Acts 3:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 3:22 records Peter's powerful declaration to the Jewish people in Jerusalem, identifying Jesus Christ as the long-awaited "Prophet like Moses" foretold in the Old Testament. In the aftermath of a miraculous healing, Peter seizes the opportunity to call the crowd to repentance and faith, asserting Jesus's divine authority and the imperative for all to heed His words and teachings, thereby fulfilling ancient prophecy and inaugurating a new era of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central component of Peter's second recorded sermon in the Book of Acts, delivered in Solomon's Portico following the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the temple ([Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Healing of the Lame Man")). The crowd, astonished by the miracle, gathers around Peter and John. Peter immediately redirects their attention from himself and John to Jesus Christ, explaining that the healing occurred through faith in Jesus's name ([Acts 3:16](/acts/3-16 "Acts 3:16 - Healing by Faith in Jesus' Name")). He then confronts them with their culpability in crucifying Jesus, whom God raised from the dead ([Acts 3:15](/acts/3-15 "Acts 3:15 - God Raised Jesus")), but also offers a path to repentance and forgiveness ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Call to Repentance")). Acts 3:22, along with the subsequent verses, serves to ground Jesus's identity and authority firmly in the prophetic tradition of Israel, particularly the Mosaic covenant, thereby establishing His legitimacy as the Messiah to a Jewish audience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's sermon is delivered in Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heartland of Judaism, to a crowd of devout Jews who would have been intimately familiar with the Torah and the prophecies concerning the Messiah. The expectation of a "Prophet like Moses" was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, stemming from [Deuteronomy 18:15-19](/deuteronomy/18-15-19 "Deuteronomy 18:15-19 - The Prophet Like Moses"). Moses was revered as the greatest prophet, lawgiver, and mediator of the Old Covenant. The Jewish people anticipated a figure who would possess similar authority and bring new revelation from God. Furthermore, the concept of "brethren" (ἀδελφῶν) in the prophecy would have resonated with the audience, emphasizing that this prophet would arise from within their own community, a fellow Israelite, rather than a Gentile. The temple setting itself underscores the religious significance of the event and Peter's bold proclamation within the very heart of Jewish worship.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 3:22 contributes significantly to several key themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Jesus as the Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**. Peter explicitly links Jesus to the Mosaic prophecy, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan, revealed incrementally through the prophets, culminates in Christ. This theme is foundational to the early apostolic preaching, as seen in Peter's earlier sermon in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon") and throughout the book. Secondly, it emphasizes **Jesus's Unique Authority**. By presenting Jesus as the Prophet whom "ye shall hear in all things," Peter asserts Christ's supreme authority, surpassing even Moses. This prepares the way for understanding Jesus as the ultimate Law-giver and the definitive revelation of God. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **The Call to Obedience and Repentance**. The command to "hear" implies not just listening, but active obedience. Disobedience to this divinely appointed Prophet carries severe consequences, as implied by the warning in [Deuteronomy 18:19](/deuteronomy/18-19 "Deuteronomy 18:19 - Consequences of Disobedience"), which Peter would have expected his audience to understand. This call to hear and obey Jesus's words remains a central tenet of Christian discipleship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** This term (G4396) refers to a "foreteller" or, by analogy, an "inspired speaker." In the biblical context, a prophet is one who speaks forth God's message, whether it be a prediction of future events or a declaration of God's will for the present. The use of this word here directly invokes the prophecy of Moses in Deuteronomy, establishing Jesus's role as God's chosen messenger and ultimate spokesman, authorized to deliver divine revelation.
* **Raise up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb (G450) means "to stand up," "arise," or "lift up," and can be used transitively to mean "raise up (again)." In this context, it signifies God's sovereign act of appointing and bringing forth this special prophet. It implies divine initiation and empowerment, highlighting that Jesus's advent as the Prophet is not a human initiative but a direct work of the Lord God. This same verb is also used for resurrection, subtly connecting God's raising of the prophet to His raising of Jesus from the dead.
* **Hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb (G191) means "to hear" in various senses, extending beyond mere auditory perception to include understanding, giving heed to, and obeying. The command "him shall ye hear" is not a suggestion but an imperative, demanding active and submissive attention to the words of this Prophet. It implies a moral obligation to internalize and act upon what is spoken, making obedience central to the proper response to Jesus's message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Moses truly said unto the fathers,"**: Peter begins by grounding his argument in the authoritative words of Moses, the revered lawgiver and prophet of Israel. By addressing "the fathers," he connects his contemporary audience to their ancestral heritage and the foundational covenant made through Moses, establishing a continuity of divine revelation. The phrase "truly said" (G3303 *mén* and G2036 *épō*) emphasizes the undeniable truth and historical veracity of Moses's prophecy.
