Acts 3:22

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

For {G1063} Moses {G3475} truly {G3303} said {G2036} unto {G4314} the fathers {G3962},{G3754} A prophet {G4396} shall {G450} the Lord {G2962} your {G5216} God {G2316} raise up {G450} unto you {G5213} of {G1537} your {G5216} brethren {G80}, like {G5613} unto me {G1691}; him {G846} shall ye hear {G191} in {G2596} all things {G3956} whatsoever {G3745}{G302} he shall say {G2980} unto {G4314} you {G5209}.

For Moshe himself said, ‘Adonai will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You are to listen to everything he tells you.

For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you.

Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you.

Commentary

Acts 3:22 presents a pivotal moment in Peter's sermon following the miraculous healing of a lame man at the temple's Beautiful Gate. Here, Peter directly quotes Moses, identifying Jesus Christ as the long-awaited prophet prophesied in the Old Testament, and urging the Jewish people to heed His words.

Context

This verse is a crucial part of Peter's sermon in Acts chapter 3, delivered to the astonished crowd who witnessed the healing. Peter uses the opportunity to explain that the miracle was performed not by human power, but by the power of Jesus Christ, whom they had crucified but God had raised. He then calls them to repentance and faith in Jesus, grounding his message in Old Testament prophecy. This particular quote from Moses serves to establish Jesus's divine authority and legitimacy as the Messiah.

Key Themes

  • The Prophecy of Moses: Peter quotes directly from Deuteronomy 18:15 and Deuteronomy 18:18, where Moses foretold that God would raise up a prophet "like unto me" from among their brethren. This was a significant messianic expectation among the Jewish people, as Moses was arguably the greatest prophet in their history. The prophecy implied a new covenant and a new era of divine revelation.
  • Jesus as the Fulfillment: The early church, through apostles like Peter and Stephen (see Acts 7:37), consistently identified Jesus Christ as this promised "Prophet like Moses." Jesus not only performed signs and wonders but also delivered God's definitive revelation, just as Moses delivered the Law.
  • The Call to Hear and Obey: The phrase "him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you" underscores the absolute authority of this Prophet. It is not merely an invitation to listen, but a command to obey everything Jesus teaches. Disobedience to this prophet carries severe consequences, as the subsequent verse in Deuteronomy 18:19 (implied by Peter's sermon) warns. This highlights the critical importance of listening and obeying Christ's teachings for salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "prophet" is prophētēs (προφήτης), meaning "one who speaks forth" or "proclaims." It emphasizes the role of a divine messenger. The command to "hear" (Greek: akouō, ἀκούω) implies not just audibly perceiving, but also understanding, giving heed to, and obeying. This is a crucial distinction, as true hearing leads to action.

Practical Application

Acts 3:22 reminds believers today that Jesus Christ is God's ultimate spokesman. Just as the Israelites were commanded to obey Moses, and later the coming Prophet, so too are believers called to heed the words of Jesus Christ. His teachings, found in the Gospels and expounded throughout the New Testament, are the authoritative guide for faith and life. This verse challenges us to continually submit to His authority and live in obedience to His commands, recognizing Him as the supreme Prophet, Priest, and King.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 18:15

    ¶ The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

  • Deuteronomy 18:19

    And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require [it] of him.

  • Acts 7:37

    This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

  • Galatians 4:4

    But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

  • John 1:17

    For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

  • John 5:24

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

  • Hebrews 2:9

    But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
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