This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.' This is the same MosesMoses is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receiving the Law at Mount Sinai. His life and actions are foundational to Jewish identity and faith. In Acts 7, Stephen is addressing the Sanhedrin, emphasizing Moses' role as a precursor to Christ. Moses is often seen as a type of Christ, a deliverer and mediator between God and His people. Exo 2:10 When the child had grown older, she brought him… who told the Israelites, Moses communicated God's laws and promises to the Israelites, acting as an intermediary. His role as a prophet was to guide and instruct the people according to God's will. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, were the chosen people through whom God intended to reveal His plan of salvation. Deu 18:16-17 This is what you asked of the LORD your God… ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me This prophecy is found in Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses speaks of a future prophet. This is understood as a messianic prophecy, pointing to Jesus Christ. Like Moses, Jesus would be a leader, teacher, and mediator. The phrase "like me" suggests that this prophet would have a similar role in delivering God's message and leading His people. Deu 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me… from among your brothers.’ The prophet would arise from among the Israelites, indicating that he would be one of their own, sharing their heritage and understanding their struggles. This emphasizes Jesus' humanity and His connection to the Jewish people. It also fulfills the requirement of the Messiah being a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as from the tribe of Judah, as prophesied in Genesis 49:10. Deu 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is the prophet and leader who delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. In this verse, he is quoted as prophesying about a future prophet. 2. The Israelites The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were chosen by God to be His people. They were led by Moses out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 3. The Prophet This refers to the prophecy Moses made about a future prophet like himself, which Christians understand to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 4. Stephen The speaker in Acts 7, Stephen is one of the first deacons of the early church and the first Christian martyr. He is addressing the Sanhedrin in this chapter. 5. The Sanhedrin The Jewish ruling council in Jerusalem, before whom Stephen is giving his defense. They are the religious leaders who are questioning Stephen's teachings about Jesus. Teaching Points The Continuity of God's PlanGod's plan for salvation is consistent throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Moses' prophecy points directly to Jesus, showing the unity of Scripture. The Role of Prophecy Prophecy serves as a confirmation of God's promises and His sovereignty over history. Understanding prophecy helps believers see the reliability of God's Word. Jesus as the Fulfillment Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Recognizing Jesus as the prophet like Moses is essential for understanding His role in God's redemptive plan. Listening to God's Chosen Prophet Just as the Israelites were called to listen to Moses, we are called to listen to Jesus. This involves obedience and faith in His teachings. The Importance of Witnessing Stephen's boldness in proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy serves as an example for believers to witness to the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding Moses' role as a prophet help us appreciate the significance of his prophecy about a future prophet?2. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the role of the prophet like Moses, and how does this impact our faith? 3. How can we apply the principle of listening to God's chosen prophet in our daily lives today? 4. What can we learn from Stephen's example of witnessing about Jesus to those who may be resistant or hostile? 5. How does recognizing the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament strengthen our trust in the Bible as God's Word? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 18:15This is the original prophecy where Moses tells the Israelites that God will raise up a prophet like him. This connection highlights the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. John 1:45 Philip refers to Jesus as the one Moses wrote about in the Law, affirming the fulfillment of Moses' prophecy in Jesus. Acts 3:22-23 Peter also references Moses' prophecy, emphasizing that Jesus is the prophet like Moses, and warning of the consequences of not listening to Him. 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 Brethren, Brothers, Descendants, Israelites, Prophet, Raise, Raised, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:37 2318 Christ, as prophet 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 7:37 NIVActs 7:37 NLT Acts 7:37 ESV Acts 7:37 NASB Acts 7:37 KJV Acts 7:37 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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