How does Acts 7:37 affirm Jesus as the prophet Moses foretold? Setting the scene Acts 7 records Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin. By verse 37 he reaches the turning point: Moses, revered by the council, actually pointed forward to Someone greater—Jesus. Examining Acts 7:37 “This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’ ” Tracing the promise back to Moses • Deuteronomy 18:15, 18–19 is the original prophecy. • Moses asserts God Himself will “raise up” the prophet—divine appointment, not human self-promotion. • The prophet will be “from among your brothers” — fully Israelite, yet uniquely empowered. • God will “put My words in his mouth” and “I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen” (Deuteronomy 18:18–19). How Stephen links Moses’ words to Jesus • Stephen says “this is the Moses,” tying the revered lawgiver directly to the promise and removing any idea that the prophecy could be dismissed or transferred elsewhere. • By placing the quote immediately after recounting Israel’s rejection of Moses, Stephen subtly warns the council: rejecting Jesus repeats the fathers’ mistake. Parallels between Moses and Jesus " Moses " Jesus " "-------"-------" " Saved from death in infancy (Exodus 2:1-10) " Protected from Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13-15) " " Spent forty years in the wilderness before public mission (Acts 7:30) " Spent forty days in wilderness before public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11) " " Performed signs and wonders in Egypt and desert (Exodus 7–14) " Performed signs and wonders throughout Israel (Acts 2:22) " " Mediator of the old covenant, gave the Law (Exodus 19–20) " Mediator of the new covenant, embodies grace and truth (John 1:17; Hebrews 8:6) " " Delivered Israel from slavery to Pharaoh " Delivers believers from slavery to sin (Romans 6:6–7) " New Testament confirmations • Jesus identified Himself in Moses’ writings: “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me” (John 5:46). • The crowd recognized the connection: “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:14). • Philip told Nathanael, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law” (John 1:45). • Peter preached the same truth: Acts 3:22–23 quotes Deuteronomy 18 and applies it to Jesus. • Hebrews 3:1–6 contrasts Moses the servant with Jesus the Son “worthy of greater honor.” Why Acts 7:37 decisively affirms Jesus • Stephen invokes unambiguous, Spirit-inspired Scripture, treating Deuteronomy literally and historically. • The timing—after Christ’s resurrection and ascension—confirms fulfillment, not mere expectation. • The Sanhedrin’s knowledge of Moses leaves them without excuse; the prophetic witness is clear. • God’s pattern of promise and fulfillment showcases His faithfulness and the reliability of His Word. Living implications • We can trust every promise God makes; fulfillment in Jesus proves His Word never fails. • Listening to Jesus is not optional—Deut 18:19 warns of accountability for ignoring Him. • The same Lord who redeemed Israel from Egypt now offers complete deliverance from sin; believing and obeying Him brings true freedom. |
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