How does Acts 7:31 connect to God's revelations in Exodus 3? Scene-Setting: Two Passages, One Moment • Acts 7:31 retells Moses’ encounter with the burning bush • Exodus 3 records the original historical event • Both describe an awe-inspiring sight, a divine voice, and the commissioning of Moses to rescue Israel Acts 7:31 Word-for-Word “ ‘When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he approached to observe it, the voice of the Lord came to him.’ ” Echoes of Exodus 3 • “ ‘The Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush.’ ” (Exodus 3:2) • “Moses thought, ‘I must go over and see this marvelous sight; why is the bush not burned up?’ ” (Exodus 3:3) • “God called out to him from the midst of the bush.” (Exodus 3:4) Acts 7:31 condenses these verses into one line, underscoring three core details: 1. A supernatural phenomenon (“the sight”) 2. Moses’ astonishment and approach (“he was amazed … he approached”) 3. God’s direct speech (“the voice of the Lord”) Shared Revelation Themes • Supernatural Initiative—The burning bush and Stephen’s summary both stress that God breaks into ordinary life. Moses was shepherding; God interrupted. • Personal Address—“The voice of the LORD” (Acts 7:31) equals “God called out to him” (Exodus 3:4). Scripture treats the Angel of the LORD as God Himself speaking (also Genesis 16:7-13). • Holiness—Ex 3:5: “Take off your sandals… this place is holy ground.” Though Acts 7:31 omits that detail, the New Testament audience would recall it, preserving the same reverence. • Covenant Continuity—Ex 3:6: “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Acts 7:32 cites that next, affirming the same covenant identity. Progressive Revelation Highlighted in Acts Stephen’s retelling is not mere history; it frames salvation history: • God initiates deliverance (Exodus 3), foreshadowing ultimate deliverance in Christ (Acts 7; John 8:36). • Moses’ amazement mirrors Israel’s later unbelief; Stephen uses it to confront his hearers’ resistance to God’s final revelation in Jesus (Acts 7:52-53). • The same Lord who spoke from the bush still speaks through His risen Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Theological Anchors • God’s Unchanging Nature—Mal 3:6, Hebrews 13:8. The Lord who revealed Himself at Horeb is identical in Acts 7. • Divine Holiness and Mercy—The fire burns yet the bush is not consumed, symbolizing God’s holy presence that refines without destroying His people (Deuteronomy 4:24; Isaiah 43:2). • Commissioning Pattern—Seeing → Hearing → Sending. Moses (Exodus 3:10); the apostles (Matthew 28:19-20); believers today (2 Corinthians 5:20). Life Application • Expect God to speak through His Word; He still initiates. • Approach with reverence—holy ground principles remain (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Obey the sending—Moses’ mission prefigures our call to proclaim liberation in Christ (Luke 4:18). |
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