Addressing the audience generally.

Fathers

Addressing the members of the Sanhedrim.

Of glory

Outward, visible glory, as in the shekinah and the pillar of fire.

Appeared (ὤφθη)

See on Luke 22:43.

Inheritance (κληρονομίαν)

See on 1 Peter 1:4.

Not so much as to set his foot on (οὐδὲ βῆμα ποδός)

Lit., not even the stepping of a foot. From the original meaning, a pace or step, which occurs only here in the New Testament, comes the sense of a step considered as a raised place or seat, and hence a tribune or judgment-seat, which is its meaning in every other passage of the New Testament.

Possession (κατάσχεσιν)

Only here and Acts 7:45. See on keep, Luke 8:15. It denotes a permanent possession.

The covenant of circumcision

There is no article, and it is better omitted in rendering. He gave him a covenant, the peculiar character of which is defined by the next word - of circumcision; i.e., of which circumcision was the completion and seal.

Moved with envy (ζηλώσαντες)

Compare James 4:1; and see on envying, James 3:14.

Afflictions (θλίψεων)

See on Matthew 13:21.

Sustenance (χορτάσματα)

For their cattle: fodder. See on shall be filled, Matthew 5:6.

In Egypt (ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ)

But the best texts read εἰς Αἴγυπτον, into Egypt, and construe with sent forth: "he sent forth our fathers into Egypt."