


Acts 7:21
Bible Versions
And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
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.
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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.
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
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.