Acts 7:57
Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
Acts 7:57 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the people mentioned are reacting to the message being delivered to them. The act of stopping their ears signifies their refusal to listen to the truth being spoken, choosing instead to remain in ignorance or denial. Their loud cries indicate their anger or discomfort at hearing something that challenges their beliefs or actions. The fact that they ran upon the speaker with one accord suggests a united front against the message, demonstrating their determination to silence or ignore the messenger. This verse serves as a powerful depiction of resistance to truth and the lengths some may go to in order to avoid confronting uncomfortable realities. It is a reminder of the human tendency to resist change or challenge, even when it may be for our own benefit.
Theological Overview
One interesting theological interpretation of this verse from Acts chapter 7 is the concept of resistance to truth. The people in this passage were so unwilling to hear the message being preached to them that they cried out, stopped their ears, and rushed upon the speaker with one accord. This extreme reaction demonstrates not just a rejection of Stephen's words, but a complete aversion to hearing anything that challenged their preconceived beliefs. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of being closed-minded and unwilling to engage with ideas that may differ from our own. Additionally, the word "stopped" in this verse can be studied further to understand the depth of their refusal to hear. This act of stopping their ears symbolizes a deliberate choice to shut out the truth, highlighting the importance of being open to new insights and perspectives in our own spiritual journeys.
Acts 7:57 in other translations
American Standard Version
But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord;
World English Bible
But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord.
Douay-Rheims
And casting him forth without the city. they stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then they gaue a shoute with a loude voyce, and stopped their eares, and ranne vpon him violently all at once,