Acts 7:40
They said to Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.'
They said to Aaron
This phrase introduces the context of the Israelites speaking to Aaron, Moses' brother and the first high priest. The historical context here is crucial. The Israelites, having been led out of Egypt by Moses, are now in the wilderness. Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Law from God, and the people grow impatient. This impatience leads them to approach Aaron, who is left in charge. The Greek word for "said" (εἶπον) indicates a direct communication, emphasizing the people's active role in this request. Aaron, as a leader, is put in a position of testing, reflecting the broader theme of leadership and responsibility in the face of communal pressure.

Make us gods
This request reveals the Israelites' desire for tangible, visible deities, a stark contrast to the invisible God who led them out of Egypt. The Hebrew root for "gods" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim) can mean "gods" or "God," depending on context. Here, it underscores the people's regression to polytheistic tendencies, influenced by their time in Egypt. This phrase highlights a recurring biblical theme: the struggle between faith in the unseen God and the temptation to revert to idolatry. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impatience and the human tendency to seek security in the familiar, even when it contradicts divine revelation.

who will go before us
The Israelites' request for gods "who will go before us" reflects their desire for guidance and protection, roles that God Himself had fulfilled. The phrase "go before" (προπορεύομαι) in Greek implies leadership and direction. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of carrying idols in processions, symbolizing divine guidance. Theologically, it underscores a lack of trust in God's promise and presence. This moment is a pivotal test of faith, illustrating the tension between walking by faith and the desire for physical assurance.

As for this Moses
The phrase "As for this Moses" indicates a dismissive attitude towards Moses, the chosen leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. The use of "this" (οὗτος) in Greek can imply a sense of disdain or detachment. Historically, Moses had been absent for forty days on Mount Sinai, which led to the people's uncertainty and fear. This reflects a broader biblical theme of the people's fickleness and the challenge of maintaining faith in leadership during times of uncertainty. It serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfastness and trust in God's appointed leaders.

who brought us out of the land of Egypt
This phrase acknowledges Moses' role in the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history. The verb "brought out" (ἐξάγω) in Greek emphasizes deliverance and liberation. However, the people's current attitude shows a disconnect between recognizing past deliverance and trusting in ongoing guidance. This highlights a recurring biblical motif: the tension between remembering God's past acts and trusting Him in the present. It serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and faithfulness in response to God's saving acts.

we do not know what has happened to him
The Israelites' uncertainty about Moses' fate reflects their lack of faith and patience. The phrase "we do not know" (οὐκ οἴδαμεν) in Greek conveys ignorance and doubt. This moment of uncertainty becomes a catalyst for their demand for an idol, illustrating the human tendency to seek control in the face of the unknown. Theologically, it underscores the importance of faith in God's timing and the dangers of taking matters into one's own hands. It serves as a warning against the impulse to abandon faith when faced with uncertainty.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He was left in charge while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who brought them out of Egypt. At this point in the account, he is on Mount Sinai communing with God.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt. They are expressing their impatience and lack of faith in Moses' return.

4. Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant.

5. The Golden Calf Incident
This event refers to the Israelites' demand for a tangible god, leading to the creation of the golden calf, which they worshiped in place of the true God.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Impatience
Impatience can lead to poor decisions and idolatry. The Israelites' demand for a god was rooted in their inability to wait for Moses and trust in God's timing.

The Temptation of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can be anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry.

Leadership and Responsibility
Aaron's failure to stand firm in his leadership role serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership and accountability.

Faith in the Unseen
The Israelites' demand for a visible god highlights the challenge of maintaining faith in what is unseen. As believers, we are called to walk by faith, not by sight.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The golden calf incident resulted in severe consequences for the Israelites. Disobedience to God can lead to spiritual and physical repercussions.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the Israelites' demand for a god reveal about their understanding of God and His promises?

2. How can we identify and resist modern forms of idolatry in our own lives?

3. In what ways can impatience affect our relationship with God and others?

4. How does Aaron's response to the Israelites' demand challenge us to consider our own leadership and accountability?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's timing. How did that experience strengthen your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 32
This chapter provides the detailed account of the golden calf incident, showing the Israelites' impatience and idolatry.

Deuteronomy 9
Moses recounts the incident, emphasizing the rebellion and stubbornness of the Israelites.

