Acts 7:35

This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send [to be] a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

This {G5126} Moses {G3475} whom {G3739} they refused {G720}, saying {G2036}, Who {G5101} made {G2525} thee {G4571} a ruler {G758} and {G2532} a judge {G1348}? the same {G5126} did God {G2316} send {G649} to be a ruler {G758} and {G2532} a deliverer {G3086} by {G1722} the hand {G5495} of the angel {G32} which {G3588} appeared {G3700} to him {G846} in {G1722} the bush {G942}.

“This Moshe, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge?’ is the very one whom God sent as both ruler and ransomer by means of the angel that appeared to him in the thorn bush.

This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.

This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? him hath God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush.

Commentary

Context of Acts 7:35

Acts 7:35 is part of Stephen's extensive defense before the Sanhedrin, a pivotal moment in early Christian history. Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, recounts the history of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated rejection of His appointed leaders and prophets. This verse specifically addresses the initial rejection of Moses by his own people when he first attempted to intervene in their oppression, as described earlier in Stephen's sermon (Acts 7:27-28). Stephen uses this historical pattern to subtly build his case against the Sanhedrin, implying their similar rejection of Jesus, the ultimate deliverer.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment Despite Rejection: The verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign will. Even though Moses was initially refused by his brethren, God unequivocally sent him. This underscores that God's plan for deliverance and leadership is not thwarted by human resistance or misunderstanding.
  • Moses as a Divinely Sent Deliverer: Moses was not self-appointed; he was God's chosen instrument. The titles "ruler and a judge" and "ruler and a deliverer" emphasize his dual role in guiding Israel through the wilderness and liberating them from Egyptian bondage. His authority stemmed directly from God's commission, confirmed by the angelic appearance.
  • God's Providence Through Angels: The phrase "by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush" points to the supernatural origin of Moses' commission. This "angel of the Lord" is often understood by commentators to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, acting as God's divine messenger and agent in salvation history. This divine intervention at the burning bush (also mentioned in Acts 7:30) validated Moses' authority.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text clarifies Moses' purpose with the bracketed phrase "[to be] a ruler and a deliverer." This addition helps emphasize that God's sending of Moses was specifically for the purpose of leading and liberating Israel, directly contrasting with the people's earlier question, "Who made thee a ruler and a judge?" (from Exodus 2:14). The term "deliverer" (Greek: lytrōtēs) highlights Moses' role in bringing redemption and release to the enslaved Israelites, a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate work.

Practical Application

Acts 7:35 offers several profound applications for believers today. It reminds us that God often chooses and empowers individuals for His purposes, even when they face initial rejection or misunderstanding from others. It encourages patience and trust in God's timing and methods, knowing that His divine appointments will ultimately prevail. Furthermore, it highlights the consistent theme throughout Scripture of God providing a "deliverer" for His people, pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ, whom God sent to be the ultimate ruler and deliverer from sin and death.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 118:22 (5 votes)

    The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.

  • Psalms 118:23 (5 votes)

    This is the LORD'S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes.

  • Luke 19:14 (5 votes)

    But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.

  • Psalms 113:7 (4 votes)

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

  • Psalms 113:8 (4 votes)

    That he may set [him] with princes, [even] with the princes of his people.

  • Numbers 20:16 (4 votes)

    And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we [are] in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:

  • Psalms 75:7 (4 votes)

    But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.