Acts 7:35 - “This Moses, whom they refused, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—God has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Acts 7:35" mean?
This verse in Acts 7:35 is a pivotal point in Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. It highlights the irony and the pattern of rejection that Stephen argues has characterized Israel's history with God's appointed leaders, and specifically with Moses. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"This Moses, whom they refused..." This is the key: The Israelites rejected Moses even though he was chosen by God to lead them. They questioned his authority and his role.
"...saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’…” This directly quotes the challenge Moses faced from his own people in Egypt (Exodus 2:14). They questioned his right to lead and arbitrate disputes among them. This highlights the Israelites' resistance and rebellion against God's chosen leader.
“…God has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer…” This underscores God's sovereign will and plan. Despite the Israelites' initial rejection, God ultimately affirmed Moses' authority and role. He didn't let their rebellion thwart his purpose. God did appoint Moses.
“…by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.” This connects Moses' authority directly to a divine encounter. The burning bush event (Exodus 3) was a clear and undeniable sign that God was speaking to Moses and commissioning him for a specific task. This reinforces the divine origin of Moses' authority and underscores the fact that his leadership wasn't self-appointed or based on human claims. The phrase "by the hand of the angel" is a common way to describe God's direct action or communication.
In essence, the verse is saying:
> "The very Moses whom your ancestors rejected and whose authority they questioned—God, in his sovereign power, actually sent him to be both your leader and your savior. He was authorized by God himself, as evidenced by the encounter at the burning bush."
Significance in Stephen's Speech:
Parallel to Jesus: Stephen is cleverly drawing a parallel between the Israelites' rejection of Moses and the Jews' rejection of Jesus. Just as the Israelites rejected Moses, despite clear evidence of God's calling, the Jews rejected Jesus, despite the miracles, teachings, and ultimately, the resurrection that demonstrated his messianic identity.
Indictment of the Sanhedrin: Stephen is subtly accusing the Sanhedrin (who are judging him) of repeating the sins of their ancestors. He implies that they are equally blind to God's chosen leader, just as their forefathers were blind to Moses.
Emphasis on Divine Sovereignty: The verse highlights God's ultimate authority and control over history. He raises up leaders, and his purposes will be accomplished despite human resistance.
Preparation for Stephen's Martyrdom: Knowing the context, we also know that Stephen's speech will ultimately anger the Sanhedrin to the point that they will stone him to death. This verse, therefore, serves as part of Stephen's defense, and also as a prophecy of his own rejection and martyrdom.
In Summary, Acts 7:35 is a powerful statement about God's sovereignty, the pattern of rejection in Israel's history, and a subtle accusation against the Sanhedrin who are mirroring the sins of their forefathers. It also foreshadows the events about to unfold.
Acts 7:35 - “This Moses, whom they refused, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—God has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
What does "Acts 7:35" mean?
This verse in Acts 7:35 is a pivotal point in Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. It highlights the irony and the pattern of rejection that Stephen argues has characterized Israel's history with God's appointed leaders, and specifically with Moses. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
"This Moses, whom they refused..." This is the key: The Israelites rejected Moses even though he was chosen by God to lead them. They questioned his authority and his role.
"...saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’…” This directly quotes the challenge Moses faced from his own people in Egypt (Exodus 2:14). They questioned his right to lead and arbitrate disputes among them. This highlights the Israelites' resistance and rebellion against God's chosen leader.
“…God has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer…” This underscores God's sovereign will and plan. Despite the Israelites' initial rejection, God ultimately affirmed Moses' authority and role. He didn't let their rebellion thwart his purpose. God did appoint Moses.
“…by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.” This connects Moses' authority directly to a divine encounter. The burning bush event (Exodus 3) was a clear and undeniable sign that God was speaking to Moses and commissioning him for a specific task. This reinforces the divine origin of Moses' authority and underscores the fact that his leadership wasn't self-appointed or based on human claims. The phrase "by the hand of the angel" is a common way to describe God's direct action or communication.
In essence, the verse is saying:
> "The very Moses whom your ancestors rejected and whose authority they questioned—God, in his sovereign power, actually sent him to be both your leader and your savior. He was authorized by God himself, as evidenced by the encounter at the burning bush."
Significance in Stephen's Speech:
Parallel to Jesus: Stephen is cleverly drawing a parallel between the Israelites' rejection of Moses and the Jews' rejection of Jesus. Just as the Israelites rejected Moses, despite clear evidence of God's calling, the Jews rejected Jesus, despite the miracles, teachings, and ultimately, the resurrection that demonstrated his messianic identity.
Indictment of the Sanhedrin: Stephen is subtly accusing the Sanhedrin (who are judging him) of repeating the sins of their ancestors. He implies that they are equally blind to God's chosen leader, just as their forefathers were blind to Moses.
Emphasis on Divine Sovereignty: The verse highlights God's ultimate authority and control over history. He raises up leaders, and his purposes will be accomplished despite human resistance.
Preparation for Stephen's Martyrdom: Knowing the context, we also know that Stephen's speech will ultimately anger the Sanhedrin to the point that they will stone him to death. This verse, therefore, serves as part of Stephen's defense, and also as a prophecy of his own rejection and martyrdom.
In Summary, Acts 7:35 is a powerful statement about God's sovereignty, the pattern of rejection in Israel's history, and a subtle accusation against the Sanhedrin who are mirroring the sins of their forefathers. It also foreshadows the events about to unfold.