1 Corinthians 10
Paul warns the Corinthians against idolatry, using the Israelites' example as a cautionary tale.

Psalm 106
This psalm reflects on Israel's history, including their idolatry and God's mercy.
St. Stephen's DefenceG. T. Sokes, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's Address in the SanhedrimR.A. Redford Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's Answers to the Charge of Blasphemy Against GodG. V. Lechler, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenceDean Alford.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenceD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's TestimonyW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
The Defence of StephenJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
The Earliest Appearance of God to AbrahamBp. Jacobsen.Acts 7:1-53
The High Priest and His QuestionBp. Jacobson.Acts 7:1-53
The Recital of a Nation's Spiritual PedigreeP.C. Barker Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenseR. Tuck Acts 7:2-53
Beauty a Divine TalentDr. Wogan.Acts 7:20-43
Beauty, its CriterionLord Greville.Acts 7:20-43
Human Learning Recommended from the Example of MosesW. Berriman, D. D.Acts 7:20-43
Moses and ChristK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
Moses' BeautyActs 7:20-43
Moses' EducationF. W. Robertson, M. A.Acts 7:20-43
Moses, a Man of God and a Man of the PeopleK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
Moses, a Pattern of God's Chosen InstrumentsK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
Moses, a True ReformerK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
ProvidenceK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
The Training of MosesK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
Virtue Necessary to BeautyActs 7:20-43
Moses, and Israel's Bearing Towards Him: a Figure of ChristE. Johnson Acts 7:35-43
Making an IdolH. J. Bevis.Acts 7:39-45
The Fascination of EgyptCanon Liddon.Acts 7:39-45
The Folly of IdolatryW. Denton, M. A.Acts 7:39-45
The Sin of IsraelJ. W. Burn.Acts 7:39-45
The Tabernacle of WitnessW. Denton, M. A.Acts 7:39-45
The Witness in the WildernessE. Paxton Hood.Acts 7:39-45
Sin and RighteousnessW. Clarkson Acts 7:39-50
People
Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, Sychem
Places
Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, Shechem
Topics
Aaron, Egypt, Egypt-we, Fellow, Forth, Front, Gods, Idea, Led, March, Saying, Wot
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 7:40

     5072   Aaron, spokesman
     5418   monotony
     8723   doubt, results of

Acts 7:37-41

     8840   unfaithfulness, to God

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 witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.'--ACTS vii. 58. '...Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.' --PHILEMON 9. A far greater difference than that which was measured by years separated the young Saul from the aged Paul. By years, indeed, the difference was, perhaps, not so great as the words might suggest, for Jewish usage extended the term of youth farther than we do, and began age sooner. No doubt, too, Paul's life had aged him fast,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant
'And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And, when he had said this, he fell asleep.'--ACTS vii. 59, 60. This is the only narrative in the New Testament of a Christian martyrdom or death. As a rule, Scripture is supremely indifferent to what becomes of the people with whom it is for a time concerned. As long as the man is the organ of the divine Spirit he is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Prayer of Stephen.
(Fifth Sunday after Trinity, 1832.) TEXT: ACTS vii. 60. "And Stephen kneeled down and cried with, a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." FREE and unrestricted as we are in our church as to our choice of subjects for meditation from the treasuries of the divine Word, many of you may still perhaps wonder why I have selected this passage. For you are aware that I have often lately taken occasion to express the opinion that the state of things
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

Our Lord Appears after his Ascension.
^F I. Cor. XV. 8. ^f 8 and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also. [Since Paul reckons this among the bodily appearances of our Lord, we have included it in our work; but it borders upon those spiritual appearances which belong rather to apostolic history and may be classed with the vision of Stephen (Acts vii. 55) and John (Rev. i. 9-17), to which it was near kin. Accounts of the appearance will be found in the ninth, twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapters of Acts. For
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?...
My dear friend, You reply to the conclusion of my Letter: "What have we to do with routiniers? Quid mihi cum homunculis putata putide reputantibus? Let nothings count for nothing, and the dead bury the dead! Who but such ever understood the tenet in this sense?" In what sense then, I rejoin, do others understand it? If, with exception of the passages already excepted, namely, the recorded words of God--concerning which no Christian can have doubt or scruple,--the tenet in this sense be inapplicable
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc

