Definition: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse from Acts 7:53. It’s a really interesting and thought-provoking statement! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying that people are not following or understanding the teachings of the Old Testament laws. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Who have received the law…” – This refers to the Jewish people who lived under Moses' rule and were given the Law (the set of rules and commandments) as part of their faith. It was a very important part of their religion. “…by the disposition of angels?” – This is where it gets a bit more symbolic. Angels are considered to be messengers of God, and the verse suggests that these people didn’t receive the law through divine guidance or special revelation. It implies they received it through a less-than-ideal process - perhaps through human interpretation or misunderstanding. “…and have not kept [it]?” – This is the core of the message. The verse essentially asks if these people actually follow and understand the laws given to them by God? It’s implying a lack of genuine commitment to the principles of the Law. What does this suggest about their situation? Historically, this verse has been interpreted as a commentary on the Jewish people's rejection of Jesus and his teachings. It suggests that they were so focused on their own traditions and beliefs (rather than following God’s law) that they didn’t truly embrace or understand the core message of the Old Testament. Context is Key: This verse appears in a story about a man who was questioning the authority of Moses. It's often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ coming and his eventual rejection of the Jewish religious system. It highlights a crucial point: true faith involves not just knowing the law, but living by it. In short, the verse warns against spiritual laziness and a failure to genuinely practice the principles of the Old Testament laws. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide examples of how this verse relates to Jesus' teachings?