Acts 3:23

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it shall come to pass {G2071}, that every {G3956} soul {G5590}, which {G3748}{G302} will {G191} not {G3361} hear {G191} that {G1565} prophet {G4396}, shall be destroyed {G1842} from among {G1537} the people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone who fails to listen to that prophet will be removed from the people and destroyed.’

Berean Standard Bible

Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people.’

American Standard Version

And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 3:23 presents a solemn warning from Peter's sermon, underscoring the profound and eternal consequences for any individual who refuses to heed or obey Jesus Christ, identified here as the divinely appointed "Prophet." This verse, a direct application of Old Testament prophecy, highlights the critical nature of one's response to God's ultimate revelation in Christ, emphasizing that rejection leads to spiritual destruction and exclusion from God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Peter's second major sermon, delivered in Solomon's Porch at the Temple following the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth, recounted in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - The Healing of the Lame Man"). The astonished crowd's reaction to the miracle provided Peter with a powerful platform to preach the gospel. He seized the moment to explain that the healing occurred through the power of Jesus Christ, whom they had rejected and crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead ([Acts 3:13-15](/acts/3-13-15 "Acts 3:13-15 - Peter's Accusation and Declaration of Jesus' Resurrection")). Peter then called the people to repentance and faith, framing Jesus's life, death, and resurrection as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Specifically, [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Acts 3:22 - Moses' Prophecy of the Prophet") directly quotes Moses' prophecy from [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses"), setting the immediate stage for the dire warning in verse 23, which applies the judgment clause of [Deuteronomy 18:19](/deuteronomy/18-19 "Deuteronomy 18:19 - Consequences of Disobeying the Prophet") to those who would not "hear" Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience was primarily Jewish, gathered at the Temple, the heart of Jewish religious life. They were steeped in the Law and Prophets, making Peter's appeal to Moses' prophecy particularly potent. The concept of a "prophet like Moses" was deeply ingrained in Jewish messianic expectation, signifying a leader who would deliver God's people, mediate a new covenant, and speak with divine authority. The phrase "destroyed from among the people" (or "cut off from the people") carried immense weight in the Old Testament, denoting a severe form of divine judgment and exclusion from the covenant community of Israel. This punishment, found in various contexts from Sabbath breaking to idolatry, implied not only physical death but also spiritual separation and loss of all covenant blessings. For Peter to apply this ancient warning to the rejection of Jesus would have resonated profoundly with his listeners, evoking a fear of divine wrath and eternal separation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus as the Prophesied Messiah and Ultimate Prophet**. Peter unequivocally identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of Moses' prophecy, establishing His unique divine authority and commission as God's final and supreme revealer of truth. This highlights Jesus's role as the one through whom God now speaks definitively to humanity, as also seen in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in His Son"). Another crucial theme is the **Gravity of Rejecting Christ**. The phrase "will not hear that prophet" implies more than a mere lack of auditory perception; it signifies a willful, stubborn refusal to listen to, obey, or acknowledge Jesus's claims and teachings. This rejection is presented as an act of rebellion against God Himself, echoing the severity of disobedience in the Old Testament. Finally, the verse emphasizes **Divine Judgment and Exclusion**. To be "destroyed from among the people" signifies a severe and final form of divine judgment, implying spiritual separation, loss of covenant relationship, and ultimately, eternal condemnation for those who refuse to believe and repent, a warning echoed throughout the New Testament regarding the consequences of unbelief, such as in [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, a primary verb meaning "to hear (in various senses)." While it can simply mean to perceive sound, in this context, as often in biblical usage, it encompasses the idea of heeding, understanding, and obeying. Therefore, "will not hear" implies a deliberate act of disobedience, a refusal to give attention to, accept, or comply with the message and authority of the prophet.
* **prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** From G4396, a foreteller or inspired speaker. Peter's use of this term directly links Jesus to the Mosaic prophecy of a prophet whom God would raise up, establishing Jesus's unparalleled authority as God's appointed messenger and the ultimate revealer of divine truth. This title underscores Jesus's role not just as a messenger, but as the very embodiment of God's word.
* **destroyed (Greek, _exolothreúō'_):** From G1842, meaning "to extirpate" or utterly remove/cut off. This strong verb emphasizes the finality and severity of the judgment. It signifies a complete eradication or removal from the community, implying both physical and spiritual separation, a consequence that is irreversible and absolute for those who reject the divine message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass":** This introductory phrase, often found in prophetic or solemn declarations, signals an impending and certain event. It sets a tone of divine decree, indicating that what follows is not a mere possibility but a guaranteed outcome, reflecting God's sovereign will.
* **"that every soul, which will not hear that prophet":** This clause identifies the subject of the impending judgment: "every soul," emphasizing the universal scope of the warning, applying to all individuals. The critical action is "will not hear that prophet," where "that prophet" unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ. As discussed in the key word analysis, "hear" implies active obedience and acceptance, not just auditory perception. Thus, this refers to a willful rejection or refusal to respond to Jesus's message and authority.
* **"shall be destroyed from among the people":** This final clause states the severe consequence of such rejection. "Shall be destroyed" signifies a complete and utter removal, an extirpation. "From among the people" refers to being cut off from the covenant community, implying spiritual separation from God's blessings and presence, and ultimately, eternal condemnation. This echoes Old Testament warnings of being "cut off" from Israel for serious transgressions, signifying both social and spiritual ostracization and divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's sermon, and specifically this verse, employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Allusion** and **Direct Quotation**, as Peter directly quotes and applies [Deuteronomy 18:19](/deuteronomy/18-19 "Deuteronomy 18:19 - Consequences for Disobeying the Prophet Like Moses") to Jesus. This not only lends scriptural authority to his message but also strategically positions Jesus within the long-awaited prophetic tradition of Israel, making His rejection a direct affront to God's ancient warnings. The language itself is a form of **Warning** and **Exhortation**, designed to evoke a sense of urgency and gravity. The stark contrast between "hearing" (obeying) and "not hearing" (rejecting) underscores the binary choice presented to the audience, with life-altering, eternal consequences. Furthermore, the phrase "destroyed from among the people" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical removal but a profound spiritual alienation and ultimate divine judgment, echoing the covenant curses of the Old Testament. The solemn tone and definitive language ("shall come to pass," "every soul," "shall be destroyed") contribute to the **Rhetorical Force** of Peter's appeal, aiming to compel repentance and faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 3:23 stands as a pivotal theological statement, asserting the supreme authority of Jesus Christ as God's final and decisive revelation. By identifying Jesus as the "Prophet like Moses," Peter elevates Him to a unique status, not merely as a teacher or healer, but as the divinely appointed mediator of a new covenant, whose words carry the weight of God's own command. The warning of destruction for those who refuse to hear Him underscores the absolute necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. It reveals that God's plan for humanity's redemption is intrinsically tied to one's response to Jesus. To reject Jesus is to reject God's ultimate provision and invitation, leading to an inevitable and severe judgment, a theme consistently woven throughout both Old and New Testaments concerning rebellion against divine authority. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of human accountability before a holy God and the singular path to reconciliation offered through Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 18:19](/deuteronomy/18-19 "The Lord's Judgment for Disobeying the Prophet")
* [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "God's Command to Hear Jesus at the Transfiguration")
* [Hebrews 12:25](/hebrews/12-25 "Warning Against Refusing Him Who Speaks from Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 3:23 delivers a timeless and sobering message that resonates deeply with believers today. It calls us to soberly consider our response to Jesus Christ. In a world offering countless voices and competing truths, this verse reminds us that there is one ultimate voice, one supreme authority to whom we must listen: Jesus, the Prophet sent from God. To "hear" Him means more than intellectual assent; it implies active obedience, submission to His Lordship, and a life transformed by His teachings. For followers of Christ, it is a call to renewed commitment and a deeper walk of discipleship, ensuring that our lives truly reflect the one we claim to hear. For those who have not yet embraced Christ, it is an urgent invitation to consider the gravity of their choice and the eternal ramifications of rejecting God's ultimate messenger. The warning of "destruction from among the people" serves as a stark reminder that our spiritual destiny is inextricably linked to our response to Jesus. It compels us to examine whether we are truly hearing, receiving, and living out the truth of the Gospel, or if we are, in essence, refusing the very One who offers life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways do I demonstrate that I am "hearing" Jesus in my daily life?**
* **What aspects of Jesus's teachings or commands do I find most challenging to "hear" and obey?**
* **How does the warning of "destruction from among the people" motivate me to share the Gospel with others?**
* **Am I actively seeking to understand and apply the words of Jesus, or am I passively allowing His message to fade into the background of my life?**

