How does Acts 7:28 reflect Moses' initial misunderstanding of his divine mission? Context within Stephen’s Retelling Acts 7:25 tells us, “He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them deliverance through him, but they did not.” Verse 28 gives the people’s stinging reply: “‘Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’”. Their words expose the gap between Moses’ assumption and their perception. What Moses Misread • Timing—He moved forty years too soon (cf. Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 7:30). • Method—He used personal strength and violence instead of waiting for God’s miraculous power (Exodus 14:13-18). • Authority—He acted as self-appointed “ruler and judge,” yet the people saw no divine commissioning (Acts 7:27). • Reception—He thought fellow Hebrews would rally behind him; instead, they feared and resisted him. Evidence in Verse 28 1. “Do you want to kill me…?”—They view Moses not as protector but potential threat. 2. “as you killed the Egyptian”—His secret act is now public, proving his plan was neither hidden nor accepted. 3. A question, not a statement—They challenge his right to lead rather than welcome it. Contrast with God’s Ultimate Plan • Forty years later, God sends Moses back, this time with explicit authority: “I AM WHO I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:14). • Deliverance comes by divine signs—plagues, Passover, Red Sea—so the people know the LORD, not Moses’ sword, saves (Exodus 6:6-7; 14:31). • Moses now approaches Pharaoh, not fellow Hebrews, showing a redirected focus under God’s direction (Exodus 5:1). Key Takeaways for Reading Acts 7:28 • Acts 7:28 captures the people’s distrust, proving Moses’ first attempt was self-driven, not Spirit-led. • The verse underlines that knowing God’s call is not enough; one must also heed God’s timing and means (Ecclesiastes 3:1). • It foreshadows God’s pattern of preparing leaders in obscurity before public ministry—seen in David (1 Samuel 16-17) and Paul (Galatians 1:17-18). Summary Acts 7:28 is the moment Moses realizes his brothers do not recognize his calling. Their fearful question exposes his premature, human approach and sets the stage for God’s patient shaping of His chosen deliverer. |
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