Acts 7:16

and they were carried over unto Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for. price in silver of the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

'THEY'-In view of the fact that Jacob was buried in the cave of Machpelah (Hebron) (Genesis 50:13). The "they" of this verse refers to the burial of the patriarchs previously mentioned, i.e. the sons of Jacob. This makes perfect sense in view of the fact that the body of Joseph was eventually returned to Shechem also (Joshua 2:32).

'SHECHEM'-(SHEK uhm). Located about 30 miles north of Jerusalem.

'THAT ABRAHAM BOUGHT'-Here people charge Stephen (Luke) with another historical inaccuracy. For the O.T. records Jacob as buying this piece of property (Joshua 24:32; Acts 33:16). (a) Stott notes, 'It is better to conclude either that Jacob bought the Shechem burial ground in Abraham's name, since he was still alive at the time..' (p. 134). (b) Others suggest, that in view of the fact that Abraham lived for some time in Shechem (Genesis 12:6); Jacob may of had to repurchase or reclaim. burial plot that Abraham had purchased years previous.

Point to Note:

Right here we need to stop and note, that if the critics are right---that Stephen made various historical mistakes in his speech, why didn't anyone in the audience stop him??? Why was he allowed to continue? Why did none of the Jewish experts in the Law challenge his overview of O.T. history? Various charges were leveled against Stephen, but he was never charged with perverting or corrupting the text of the O.T. Scriptures. From the fact that his accusers couldn't OUT ARGUE HIM (Acts 6:10); and no one offered. rebuttal on this day (Acts 7:54), stands as proof that no one could find fault with his recital of Hebrew history. Therefore, those who criticize this speech, actually label themselves as poor students of the O.T.

In Joseph we also find: (a) God was. universal God, who could act independently of any physical dwelling. (b) The Israelites rejected their God-appointed deliverer. (c) The deliverer they rejected, ended up being their only hope for life.

THE LIFE OF MOSES