Acts 7:27

Acts 7:27 is part of Stephen's powerful defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's recurring pattern of rebellion. This particular verse describes a pivotal moment in the life of Moses, illustrating the initial resistance he faced from his own people.

Context

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom, is on trial for blasphemy (see Acts 6:11-14). In his defense, he presents a sweeping historical narrative, beginning with Abraham and moving through the patriarchs, Joseph, and especially Moses. Verse 27 refers to an incident recorded in the book of Exodus where Moses, seeing two Israelites fighting, intervened to stop the injustice. The man who was in the wrong, rather than accepting correction, defiantly challenged Moses' authority, asking, "Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?" This rejection of Moses, God's chosen deliverer, becomes a central theme in Stephen's argument, demonstrating Israel's historical resistance to divine leadership and messengers.

Key Themes

• Rejection of God-Ordained Authority: The verse vividly portrays the immediate and sharp rejection of Moses' attempt to mediate and bring justice. The question "Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?" challenges not only Moses' right to intervene but also any perceived divine appointment. This foreshadows a broader pattern of Israel rejecting those God sends to lead or correct them.
• Misunderstanding of God's Plan: The man's words reveal a profound misunderstanding of God's unfolding plan. Moses, though not yet officially commissioned at the burning bush, was already acting on a divine impulse to deliver his people. This early resistance highlights how humans often resist God's chosen instruments because they do not fit conventional expectations or perceived qualifications.
• The Pattern of Resistance: Stephen uses this incident as a key example in a larger argument that the Jewish people consistently resisted God's appointed leaders and prophets throughout their history, culminating in their rejection of Jesus Christ Himself. This theme is crucial for understanding Stephen's overall message and the charges against him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms used for "ruler" (archonta) and "judge" (dikastēn) signify civil and judicial authority, respectively. The man's question is a direct challenge to Moses' legitimacy in both roles, implying that Moses had no formal or recognized standing to intervene in their affairs. This highlights the human tendency to demand visible credentials or popular endorsement before accepting leadership, even when that leadership is divinely inspired.

Related Scriptures

• The original event Stephen refers to is found in Exodus 2:13-14, where Moses intervenes between two fighting Hebrews.
• Stephen continues to elaborate on this theme of Moses' rejection and subsequent divine commissioning in Acts 7:35, emphasizing that the very Moses they rejected became their deliverer.
• This pattern of rejecting God's messengers is tragically mirrored in the rejection of Jesus Christ, as seen in passages like John 1:11, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

Practical Application

Acts 7:27 serves as a powerful reminder for us today:

1. Beware of Resisting God's Messengers: We should be cautious not to reject those whom God might use to bring truth, correction, or guidance, simply because they don't fit our expectations or lack conventional authority.
2. Humility in Correction: The man in the wrong resisted correction. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we humbly receive constructive criticism or divine prompting, or do we defiantly question the source?
3. God's Unconventional Methods: God often works through unexpected people and circumstances. This verse encourages us to look beyond outward appearances or formal titles to discern God's hand at work in our lives and in the world.