* **"A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me;"**: This is the core of the prophecy, directly quoting or paraphrasing [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet") and [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God's Promise to Raise a Prophet"). It speaks of a future prophet, divinely appointed ("the Lord your God raise up"), who will emerge from within their own people ("of your brethren"), and crucially, will be "like unto me" (Moses). This likeness implies a prophet who mediates God's word, performs signs, and leads the people into a new covenant relationship with God, just as Moses did.
* **"him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you."**: This clause emphasizes the absolute authority of this coming Prophet and the corresponding obligation of the people to obey. The command to "hear" (G191 *akoúō*) is a strong imperative, demanding not just passive listening but active and complete submission to "all things" (G3956 *pâs*) that this Prophet "shall say" (G2980 *laléō*). This highlights the ultimate and binding nature of the Prophet's words, implying severe consequences for disobedience, as further elaborated in the original Deuteronomic context.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's use of **Allusion** is central to this verse, as he directly alludes to and quotes the prophecy from [Deuteronomy 18:15-19](/deuteronomy/18-15-19 "Deuteronomy 18:15-19 - The Prophet Like Moses"). This literary device serves to validate Jesus's messianic claims by showing their fulfillment in ancient, revered scripture, thereby appealing to the Jewish audience's understanding of their own sacred texts. The sermon also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Moses's prophecy of a future prophet "like unto me" implicitly foreshadowed a figure who would not only deliver God's word but also lead the people into a new covenant, much as Moses led Israel out of Egypt and delivered the Law. Peter's application of this prophecy to Jesus demonstrates that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this foreshadowed role. Furthermore, the imperative "him shall ye hear" functions as a powerful **Command**, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of obedience to this divinely appointed Prophet. This command carries the weight of divine authority, indicating that the words of this Prophet are God's own words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 3:22 is a cornerstone of early Christian theology, firmly establishing Jesus's identity as the ultimate Prophet and God's definitive revelation to humanity. It highlights the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, showing that God's plan of salvation unfolds progressively through history, culminating in Christ. Just as Moses mediated the Law and led Israel, Jesus mediates the New Covenant and leads the new Israel, the Church. This verse underscores the supreme authority of Jesus's words, implying that His teachings are not merely human wisdom but divine truth, demanding absolute submission and obedience. The theological implication is that to reject Jesus is to reject God's final and most complete word, inviting divine judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet")
* [Acts 7:37](/acts/7-37 "Acts 7:37 - Stephen's Reference to the Prophet")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 3:22 calls us to a profound reflection on the authority of Jesus Christ in our lives today. If the ancient Israelites were commanded to "hear" and obey the Prophet like Moses in "all things," how much more should we, as followers of Christ, heed His words? This verse challenges us to consider whether we truly listen to Jesus's teachings as the authoritative and final word from God, or if we selectively apply them based on our preferences. It compels us to examine our hearts for areas of disobedience or neglect, reminding us that true discipleship involves a complete surrender to Christ's Lordship, which is expressed through obedience to His every command and teaching. Living out this truth means immersing ourselves in the Gospels, studying His parables, His ethical demands, and His promises, and allowing them to shape every aspect of our thoughts, words, and actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I struggling to "hear" and obey Jesus's teachings?**
* **How does recognizing Jesus as the "Prophet like Moses" deepen my understanding of His authority?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more intentionally listen to and apply Christ's words in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus being called "a Prophet like Moses"?**

Answer: The designation of Jesus as "a Prophet like Moses" is profoundly significant because Moses was the most revered prophet in Israelite history, the one through whom God delivered the Law, led the people out of slavery, and mediated the covenant. By identifying Jesus with this prophecy from [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"), Peter asserts that Jesus is not just *a* prophet, but *the* ultimate prophet, the one God promised to raise up who would have unparalleled authority. This implies that Jesus brings a new, definitive revelation from God, superseding the old covenant and inaugurating a new era of God's redemptive work. He is like Moses in His role as a lawgiver, a deliverer, and a mediator, but superior to Moses in His divine nature and the eternal scope of His work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 3:22 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the ultimate and final Prophet sent by God. The prophecy of a "Prophet like Moses" ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")) pointed forward to a figure who would not only deliver God's word but also mediate a new covenant, just as Moses mediated the Old Covenant. Jesus perfectly embodies this role, not merely as a messenger, but as the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is superior to Moses because He is not just a servant in God's house, but the Son over God's house ([Hebrews 3:5-6](/hebrews/3-5-6 "Hebrews 3:5-6 - Moses and Christ Compared")). Jesus delivers the definitive revelation of God's will and character, culminating in His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. The command to "hear him in all things" underscores the absolute authority of Jesus's teachings, which are the very words of eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). Through His Spirit, Jesus continues to speak to His Church, guiding believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, Acts 3:22 beckons us to recognize Jesus as the supreme Prophet, whose every word is worthy of our complete attention and obedient response, for in Him, God has spoken His final and most glorious word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.