Acts 7:20 - At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome. He was nourished three months in his father’s house.
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What does "Acts 7:20" mean?
Acts 7:20 recounts the birth of Moses, emphasizing his exceptional beauty and the fact that he was secretly cared for in his father's home for three months. Let's break down the meaning:
"At that time Moses was born...": This situates Moses' birth within the historical context being discussed by Stephen (who is giving this speech in Acts 7).
"...and was exceedingly handsome.": This is a significant detail. The Greek word translated as "exceedingly handsome" is asteios, which can also mean "beautiful," "fair," or "comely." This wasn't just ordinary attractiveness; it was notable enough to be remarked upon, potentially a sign of divine favor or a destiny of importance. The word is often used to describe someone pleasing to God. The emphasis on Moses' beauty is important because it could hint at his special destiny and potentially influenced his mother's decision to defy Pharaoh's decree. Some Jewish traditions expand upon this, suggesting Moses was so beautiful he captivated even the Egyptians who saw him.
"He was nourished three months in his father’s house.": This refers to the period when Moses was hidden from the Egyptians. Pharaoh had ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed (Exodus 1:22). Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, defied this decree by hiding him in their home for three months. The term "nourished" implies that his parents took extreme care to provide for his needs and protect him during this vulnerable time. This highlights the parents' faith and courage in protecting their child despite the danger.
In Summary:
Acts 7:20 serves to:
1. Highlight Moses' importance: Stephen, a devout Jewish follower of Jesus, is emphasizing Moses' role in Jewish history, connecting him to God's plan.
2. Emphasize Divine Providence: Moses' extraordinary beauty and his survival during the period when Hebrew male infants were being murdered suggests divine intervention from the beginning of his life.
3. Underscore the faith of his parents: The fact that Moses was hidden for three months at risk of death showcases his parents' trust in God and their determination to protect their child.
Essentially, this verse paints Moses as a divinely favored individual from birth, whose early life was marked by both danger and the faithful actions of his parents. It sets the stage for the rest of Stephen's speech about Moses and his significance in God's plan of salvation.
Acts 7:20 - At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome. He was nourished three months in his father’s house.
What does "Acts 7:20" mean?
Acts 7:20 recounts the birth of Moses, emphasizing his exceptional beauty and the fact that he was secretly cared for in his father's home for three months. Let's break down the meaning:
"At that time Moses was born...": This situates Moses' birth within the historical context being discussed by Stephen (who is giving this speech in Acts 7).
"...and was exceedingly handsome.": This is a significant detail. The Greek word translated as "exceedingly handsome" is asteios, which can also mean "beautiful," "fair," or "comely." This wasn't just ordinary attractiveness; it was notable enough to be remarked upon, potentially a sign of divine favor or a destiny of importance. The word is often used to describe someone pleasing to God. The emphasis on Moses' beauty is important because it could hint at his special destiny and potentially influenced his mother's decision to defy Pharaoh's decree. Some Jewish traditions expand upon this, suggesting Moses was so beautiful he captivated even the Egyptians who saw him.
"He was nourished three months in his father’s house.": This refers to the period when Moses was hidden from the Egyptians. Pharaoh had ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed (Exodus 1:22). Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, defied this decree by hiding him in their home for three months. The term "nourished" implies that his parents took extreme care to provide for his needs and protect him during this vulnerable time. This highlights the parents' faith and courage in protecting their child despite the danger.
In Summary:
Acts 7:20 serves to:
1. Highlight Moses' importance: Stephen, a devout Jewish follower of Jesus, is emphasizing Moses' role in Jewish history, connecting him to God's plan.
2. Emphasize Divine Providence: Moses' extraordinary beauty and his survival during the period when Hebrew male infants were being murdered suggests divine intervention from the beginning of his life.
3. Underscore the faith of his parents: The fact that Moses was hidden for three months at risk of death showcases his parents' trust in God and their determination to protect their child.
Essentially, this verse paints Moses as a divinely favored individual from birth, whose early life was marked by both danger and the faithful actions of his parents. It sets the stage for the rest of Stephen's speech about Moses and his significance in God's plan of salvation.