Acts 7:26

KJV

And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} the next {G1966} day {G2250} he shewed himself {G3700} unto them {G846} as they strove {G3164}, and {G2532} would have set {G4900} them {G846} at {G1519} one again {G1515}, saying {G2036}, Sirs {G435}, ye {G5210} are {G2075} brethren {G80}; why {G2444} do ye wrong {G91} one to another {G240}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When he appeared the next day, as they were fighting, and tried to make peace between them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers! Why do you want to hurt each other?’

Berean Standard Bible

The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’

American Standard Version

And the day following he appeared unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:26 is a pivotal moment in Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts an episode from Moses' early life in Egypt. This verse depicts Moses intervening in a dispute between two Hebrews, attempting to reconcile them with the plea, "Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?" This incident serves as a poignant illustration of Moses' initial, unheeded call to peacemaking and highlights a recurring pattern of Israel's rejection of God's chosen deliverers, a theme central to Stephen's argument concerning Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:26 is embedded within Stephen's lengthy and impassioned sermon, which spans from [Acts 7:2](/acts/7-2 "Acts 7:2 - Stephen's Address Begins") to [Acts 7:53](/acts/7-53 "Acts 7:53 - The Law Received by Angels"). Stephen is systematically reviewing the history of Israel, from Abraham to Solomon, to demonstrate a consistent pattern: God's people have repeatedly resisted the Holy Spirit and rejected the messengers God sent to them. Specifically, verses [Acts 7:20-29](/acts/7-20-29 "Acts 7:20-29 - Moses' Early Life") focus on the early life of Moses, portraying him as God's divinely appointed deliverer, yet one who was initially misunderstood and rejected by his own people. The immediate preceding verse, [Acts 7:25](/acts/7-25 "Acts 7:25 - Moses' Expectation"), notes Moses' expectation that his brethren would understand God was using him to deliver them, an expectation that was clearly not met in the very next verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event Stephen recounts in [Acts 7:26](/acts/7-26 "Acts 7:26 - Moses Intervenes") directly references the narrative found in [Exodus 2:13-14](/exodus/2-13-14 "Exodus 2:13-14 - Moses' Intervention"). At this point, Moses, having been raised in Pharaoh's household, has recently identified with his Hebrew kinsmen, even striking down an Egyptian oppressor the day before ([Exodus 2:11-12](/exodus/2-11-12 "Exodus 2:11-12 - Moses Kills the Egyptian")). The next day, he encounters two Hebrews fighting, an internal conflict that underscores the disunity and brokenness within the enslaved Israelite community. Moses' intervention is not just a personal act but reflects a burgeoning sense of his identity and a prophetic impulse to bring order and justice, even among his own people, before his official divine commission at the burning bush ([Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Stephen's sermon and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **rejection of God's chosen messengers**. Moses, a divinely prepared deliverer, is met with resistance and questioning of his authority even by those he sought to help, foreshadowing Israel's later rejection of the prophets and ultimately, Jesus Christ, the ultimate deliverer ([Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's Accusation")). Secondly, the verse highlights the importance of **unity and brotherhood** among God's people. Moses' plea, "ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?" underscores the ideal of solidarity that should exist within the covenant community, a stark contrast to the internal strife he witnessed. Finally, it introduces the theme of **divine intervention and peacemaking**, showing Moses' initial, albeit premature and rejected, attempt to mediate conflict and bring reconciliation, a role that would later define his leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shewed himself (Greek, _optánomai_ G3700):** This verb implies a deliberate and purposeful appearance, often with the intention of being seen or revealing something. It suggests that Moses actively presented himself to the quarreling Hebrews, not merely stumbled upon them, indicating his conscious decision to intervene and mediate.
* **strove (Greek, _máchomai_ G3164):** This word signifies active fighting, quarreling, or disputing. It emphasizes the intensity and reality of the conflict between the two Hebrews, indicating a significant breakdown in their relationship that required intervention.
* **would have set them at one again (Greek, _synelaúnō_ G4900):** The core verb here means "to drive together" or "to exhort to reconciliation." Combined with the prepositions "eis" (G1519, to/into) and the noun "eirēnē" (G1515, peace), it conveys Moses' clear intention to bring the disputants back into a state of unity, harmony, and peace, not just to stop the physical altercation.
* **wrong (Greek, _adikéō_ G91):** This term refers to acting unjustly, doing harm, or committing an offense, whether morally, socially, or physically. Moses' question highlights that their internal conflict was not just a disagreement but a moral transgression against the bond of brotherhood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove":** Following the incident where Moses killed an Egyptian, he deliberately appears before two Hebrews who are actively engaged in conflict. This highlights Moses' proactive desire to engage with his people's struggles and his burgeoning sense of responsibility for their well-being, even before his divine call.
* **"and would have set them at one again":** Moses' intention is explicitly stated as reconciliation. He seeks not merely to stop the fight but to restore harmony and unity between the warring parties, demonstrating an innate peacemaking impulse. This phrase underscores his desire for relational wholeness within the community.
* **"saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?":** This direct address reveals Moses' appeal to their shared identity and moral obligation. He challenges the very nature of their conflict by reminding them of their familial bond as fellow Israelites, implying that such internal strife is unnatural and morally wrong given their shared heritage and plight. The rhetorical question emphasizes the irrationality and sinfulness of their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's recounting of this event employs several significant **literary devices**. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Moses' initial, rejected attempt to deliver and reconcile his people powerfully foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus Christ, the greater Deliverer and Peacemaker, by His own people. There is also a strong element of **irony** in Moses' benevolent intervention being met with resistance and questioning of his authority, mirroring the ironic rejection of Christ by those He came to save. Furthermore, the narrative functions as **typology**, presenting Moses as a type of Christ—a divinely appointed mediator and deliverer who seeks to bring peace and unity, yet faces opposition. Finally, Moses' direct question, "why do ye wrong one to another?", serves as a **rhetorical question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to highlight the absurdity and moral failing of their internal conflict, prompting reflection on the destructive nature of disunity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This episode from Moses' life, highlighted by Stephen, carries profound theological implications. It underscores God's consistent desire for His people to live in unity and peace, reflecting His own character. Moses' attempt to "set them at one again" embodies the divine call to reconciliation, a theme that permeates the entire biblical narrative. The resistance Moses faced, however, reveals humanity's stubborn propensity for conflict and rejection of those sent by God to bring order and healing. Stephen masterfully uses this historical example to build his case that Israel's rejection of Jesus was not an isolated incident but part of a long-standing pattern of resisting the Holy Spirit and God's chosen messengers. The call to brotherhood and the condemnation of internal strife remain timeless principles for God's covenant people.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")
* [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Appeal for Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:26 serves as a potent mirror for contemporary communities, particularly the church. Moses' plea to his brethren, "why do ye wrong one to another?", resonates deeply, challenging us to examine the nature of our relationships within the body of Christ. Are we quick to engage in internal strife, or do we actively pursue reconciliation and unity? The verse reminds us that our shared identity in Christ should transcend personal disagreements and petty grievances. As believers, we are called to be agents of peace, not instigators of division. This requires humility, a willingness to forgive, and a commitment to upholding the sacred bond of spiritual brotherhood. When conflict arises, our first impulse should be to seek restoration, remembering that our witness to the world is profoundly impacted by the unity we display.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I contribute to unity or disunity within my community or church?**
* **How do I typically respond when I witness conflict between fellow believers? Am I a peacemaker like Moses attempted to be?**
* **What specific steps can I take to "set at one again" those who are striving, or to resolve my own conflicts with others?**
* **How does my understanding of spiritual brotherhood influence my actions and attitudes towards other believers, especially those with whom I disagree?**

