How does Acts 3:22 emphasize Jesus as the prophet Moses foretold? Setting the Scene • Peter has just healed a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1–10). • A crowd gathers, astonished; Peter seizes the moment to explain that the miracle points to Jesus (vv. 11–16). • He calls them to repentance and refreshment (vv. 17–21), grounding his appeal in Scripture—specifically Moses’ prophecy (v. 22). The Direct Quotation Acts 3:22: “For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you.’” Jesus Fulfills Moses’ Promise Peter links Jesus to the promise first voiced in Deuteronomy 18:15–19. Notice the parallels: • “Raise up” – God Himself initiates Jesus’ arrival (Luke 1:30–35). • “From among your brothers” – Jesus shares full humanity and Jewish lineage (Romans 1:3). • “Like me” – Moses was deliverer, lawgiver, mediator; Jesus embodies and surpasses each role (Hebrews 3:1–6). • “You must listen to Him” – the Father echoes this command at the Transfiguration: “This is My beloved Son… Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). Unique Marks of the Greater Prophet • Authoritative Words—He speaks only what the Father gives (John 12:49–50). • Miraculous Works—Moses wrought signs; Jesus’ miracles climax in resurrection power (John 20:30–31). • Covenant Mediator—Moses brought the Law; Jesus inaugurates the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20). • Ultimate Deliverer—Moses led out of Egypt; Jesus liberates from sin and death (Colossians 1:13–14). The Non-Negotiable Response • Peter emphasizes listening: “You must listen to Him in everything He tells you.” • To ignore this Prophet is to reject God Himself (Deuteronomy 18:19; Acts 3:23). • Listening means repentance (v. 19), faith (Acts 4:12), and ongoing obedience (John 14:15). Scripture Echoes Confirming the Identification • John 1:45—Philip: “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law.” • John 6:14—Crowd: “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” • Acts 7:37—Stephen repeats Moses’ prophecy, again pointing to Jesus. • Hebrews 1:1–2—God spoke “through the prophets,” but now “by His Son.” Living It Out Today • Trust His authority—His words are God’s final, sufficient revelation. • Treasure His salvation—only this Prophet secures eternal deliverance. • Tune your ear—regular Scripture intake aligns you with everything He tells you. |
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