When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. When Moses was forty years old,Moses' age of forty is significant in biblical numerology, often representing a period of testing or preparation. This age marks a pivotal moment in Moses' life, as he transitions from his Egyptian upbringing to his role as a leader of the Israelites. The number forty is seen throughout Scripture, such as the forty days and nights of rain during the flood (Genesis 7:12) and Jesus' forty days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). Moses' life is traditionally divided into three forty-year periods: his time in Egypt, his time in Midian, and his leadership of Israel. Exo 2:11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out… he decided to visit his brothers, This decision indicates a turning point in Moses' identity and allegiance. Raised in Pharaoh's palace, Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22), yet he felt a connection to his Hebrew heritage. This visit signifies his growing awareness and concern for his people, aligning with Hebrews 11:24-25, which highlights Moses' choice to be identified with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Egypt. Exo 4:18 Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro… the children of Israel. The term "children of Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who became a great nation as promised by God (Genesis 12:2). At this time, they were living in Egypt under harsh conditions, fulfilling the prophecy given to Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own and enslaved for four hundred years (Genesis 15:13). Moses' visit foreshadows his future role as their deliverer, a type of Christ who would lead God's people out of bondage. Exo 1:7 but the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied;… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. At this point in Acts 7:23, he is living in Egypt as a member of Pharaoh's household. 2. The Children of Israel The descendants of Jacob, also known as the Israelites, who were living in Egypt under harsh conditions of slavery. 3. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved and where Moses was raised in Pharaoh's palace. 4. Stephen The speaker in Acts 7, who is giving a defense of his faith before the Sanhedrin. He recounts the history of Israel, including Moses' life, to illustrate God's faithfulness and the people's repeated disobedience. 5. The Sanhedrin The Jewish council before whom Stephen is speaking. They are the religious leaders of the time, responsible for maintaining Jewish law and order. Teaching Points God's Timing and PreparationMoses was 40 years old when he decided to visit his people. This indicates a period of preparation and growth. God's timing is perfect, and He often prepares us for His purposes over time. Identity and Calling Moses' decision to visit his brothers reflects a deep sense of identity and calling. As Christians, we are called to identify with God's people and His purposes, even when it requires sacrifice. Courage to Act Moses' action demonstrates courage. We are called to act courageously in faith, trusting that God is with us as we step into our calling. Understanding God's Plan Moses assumed his people would understand his role in God's plan, but they did not. We must seek God's wisdom and guidance to understand His plans and communicate them effectively. Faith Over Comfort Moses chose to leave the comfort of Pharaoh's palace to align with God's people. We are encouraged to prioritize our faith and God's mission over personal comfort and security. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Moses' decision to visit his brothers reveal about his understanding of his identity and purpose? How can we discern our own identity and purpose in Christ?2. How does Moses' life in Pharaoh's palace prepare him for his future role as a leader of Israel? Reflect on a time when God prepared you for a specific task or calling. 3. In what ways can we demonstrate courage in our faith, similar to Moses? Identify a situation where you need to act courageously for God's purposes. 4. How can we ensure that we are aligned with God's timing and not rushing ahead or lagging behind? Discuss practical ways to seek God's guidance in decision-making. 5. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between comfort and following God's call. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it encourage others in their faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 2:11-12This passage provides the background for Moses' decision to visit his people, where he witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and takes action. Hebrews 11:24-26 This passage highlights Moses' faith and his choice to identify with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Pharaoh's court. Acts 7:25 This verse follows Acts 7:23 and explains Moses' assumption that his people would understand that God was using him to deliver them, which they did not. People Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, SychemPlaces Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, ShechemTopics Age, Almost, Approaching, Brethren, Brothers, Decided, Descendants, Entered, Fellow, Forty, Fulfilled, Full, Heart, Israelites, Mind, Occurred, Period, Sons, Visit, Well-nighDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:23 1654 numbers, 11-99 Library Stephen's vision'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ] The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant The Prayer of Stephen. Our Lord Appears after his Ascension. Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?... St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him. The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60 Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy? Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion? Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels? Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star? Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father? Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped? In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood... And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream... The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent. Wisdom and Revelation. As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined... A Glorious vision. It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ... The Secret of Its Greatness From Egypt to Sinai. The Son of Man Links Acts 7:23 NIVActs 7:23 NLT Acts 7:23 ESV Acts 7:23 NASB Acts 7:23 KJV Acts 7:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |