7:20 7:20

Acts 7:21

7:22 7:22

Bible Versions

And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
And {G1161} when he {G846} was cast out {G1620}, Pharaoh's {G5328} daughter {G2364} took {G337} him {G846} up {G337}, and {G2532} nourished {G397} him {G846} for {G1519} her own {G1438} son {G5207}.
and when he was put out of his home, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.
When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.
and when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

Context of Acts 7:21

This verse is part of Stephen's lengthy speech before the Sanhedrin, a powerful historical recounting of Israel's journey from Abraham to the building of the temple. Stephen uses the life of Moses as a central example of God's providence and Israel's persistent rejection of God's chosen deliverers. Here, he recounts the dramatic circumstances of Moses' early life, which began with a decree from Pharaoh to kill all male Hebrew infants. Stephen's narrative aligns with the account found in the book of Exodus, highlighting God's miraculous preservation of Moses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: Acts 7:21 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even in the most perilous circumstances. Despite Pharaoh's decree to destroy Hebrew male infants, God orchestrated Moses' survival through an unlikely rescuer: Pharaoh's own daughter. This demonstrates how God can use anyone, even those seemingly opposed to His plans, to fulfill His purposes. This theme echoes God's overarching care for His people, as seen in Romans 8:28.
  • Unconventional Preparation: Moses' rescue by Pharaoh's daughter led to him being raised in the opulent and influential Egyptian court. This upbringing was not merely about survival; it was a crucial part of God's preparation for Moses' future role as the leader who would bring the Israelites out of slavery. He would have received the best education and training available in Egypt, as highlighted in Acts 7:22, equipping him with knowledge and skills essential for his immense task.
  • God's Unexpected Paths: The verse showcases God's tendency to work through unexpected means. The very daughter of the monarch who sought to destroy the Hebrew people became the instrument of their future deliverer's salvation and upbringing. This emphasizes that God's ways are often beyond human comprehension, demonstrating His power to turn dire situations into opportunities for His glory.

Historical and Cultural Context

The historical backdrop is the oppressive rule of the Egyptian Pharaoh over the Israelites. The decree to kill Hebrew male infants (referenced in Exodus 1:22) was a desperate attempt to control the growing Israelite population. Moses' mother, Jochebed, placed him in a basket on the Nile River (Exodus 2:3) as a last resort to save his life. The discovery by Pharaoh's daughter, as described in Exodus 2:5, was a miraculous turn of events, allowing Moses to be raised within the very palace from which he would eventually challenge the Pharaoh.

Practical Application

Acts 7:21 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem hopeless or hostile, God is actively working behind the scenes. We can trust in His divine providence, knowing that He can use unlikely individuals and surprising situations to accomplish His will. This verse also speaks to God's preparation of His servants; He often uses unique experiences and environments to equip us for the purposes He has for our lives, even if those purposes are not immediately clear.

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.

  • Hebrews 11:24

    By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

  • Deuteronomy 32:26

    ¶ I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:

  • 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.
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