Acts 7:36

KJV

He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

KJV (with Strong's)

He {G3778} brought {G1806} them {G846} out {G1806}, after that he had shewed {G4160} wonders {G5059} and {G2532} signs {G4592} in {G1722} the land {G1093} of Egypt {G125}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the Red {G2063} sea {G2281}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the wilderness {G2048} forty {G5062} years {G2094}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This man led them out, performing miracles and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.

Berean Standard Bible

He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.

American Standard Version

This man led them forth, having wrought wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:36 is a pivotal verse within Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, succinctly summarizing Moses' divinely empowered leadership in delivering the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It highlights the miraculous interventions God performed through Moses in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and during the subsequent forty years of wilderness wandering, emphasizing God's sovereign power and faithfulness in establishing His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:36 is embedded within Stephen's lengthy historical review, which constitutes his defense against charges of blasphemy against Moses, the Law, and the Temple. Stephen systematically recounts Israel's history, from Abraham to the building of the Temple, to demonstrate God's consistent working outside of human-made structures and Israel's recurring pattern of resisting God's chosen messengers. This verse specifically focuses on Moses' role as God's divinely appointed deliverer, following Stephen's assertion in [Acts 7:35](/acts/7-35 "Acts 7:35 - Moses, the Deliverer") that God sent Moses as a "ruler and deliverer" despite Israel's initial rejection. The recounting of the Exodus serves to underscore God's power and Moses' authority, setting the stage for Stephen's ultimate indictment of his audience for their own resistance to the Holy Spirit and the "Righteous One."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse directly references the foundational narrative of the Exodus, a cornerstone of Israelite identity and a central theme in Jewish history and theology. "The land of Egypt" represents the crucible of Israel's formation as a nation, a place of severe slavery and oppression under Pharaoh. The "Red sea" (specifically the Sea of Reeds, _Yam Suph_) signifies the miraculous act of divine salvation and judgment, where God delivered His people while destroying their pursuers, as powerfully depicted in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). The "wilderness forty years" refers to the period of wandering and testing in the Sinai desert, a time of both divine provision (e.g., manna in [Exodus 16:35](/exodus/16-35 "Exodus 16:35 - Manna in the Wilderness") and water from the rock in [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock")) and spiritual formation, where God disciplined and prepared Israel for entry into the Promised Land. This period also highlighted Israel's persistent rebellion, a theme Stephen skillfully weaves into his broader argument.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Stephen's speech and the book of Acts. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's absolute sovereignty and mighty power to rescue His people from seemingly insurmountable bondage. The "wonders and signs" are undeniable proof of His intervention. Secondly, it highlights **Miraculous Power**, demonstrating that God's actions during the Exodus were not random but purposeful, supernatural interventions that authenticated Moses' leadership and revealed God's active presence among His people. Thirdly, it underscores **God's Sustaining Provision**, as the forty years in the wilderness, a period of extreme hardship, are presented as a testament to God's faithful care and miraculous sustenance of millions of people. Lastly, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Chosen Leadership**, portraying Moses as God's indispensable instrument, through whom divine power was channeled to achieve liberation and guide the nascent nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought out (Greek, _exágō'_):** From ἐκ (out of) and ἄγω (to lead); to lead forth, bring forth (out), fetch (lead) out. This verb emphasizes the active, deliberate, and powerful action of God, through Moses, in liberating Israel from bondage. It signifies a decisive, divinely orchestrated exodus, not a passive escape, highlighting God's initiative and authority over the forces of oppression.
* **wonders (Greek, _téras'_):** A prodigy or omen. This term refers to extraordinary, awe-inspiring events that transcend natural explanation, often designed to evoke astonishment and fear. In the context of the Exodus, these were the plagues upon Egypt and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, demonstrating God's overwhelming power and judgment against Pharaoh and his gods.
* **signs (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** An indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally; miracle, sign, token, wonder. Complementing "wonders," "signs" denote acts that serve as evidence or proof, validating a divine message or messenger. The "signs" confirmed Moses' divine commission and God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, serving as irrefutable evidence of His presence and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He brought them out":** This refers to Moses, acting as God's chosen agent, leading the Israelites out of their slavery in Egypt. It underscores the active, powerful, and decisive nature of the Exodus, initiated and empowered by God.
* **"after that he had shewed wonders and signs":** This clause specifies the means by which the deliverance was accomplished. Moses, as God's instrument, performed extraordinary, supernatural acts that were both awe-inspiring (wonders) and served as undeniable proof of divine authority and presence (signs). These included the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.
* **"in the land of Egypt":** This identifies the initial location where God's power was displayed through Moses, referring to the devastating plagues that afflicted Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn.
* **"and in the Red sea":** This indicates the second major location of miraculous intervention, where God miraculously divided the waters, allowing Israel to pass through on dry ground while engulfing the pursuing Egyptian army.
* **"and in the wilderness forty years":** This specifies the third phase and location of God's sustained miraculous provision and guidance. For four decades, God supernaturally provided for the Israelites in the harsh desert environment, demonstrating His faithfulness even amidst their rebellion and testing.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen employs several literary devices to enhance the impact of his historical summary. The repetition of the preposition "in" (**Anaphora**) before "the land of Egypt," "the Red sea," and "the wilderness forty years" creates a rhythmic emphasis, highlighting the distinct geographical stages of God's miraculous intervention and sustained presence. The pairing of "wonders and signs" is a classic biblical **Merism**, where two distinct but related terms are used to describe a comprehensive reality—in this case, the full spectrum of God's supernatural acts, both awe-inspiring and evidentiary. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a concise **Summary Narration**, condensing decades of Israelite history and countless divine acts into a single, powerful statement, serving Stephen's broader rhetorical purpose of demonstrating God's consistent faithfulness and Israel's persistent resistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:36 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive work. The Exodus, as recounted here, is the paradigmatic act of salvation in the Old Testament, establishing God as the great Deliverer who hears the cries of His people and acts decisively to free them from bondage. It foreshadows God's ultimate and greater act of deliverance through Jesus Christ, who liberates humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The "wonders and signs" underscore God's absolute sovereignty over creation and human powers, demonstrating that no force can thwart His redemptive purposes. The forty years in the wilderness, while a period of testing and discipline, also highlight God's faithful provision and patient guidance, teaching His people dependence on Him and preparing them for their inheritance.

