Rephan

Rephan is mentioned in Act.7.43 as a pagan deity worshipped by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. In Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, he recounts Israel's history of idolatry and disobedience, citing Amo.5.25-27. In this passage, God rebukes the Israelites for offering sacrifices to false gods, including "the star of your god Rephan," during the forty years in the wilderness. As a result of their idolatry, God declares that He will send them into exile beyond Babylon. The name Rephan is believed to be a reference to the Assyrian-Babylonian god of the planet Saturn, also known as Chiun or Kaiwan. Stephen's mention of Rephan serves to highlight Israel's recurring pattern of unfaithfulness to God and their persistent tendency to turn to idolatry, despite God's gracious deliverance and provision for them.