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.
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. Verzage nicht du Haüflein klein [52]Altenburg Gustavus Adolphus' Battle-song. 1631. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Fear not, O little flock, the foe Who madly seeks your overthrow, Dread not his rage and power: What though your courage sometimes faints, His seeming triumph o'er God's saints Lasts but
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy?
Objection 1: It would seem that in Christ there was not the gift of prophecy. For prophecy implies a certain obscure and imperfect knowledge, according to Num. 12:6: "If there be among you a prophet of the Lord, I will appear to him in a vision, or I will speak to him in a dream." But Christ had full and unveiled knowledge, much more than Moses, of whom it is subjoined that "plainly and not by riddles and figures doth he see God" (Num. 6:8). Therefore we ought not to admit prophecy in Christ. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion?
Objection 1: It would seem that none should enter religion but those who are practiced in the observance of the commandments. For our Lord gave the counsel of perfection to the young man who said that he had kept the commandments "from his youth." Now all religious orders originate from Christ. Therefore it would seem that none should be allowed to enter religion but those who are practiced in the observance of the commandments. Objection 2: Further, Gregory says (Hom. xv in Ezech., and Moral. xxii):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels?
Objection 1: It seems that the Old Law was not given through the angels, but immediately by God. For an angel means a "messenger"; so that the word "angel" denotes ministry, not lordship, according to Ps. 102:20,21: "Bless the Lord, all ye His Angels . . . you ministers of His." But the Old Law is related to have been given by the Lord: for it is written (Ex. 20:1): "And the Lord spoke . . . these words," and further on: "I am the Lord Thy God." Moreover the same expression is often repeated in Exodus,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's birth should not have been manifested by means of the angels. For angels are spiritual substances, according to Ps. 103:4: "Who maketh His [Vulg.: 'makest Thy'] angels, spirits." But Christ's birth was in the flesh, and not in His spiritual substance. Therefore it should not have been manifested by means of angels. Objection 2: Further, the righteous are more akin to the angels than to any other, according to Ps. 33:8: "The angel of the Lord shall encamp round
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father?
Objection 1: It would seem unfitting that Christ should sit at the right hand of God the Father. For right and left are differences of bodily position. But nothing corporeal can be applied to God, since "God is a spirit," as we read in Jn. 4:24. Therefore it seems that Christ does not sit at the right hand of the Father. Objection 2: Further, if anyone sits at another's right hand, then the latter is seated on his left. Consequently, if Christ sits at the right hand of the Father, it follows that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped?
Objection 1: It would seem that judgment is not rendered perverse by being usurped. For justice is rectitude in matters of action. Now truth is not impaired, no matter who tells it, but it may suffer from the person who ought to accept it. Therefore again justice loses nothing, no matter who declares what is just, and this is what is meant by judgment. Objection 2: Further, it belongs to judgment to punish sins. Now it is related to the praise of some that they punished sins without having authority
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood...
In process of tithe, that is to say, in the tenth generation after the Flood, Abraham appeared, [120] seeking for the God who by the blessing of his ancestor was due and proper to him. [121] And when, urged by the eagerness of his spirit, he went all about the world, searching where God is, and failed to find out; God took pity on him who alone was silently seeking Him; and He appeared unto Abraham, making Himself known by the Word, as by a beam of light. For He spake with him from heaven, and said
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream...
And Jacob, when he went into Mesopotamia, saw Him in a dream, standing upon the ladder , that is the tree which was set up from earth to heaven; [172] for thereby they that believe on Him go up to the heavens. For His sufferings are our ascension on high. And all such visions point to the Son of God, speaking with men and being in their midst. For it was not the Father of all, who is not seen by the world, the Maker of all who has said: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent.
1. The whole system of religion delivered by the hand of Moses, in many ways pointed to Christ. This exemplified in the case of sacrifices, ablutions, and an endless series of ceremonies. This proved, 1. By the declared purpose of God; 2. By the nature of the ceremonies themselves; 3. From the nature of God; 4. From the grace offered to the Jews; 5. From the consecration of the priests. 2. Proof continued. 6. From a consideration of the kingdom erected in the family of David. 7. From the end of the
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined...
As God in his word enjoins common prayer, so public temples are the places destined for the performance of them, and hence those who refuse to join with the people of God in this observance have no ground for the pretext, that they enter their chamber in order that they may obey the command of the Lord. For he who promises to grant whatsoever two or three assembled in his name shall ask (Matth. 18:20), declares, that he by no means despises the prayers which are publicly offered up, provided there
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

A Glorious vision.
THE Epistle to the Hebrews, this profound and blessed portion of the Holy Scriptures, unfolds a most wonderful vision of the Person, the Glory and the great Redemption work of our adorable Lord. The portion of the Epistle which is the richest in this respect is the Second Chapter. Here is a vista for the eyes of faith which is sublime. Our Lord in His Person, in His humiliation and exaltation, in His suffering and glory, stands out in a way which makes the believing heart rejoice with joy unspeakable
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ...
13. It follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost." This Trinity, one God, one nature, one substance, one power; highest equality, no division, no diversity, perpetual dearness of love. [1795] Would ye know the Holy Ghost, that He is God? Be baptized, and ye will be His temple. The Apostle says, "Know ye not that your bodies are the temple within you of the Holy Ghost, Whom ye have of God?" [1796] A temple is for God: thus also Solomon, king and prophet, was bidden to build a temple for God. If
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

From Egypt to Sinai.
Ex. Chs. 1-19 Israel in Egypt. The length of time the Hebrews remained In Egypt is a perplexing question. Exodus 6:16-20 makes Moses the fourth generation from Levi (See Gen. 15:16; Num. 26:57-59). This would make it about 150 years. Gen. 15:13 predicts 400 years. Ex. 12:40 says they were there 430 years and Paul (Gal. 3:17) says 430 years from Abraham to Sinai. These apparently conflicting dates may be explained because of different methods of counting generations, probably based on long lives of
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

The Son of Man
"The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." MARK 2:10 (R.V.) WHEN asserting His power to forgive sins, Jesus, for the first time in our Gospel, called Himself the Son of man. It is a remarkable phrase. The profound reverence which He from the first inspired, restrained all other lips from using it, save only when the first martyr felt such a rush of sympathy from above poured into his soul, that the thought of Christ's humanity was more moving than that of His deity. So too it is then alone
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

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