Acts 7:20

In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

In {G1722} which {G3739} time {G2540} Moses {G3475} was born {G1080}, and {G2532} was {G2258} exceeding {G2316} fair {G791}, and {G3739} nourished up {G397} in {G1722} his {G846} father's {G3962} house {G3624} three {G5140} months {G3376}:

“It was then that Moshe was born, and he was beautiful in God’s sight. For three months he was reared in his father’s house;

At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house.

At which season Moses was born, and was exceeding fair; and he was nourished three months in his father’s house:

Acts 7:20 is part of Stephen's powerful defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel to demonstrate God's consistent work through His chosen people, often despite their rebellion. This particular verse focuses on the birth of Moses, a pivotal figure in Israel's history.

Context

Stephen's sermon in Acts chapter 7 serves as a historical overview, tracing God's covenant relationship with Israel from Abraham through the patriarchs, their sojourn in Egypt, and the emergence of Moses. Verses leading up to 7:20 describe the severe oppression of the Israelites in Egypt and Pharaoh's cruel decree to kill every male Hebrew infant (Exodus 1:22). It is into this perilous time that Moses, the future deliverer, was born, setting the stage for the Exodus narrative.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence Amidst Peril: Moses' birth during a period of intense persecution highlights God's sovereign plan to raise up a deliverer precisely when His people faced their darkest hour. It underscores that God works even through dire circumstances to fulfill His promises.
  • The Faith of Moses' Parents: The verse notes Moses was "nourished up in his father's house three months." This simple phrase alludes to the courageous act of defiance by his parents, Amram and Jochebed, who, by faith, hid him from Pharaoh's genocidal decree (Exodus 2:2; Hebrews 11:23). Their actions demonstrate a profound trust in God's protection over their child.
  • Moses' Unique Qualities: The phrase "exceeding fair" (KJV) or "beautiful to God" (NIV/ESV) suggests Moses possessed an unusual attractiveness or divine favor from birth. This detail emphasizes his special calling and set him apart even as an infant, perhaps making him appealing even to Pharaoh's daughter.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "exceeding fair" is asteios tō theō (ἀστεῖος τῷ θεῷ), which literally means "beautiful to God" or "pleasing to God." This isn't merely about physical attractiveness but implies a divine recognition or special quality that marked him as set apart for God's purposes from birth. It suggests that his beauty was not just humanly perceived but divinely acknowledged, signifying his unique role in God's plan.

Reflection and Application

Acts 7:20 reminds us that God's plan unfolds even in the most challenging times. The birth of Moses, during a period of national crisis for Israel, serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to work all things for good for those who love Him. It encourages believers to trust in God's providence even when circumstances seem overwhelming, knowing that He is always at work behind the scenes. Furthermore, the faith of Moses' parents teaches us the importance of courageous obedience and trust in God's protection, even when it requires defying oppressive systems or taking significant risks. Our faithful actions, even in small ways, can play a vital part in God's larger redemptive narrative.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 11:23

    By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw [he was] a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

  • Exodus 2:2

    And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he [was a] goodly [child], she hid him three months.

  • Exodus 2:10

    And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

  • 1 Samuel 16:12

    And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

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