### FAQ

**Why does Stephen recount this specific event from Moses' life in his sermon?**

Answer: Stephen recounts this event to highlight a recurring pattern in Israel's history: the rejection of God's chosen deliverers and messengers by their own people. Moses, despite being divinely appointed to lead Israel out of bondage, was initially misunderstood and rejected by his brethren, as seen in [Acts 7:27-28](/acts/7-27-28 "Acts 7:27-28 - Moses' Rejection"). Stephen uses this historical precedent to underscore his central argument that the Sanhedrin, and indeed Israel throughout history, has consistently resisted the Holy Spirit and rejected God's ultimate messenger, Jesus Christ ([Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's Accusation of the Sanhedrin")).

**What is the significance of Moses' question, "Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?"**

Answer: Moses' question is profoundly significant because it appeals to the fundamental bond of brotherhood and shared identity among the Israelites. It challenges the very premise of their conflict, implying that internal strife is unnatural and morally wrong for those who share a common heritage and are united by a common plight. The question serves as a rhetorical device, highlighting the absurdity and sinfulness of their actions. Theologically, it underscores God's desire for unity and peace among His people, a principle that transcends the Old Covenant and finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament call for believers to live in harmony as members of one body in Christ ([Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Preserving the Unity of the Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:26, though detailing Moses' early life, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Moses' attempt to "set them at one again" was a noble but ultimately human and limited effort, met with rejection by those he sought to help. This foreshadows the greater Peacemaker, Jesus Christ, who came not merely to stop external quarrels but to reconcile humanity to God and to each other, bridging the chasm of sin. Like Moses, Jesus was rejected by His own people, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men") and powerfully demonstrated throughout the Gospels, culminating in His crucifixion ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Yet, unlike Moses' frustrated attempt, Jesus' mission of reconciliation was perfectly accomplished through His atoning death and resurrection. He is the true and ultimate "one" who sets at one again, not just individuals, but all who believe, forming them into a unified body where the dividing walls of hostility are broken down ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Moses' question, "why do ye wrong one to another?", finds its answer in Christ, who, by His sacrifice, empowers believers to live as true brethren, pursuing peace and unity because they have first been reconciled to God through Him ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")).

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

Exodus 2:13

And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?

Exodus 2:15

Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

1 Corinthians 6:6

But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 6:8

Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that [your] brethren.

John 15:17

These things I command you, that ye love one another.

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

Psalms 133:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!