What is the meaning of Acts 3:22? For Moses said Peter anchors his sermon in the words of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18), affirming that what is happening in Jerusalem fulfills long-promised prophecy. • The crowd, steeped in the Law, recognizes Moses as ultimate human authority; by quoting him, Peter removes all doubt about divine endorsement (John 5:45-47). • Scripture’s seamless unity is on display: what Moses foretold, God is now completing through Jesus (Acts 3:18, 24). The Lord your God The initiative is entirely the Lord’s. Salvation is not humanity’s search for God but God’s gracious reaching down. • “The LORD” (YHWH) underscores covenant faithfulness first revealed to Israel (Exodus 3:14-15). • “Your God” reminds hearers of personal relationship—He is not distant but bound to His people (Jeremiah 31:33). • The same covenant-keeping God who delivered from Egypt now delivers through Christ (Luke 1:68-70). will raise up for you God actively brings forth the promised Prophet, highlighting both provision and resurrection. • “Will raise up” echoes resurrection language used of Jesus (Acts 2:24, 32), confirming that His rising from the dead authenticates His prophetic office. • The phrase assures Israel the gift is “for you”—personal, immediate, and gracious (Romans 8:32). • Divine initiative eliminates boasting; salvation is all of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). a prophet like me Moses prefigures Jesus in numerous ways: • Mediator: Moses stood between God and Israel (Exodus 20:18-19); Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). • Revelation: Moses delivered the Law; Jesus embodies and explains God’s full revelation (John 1:17-18; Hebrews 1:1-2). • Miracles: Both authenticated their message through mighty works (Exodus 7–12; Acts 2:22). • Deliverance: Moses led physical exodus; Jesus leads spiritual exodus from sin (Colossians 1:13-14). • Intercession: Moses pleaded for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14); Jesus ever lives to intercede (Hebrews 7:25). from among your brothers The Prophet is not angelic but truly human, sharing Israelite lineage. • Jesus’ genealogy roots Him in Abraham and David (Matthew 1; Luke 3), fulfilling covenant promises (Genesis 12:3; 2 Samuel 7:12-13). • His full humanity enables sympathetic priesthood (Hebrews 2:14-17). • Incarnation places Him squarely inside human history, ensuring our redemption is concrete, not mythical (John 1:14). You must listen to Him Response moves from curiosity to obedience. • At the Transfiguration the Father commands, “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5), echoing Deuteronomy 18. • Refusal to hear is rebellion against God Himself (Acts 3:23). • Listening entails trust and submission—faith that leads to action (James 1:22). in everything He tells you Christ’s authority is comprehensive. • Selective obedience is disobedience; Jesus’ words judge the last day (John 12:48-50). • All teaching—gospel invitation, ethical commands, eschatological promises—carries equal weight (Matthew 28:20). • Accepting His authority brings life and blessing (John 6:68; Revelation 22:14). summary Acts 3:22 declares that the covenant-keeping LORD has personally provided the long-awaited Prophet—Jesus Christ—who, like Moses yet infinitely greater, reveals God, redeems His people, and demands total allegiance. Because He arose from among His brothers and from the grave itself, His words bear ultimate authority. Listening to Him in everything is not optional; it is the pathway to life, blessing, and fulfillment of all God’s promises. |
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