Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' Do you want to kill meThis phrase is part of Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, recounting the story of Moses. It reflects the accusation made by a fellow Hebrew when Moses intervened in a dispute. The question highlights the tension and mistrust among the Israelites during their time in Egypt. It also foreshadows the rejection of Moses as a leader, paralleling the rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders. This rejection theme is a recurring motif in the Bible, seen in the lives of Joseph, David, and ultimately Jesus Christ. Exo 2:14 But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us?”… as you killed the Egyptian This refers to the incident where Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. This act of violence was Moses' first recorded attempt to deliver his people, though it was done in his own strength and timing. It underscores Moses' initial misunderstanding of his role as a deliverer, which would later be fulfilled according to God's plan. The act also sets the stage for Moses' flight to Midian, where he would spend 40 years in preparation for his divine mission. This mirrors the concept of divine timing and preparation seen throughout Scripture, such as in the life of Jesus, who waited until the appointed time to begin His ministry. Exo 2:12 After looking this way and that and seeing no one,… yesterday?’ The mention of "yesterday" emphasizes the immediacy and recentness of Moses' action, indicating that the news of the killing spread quickly among the Hebrews. It also suggests the rapidity with which Moses' attempt to help was misunderstood and rejected. This reflects the broader biblical theme of human impatience and misunderstanding of God's timing and methods. The quick spread of information among the Israelites in Egypt can be compared to the rapid dissemination of news in the early church, as seen in Acts, where the message of the Gospel spread quickly despite opposition. Exo 2:13 The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting.… Persons / Places / Events 1. StephenA deacon in the early church, known for his wisdom and filled with the Holy Spirit. He is delivering a speech to the Sanhedrin, recounting Israel's history. 2. Moses A central figure in this passage, Moses is being referenced by Stephen as he recounts the events of Moses' life, particularly his early years in Egypt. 3. The Egyptian An unnamed Egyptian whom Moses killed, an event that led to Moses fleeing Egypt. 4. The Hebrew Man The fellow Israelite who questioned Moses' authority and intentions, leading to Moses' realization that his actions were known. 5. The Sanhedrin The Jewish council before whom Stephen is speaking, accusing him of blasphemy. Teaching Points Understanding God's TimingMoses acted prematurely in his attempt to deliver his people, which serves as a reminder to seek God's timing and guidance in our actions. The Cost of Leadership Moses' experience shows that leadership often involves misunderstanding and rejection, even from those we aim to help. The Importance of Humility Moses' initial failure and subsequent humility in the desert prepared him for God's calling. We must be willing to learn and grow through our failures. Recognizing God's Deliverers Just as the Israelites initially rejected Moses, people often fail to recognize those whom God sends to lead and deliver. We should be open to God's chosen leaders. The Role of Confrontation in Growth The confrontation Moses faced was pivotal in his development. Similarly, we should not shy away from difficult conversations that can lead to personal and spiritual growth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' early attempt to deliver his people reflect on our own tendencies to act without seeking God's guidance?2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to recognize and support the leaders God places in our lives? 3. How can we learn from our failures and use them as opportunities for growth, as Moses did during his time in the desert? 4. What are some modern examples of leaders or movements that have been initially rejected but later recognized as part of God's plan? 5. How can we cultivate humility in our own lives, especially when faced with rejection or misunderstanding? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 2:11-15This passage provides the original account of Moses killing the Egyptian and the subsequent confrontation with the Hebrew man, which Stephen references in his speech. Hebrews 11:24-27 This passage highlights Moses' faith and decision to align with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Egypt. Acts 2:23 This verse connects to the theme of rejection and misunderstanding of God's deliverers, as Peter speaks of Jesus being handed over by God's set purpose and foreknowledge. 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 Death, Diddest, Egyptian, Kill, Killed, Killedst, Mean, Wilt, Wish, Wouldest, YesterdayDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:20-29Library 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 7:28 NIVActs 7:28 NLT Acts 7:28 ESV Acts 7:28 NASB Acts 7:28 KJV Acts 7:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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