* [Exodus 6:6-7](/exodus/6-6-7 "God's Promise of Deliverance")
* [Deuteronomy 29:5-6](/deuteronomy/29-5-6 "God's Provision in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 78:12-16](/psalms/78-12-16 "God's Wonders in Egypt and the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:36 serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and His boundless capacity to deliver His people from any form of oppression. Just as He acted with mighty power to free Israel from physical slavery, He continues to work in our lives, offering spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin, fear, and despair. The narrative of the Exodus teaches us that God's deliverance is often accompanied by extraordinary demonstrations of His power, designed not only to rescue but also to reveal His character and purposes. Furthermore, the forty years in the wilderness illustrate that God's provision and guidance are not limited to moments of dramatic rescue but extend through prolonged periods of testing and waiting. Even in our own "wilderness" seasons—times of uncertainty, struggle, or spiritual dryness—we can trust that God is present, providing for our needs, shaping our character, and leading us toward His promised future. This verse encourages us to recall God's past faithfulness, strengthening our faith to trust Him with our present challenges and future hopes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently need God's "wonders and signs" of deliverance?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness (in biblical history or your own life) strengthen your trust in Him for future challenges?**
* **What lessons can you draw from Israel's forty years in the wilderness about God's provision and character during difficult seasons?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "wonders and signs" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "wonders and signs" (Greek: _terata kai semeia_) is a common biblical pairing used to describe supernatural acts that are both awe-inspiring and serve as evidence or proof of divine authority or a divine message. "Wonders" (_terata_) emphasize the extraordinary, miraculous nature of the events, designed to evoke astonishment and wonder. "Signs" (_semeia_) highlight the purpose of these events: they are indicators or tokens that point to a deeper truth, validating the messenger (Moses) and confirming the divine origin of the message. In [Acts 7:36](/acts/7-36 "Acts 7:36 - Moses' Miraculous Deliverance"), these terms underscore that God's actions during the Exodus were not random occurrences but purposeful, powerful demonstrations of His sovereignty, presence, and covenant faithfulness to Israel. They were God's way of revealing Himself and His power to Pharaoh, Israel, and the surrounding nations.

**Why does Stephen emphasize the forty years in the wilderness?**

Answer: Stephen emphasizes the "forty years" in the wilderness for several reasons within his broader argument. Firstly, it highlights God's sustained, miraculous provision and faithfulness to Israel, even in a harsh environment. This period demonstrated God's ability to care for His people's every need (e.g., manna, water, clothing) despite their lack of resources. Secondly, it serves as a backdrop for Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry, which Stephen details in subsequent verses (e.g., [Acts 7:39-43](/acts/7-39-43 "Acts 7:39-43 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")). By recounting God's unwavering faithfulness during this period, Stephen sharpens his indictment of the Sanhedrin, implying that their generation, like their ancestors, continued to resist God's appointed leaders and His will. The wilderness period was a time of testing and formation, where God sought to shape a holy nation, but it was also marked by their spiritual failures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:36, while recounting Moses' pivotal role in the Exodus, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses, as the great deliverer, foreshadows Christ, the greater Deliverer, who brings about a spiritual exodus from the bondage of sin and death. Just as Moses led Israel through "wonders and signs" in Egypt and at the Red Sea, Jesus performed countless miracles and signs—healing the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead—that attested to His divine authority and inaugurated the kingdom of God, as seen throughout the Gospels (e.g., [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus' First Sign at Cana") and [Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus, a Man Attested by God")). The ultimate "Red Sea" experience is found in Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, where He decisively defeated the powers of sin and death, leading His people to freedom through His atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, the forty years in the wilderness, a period of divine provision and testing, points to the spiritual journey of believers who, having been delivered from the "Egypt" of sin, now walk through the "wilderness" of this world. In this journey, Christ is our faithful Provider and Guide, sustaining us by His Spirit and Word, preparing us for the ultimate "Promised Land" of eternal life and the new heavens and new earth, as promised in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). The deliverance from Egypt was a type; Christ is the antitype, the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Exodus 12:41

And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

Exodus 33:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, [and] go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it:

Exodus 7:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Exodus 7:14

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart [is] hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

Psalms 105:27

They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

Psalms 105:36

He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.