This verse from Acts 7:36 is a concise summary of Moses' role in the Exodus story. Let's break it down:
"This man led them out...": "This man" refers to Moses. He was the leader chosen by God to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
"...having worked wonders and signs in Egypt...": This refers to the ten plagues that Moses, empowered by God, inflicted upon Egypt. These were extraordinary miracles designed to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Examples include turning the Nile River to blood, plagues of frogs, locusts, and darkness.
"...in the Red Sea...": This refers to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground while the pursuing Egyptian army was drowned when the waters collapsed.
"...and in the wilderness for forty years.": After escaping Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the Sinai wilderness for forty years. During this time, Moses continued to lead them, and God provided for them miraculously. This included manna (food from heaven), water from a rock, and protection from enemies.
In essence, the verse highlights Moses' divinely appointed leadership and the supernatural power he wielded on behalf of the Israelites during their liberation from slavery and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land.
Significance in Acts 7:
This verse is part of Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, emphasizing that God's plans and actions often transcend human understanding and expectations. By highlighting Moses' role and the miracles he performed, Stephen is implicitly comparing Moses to Jesus. Both were chosen by God, performed miracles, and were initially rejected by their own people. Stephen's speech ultimately leads to his martyrdom, demonstrating the resistance he faced for proclaiming the Gospel.
This verse from Acts 7:36 is a concise summary of Moses' role in the Exodus story. Let's break it down:
"This man led them out...": "This man" refers to Moses. He was the leader chosen by God to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
"...having worked wonders and signs in Egypt...": This refers to the ten plagues that Moses, empowered by God, inflicted upon Egypt. These were extraordinary miracles designed to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Examples include turning the Nile River to blood, plagues of frogs, locusts, and darkness.
"...in the Red Sea...": This refers to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground while the pursuing Egyptian army was drowned when the waters collapsed.
"...and in the wilderness for forty years.": After escaping Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the Sinai wilderness for forty years. During this time, Moses continued to lead them, and God provided for them miraculously. This included manna (food from heaven), water from a rock, and protection from enemies.
In essence, the verse highlights Moses' divinely appointed leadership and the supernatural power he wielded on behalf of the Israelites during their liberation from slavery and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land.
Significance in Acts 7:
This verse is part of Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council). Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, emphasizing that God's plans and actions often transcend human understanding and expectations. By highlighting Moses' role and the miracles he performed, Stephen is implicitly comparing Moses to Jesus. Both were chosen by God, performed miracles, and were initially rejected by their own people. Stephen's speech ultimately leads to his martyrdom, demonstrating the resistance he faced for proclaiming the Gospel.