Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 7:51

51 ¶ Ye stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart, and ear[illegible: 1 letter], ye do always resist the holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

A metaphor taken from heifers that are unaccustomed unto the yoke.

Such as had still depraved affections, which they ought to have put away rather than the foreskin of their flesh; for they were commanded to circumcise their hearts, Deut. 10.16. which also God promised to do for his people, [illegible: 1 word] 30.6. And St. Paul was not the first who spake of a twofold circumcision, Rom. 2.28, 29. but God looked always to the inward and Spiritual part of his own Ordinances, and mens observance of them.

Such as were not so much as willing to hear, and know their duty.

Speaking by his Prophets and Ministers, and exhorting to true and serious piety; by this St. Stephen would abate their glorying in circumcision, which they so much boasted of.

Thus the Prophet Ezekiel, 16.44. unto which may be here alluded, as is the mother, so is the daughter.

Marginal references: Exod. 32.9. Isa. 48.4.; Lev. 26 41. Jer. 4.4. & 6.10. & 9.26.