### FAQ

**What does "that prophet" refer to in Acts 3:23?**

Answer: "That prophet" refers definitively to Jesus Christ. Peter is directly quoting and applying the prophecy from [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses") and [Deuteronomy 18:18-19](/deuteronomy/18-18-19 "Deuteronomy 18:18-19 - God's Promise and Warning Regarding the Prophet") where Moses foretold that God would raise up a prophet like himself from among the Israelites. Peter's sermon in [Acts 3](/acts/3 "Acts 3 - Peter's Sermon and the Healing of the Lame Man") argues that Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy, possessing ultimate divine authority and serving as God's final messenger to humanity.

**What does it mean to "not hear that prophet"?**

Answer: To "not hear that prophet" means more than simply not physically perceiving sound. In biblical language, "to hear" often implies to listen, understand, heed, and obey. Therefore, to "not hear" Jesus means to willfully reject His message, refuse to believe in Him, or disobey His commands. It signifies a spiritual stubbornness and an unwillingness to submit to His divine authority as the Christ, the Son of God, and the ultimate Prophet. This rejection carries eternal consequences, as the verse warns.

**What does "shall be destroyed from among the people" imply?**

Answer: This phrase implies a severe and ultimate divine judgment. In the Old Testament context, being "cut off from the people" or "destroyed from among the people" (as seen in passages like [Leviticus 7:20](/leviticus/7-20 "Leviticus 7:20 - Being Cut Off for Uncleanliness")) signified not only physical death but, more profoundly, exclusion from the covenant community of Israel and its blessings, leading to spiritual separation from God. In the New Testament application by Peter, it points to eternal condemnation and separation from God's presence for those who persistently reject Jesus Christ. It's a warning of spiritual ruin and exclusion from the true people of God, the Church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 3:23 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's role as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, whose words and very being are the culminating revelation of God. The prophecy of a "prophet like Moses" in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses") pointed forward to one who would speak God's words with unparalleled authority, mediate a new covenant, and lead His people. Jesus perfectly embodies this prophetic office, not merely speaking for God but being God incarnate, the very Word made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His teachings, His life, His atoning death, and His resurrection constitute the definitive message of God to humanity. To "not hear" Him, therefore, is to reject God's ultimate self-disclosure and His singular plan of salvation. The destructive consequence warned of in Acts 3:23 is fulfilled in the New Testament's consistent declaration that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Christ Alone")), and that those who reject the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on them ([John 3:36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - He Who Believes in the Son Has Eternal Life")). Thus, Jesus is not just *a* prophet, but *the* Prophet, whose acceptance brings eternal life and whose rejection leads to eternal destruction, underscoring His unique and indispensable centrality to God's redemptive plan.

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 18:19

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.

John 12:48

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Hebrews 10:28

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Hebrews 10:30

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 12:25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven: