Acts 7:38

KJV

This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and [with] our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G3778} is he {G2076}, that was {G1096} in {G1722} the church {G1577} in {G1722} the wilderness {G2048} with {G3326} the angel {G32} which {G3588} spake {G2980} to him {G846} in {G1722} the mount {G3735} Sina {G4614}, and {G2532} with our {G2257} fathers {G3962}: who {G3739} received {G1209} the lively {G2198} oracles {G3051} to give {G1325} unto us {G2254}:

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the man who was in the assembly in the wilderness, accompanied by the angel that had spoken to him at Mount Sinai and by our fathers, the man who was given living words to pass on to us.

Berean Standard Bible

He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us.

American Standard Version

This is he that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel that spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received living oracles to give unto us:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:38, part of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, highlights Moses' indispensable role as God's chosen mediator during Israel's wilderness journey. Stephen emphasizes that Moses was present with the "church in the wilderness," receiving the "lively oracles" directly from God, mediated by an angel on Mount Sinai, for the benefit and instruction of the Israelite fathers and subsequent generations. This verse underscores the divine origin and life-giving nature of God's revelation, setting the stage for Stephen's implicit critique of the Jewish leaders' rejection of God's subsequent messengers, including Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:38 is situated within Stephen's lengthy and impassioned speech before the Sanhedrin, a pivotal moment leading to his martyrdom. Stephen's address (Acts 7:2-53) is a historical recounting of Israel's relationship with God, beginning with Abraham and moving through Joseph, Moses, the wilderness wanderings, the tabernacle, and the temple. His aim is to demonstrate God's consistent presence and interaction with His people, often through chosen messengers, and to subtly expose the Sanhedrin's pattern of resisting the Holy Spirit and rejecting these divine emissaries, culminating in their rejection of Jesus. Verse 38 specifically focuses on Moses, portraying him as the faithful recipient and dispenser of God's Law, a figure of immense authority and divine appointment, thereby establishing a parallel with Jesus as God's ultimate prophet whom the people should have heard, as foretold in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this verse is the Exodus and the subsequent forty years of Israel's wilderness wanderings, particularly the events at Mount Sinai. After their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites were led by Moses to Mount Sinai, where God established His covenant with them. This period was foundational for Israel's identity as a nation, as they received the Law, the blueprint for their national and spiritual life. The concept of an "assembly" or "congregation" (`qahal` in Hebrew, `ekklēsía` in Greek) was central to Israelite life, referring to the gathered people of God. The mention of an "angel" mediating the Law aligns with Jewish tradition and other New Testament passages (e.g., [Galatians 3:19](/galatians/3-19 "Galatians 3:19 - The Law given by angels") and [Hebrews 2:2](/hebrews/2-2 "Hebrews 2:2 - The Law spoken through angels")), suggesting that the Law was delivered through angelic intermediaries, emphasizing its divine, supernatural origin and authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Moses' Mediatorial Role**, portraying him as the indispensable figure through whom God communicated His will to Israel. Secondly, it highlights the **Divine Origin and Authority of the Law**, emphasizing that the "oracles" were not human constructs but direct, heavenly pronouncements, delivered by an angel. Thirdly, Stephen's use of `ekklēsía` ("church") to describe the Israelite assembly in the wilderness establishes a theme of **Continuity in God's People**, suggesting that God has always had a "called-out" assembly, from Old Testament Israel to the New Testament church. Finally, the phrase "lively oracles" emphasizes the **Life-Giving Nature of God's Word**, presenting it not as a static set of rules but as a dynamic, active, and transformative revelation intended to impart life and guidance, a concept echoed in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** (G1577) Derived from a compound meaning "a calling out," this term refers concretely to a popular meeting or, especially, a religious congregation. Stephen's application of `ekklēsía` to the assembly of Israel in the wilderness is significant. It underscores a theological continuity, implying that God's people, whether in the Old Covenant or the New, constitute a "called-out" assembly, distinct and set apart for His purposes. It highlights that the concept of a divinely gathered community predates the New Testament church.
* **received (Greek, _déchomai'_):** (G1209) This verb, meaning "to receive" (in various applications, literally or figuratively), denotes an act of acceptance or taking possession. In the context of Moses receiving the "lively oracles," it emphasizes his unique position as the designated recipient of God's direct revelation. It implies a deliberate and authoritative transmission from God to Moses, indicating that Moses was not merely a discoverer of truths but a passive yet active recipient of divine communication, entrusted with a sacred deposit.
* **lively oracles (Greek, _záō'_ (lively) and _lógion'_ (oracles)):** (G2198 and G3051) `Záō` means "to live" (literally or figuratively), denoting life or being alive. `Lógion` refers to an "utterance (of God)," an oracle. Combined, "lively oracles" signifies that God's pronouncements are not inert or dead letters but are inherently living, active, and life-imparting. They possess dynamic power, capable of sustaining, guiding, and transforming those who receive them. This contrasts sharply with human philosophies or dead idols, stressing the vibrant, efficacious nature of divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness":** Stephen identifies Moses as the central figure who led the `ekklēsía` (assembly/congregation) of Israel during their forty years of wandering in the desert. This emphasizes Moses' leadership over God's chosen people in a formative period of their history, establishing the continuity of God's covenant community from Abraham through Moses.
* **"with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers":** This clause clarifies the divine mediation of the Law. Moses was not alone; he was accompanied by an angel (or angels) who communicated God's words to him on Mount Sinai. This detail highlights the supernatural origin and authority of the Law, given directly from God through heavenly messengers. The phrase "and with our fathers" underscores that this divine encounter was for the benefit and instruction of the entire Israelite community, the progenitors of Stephen's audience.
* **"who received the lively oracles to give unto us":** Moses is further characterized as the one entrusted by God to "receive" (accept and take possession of) the "lively oracles"—God's living, active, and life-giving divine utterances. The purpose of this reception was not for Moses' personal benefit alone but "to give unto us," meaning to transmit these divine revelations to the entire nation of Israel, and by extension, to all future generations, including Stephen's contemporaries. This emphasizes the enduring relevance and communal nature of God's Word.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's speech, including Acts 7:38, masterfully employs several literary devices. **Continuity** is a dominant theme, as Stephen uses the term `ekklēsía` ("church") to describe the Old Testament assembly in the wilderness, thereby drawing a direct line between ancient Israel and the New Testament community of believers. This linguistic choice underscores that God has always had a "called-out" people. Furthermore, there is a powerful use of **Antithesis** woven throughout Stephen's address. By highlighting Moses' faithfulness in receiving and transmitting God's "lively oracles," Stephen implicitly contrasts this with the Sanhedrin's unfaithfulness and rejection of God's ultimate messenger, Jesus. The divine origin of the Law, mediated by angels, stands in stark contrast to the human resistance and stubbornness Stephen accuses his audience of exhibiting, setting up the dramatic tension of his defense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:38 powerfully connects the Old Testament revelation of God's Law to the New Testament understanding of God's living Word. It establishes Moses as a pivotal figure in the history of salvation, not merely as a national leader but as a divinely appointed conduit for God's life-giving truth. The concept of "lively oracles" emphasizes that God's Word is not static or dead, but dynamic, active, and capable of imparting life and guidance. This divine communication, given to the "church in the wilderness," foreshadows God's continued engagement with His people through His Word, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ, the living Word made flesh. The verse thus bridges the Old and New Covenants, demonstrating God's consistent method of revealing Himself and His will to His chosen people.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")
* [John 1:1-4](/john/1-1-4 "John 1:1-4 - The Word Was God and Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:38 calls us to a profound appreciation for the divine origin and enduring power of God's Word. Just as the "lively oracles" sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, the complete revelation of God in the Scriptures, culminating in Jesus Christ, remains our ultimate source of life, truth, and guidance today. We are reminded that God's communication is not merely historical text but a living, active force meant to transform our lives. This verse challenges us to receive God's Word with reverence and obedience, recognizing its supernatural authority and life-giving capacity. It also prompts us to consider our role in preserving and transmitting these truths to future generations, ensuring that the "oracles" continue to speak life into a world desperately in need of divine light. Our faithfulness in receiving and obeying God's Word stands as a testament to His enduring presence and power, just as Moses' faithfulness served as a beacon for Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "lively oracles" as dynamic and life-giving change your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what ways do you see God's "church" (His called-out people) continuing to exist and function from the Old Testament wilderness assembly to the present day?**
* **What is your responsibility in receiving and transmitting God's Word to others, both within your community and to future generations?**

### FAQ
**Why does Stephen refer to the assembly of Israel in the wilderness as "the church"?**

Answer: Stephen uses the Greek word `ekklēsía` (G1577), which is commonly translated as "church" in the New Testament, to describe the congregation of Israel during the Exodus. This choice is highly significant. `Ekklēsía` literally means "a called-out assembly" or "gathering." By applying it to Old Testament Israel, Stephen emphasizes the theological **continuity** of God's people across dispensations. It suggests that God has always had a chosen, "called-out" community, whether under the Old Covenant (Israel) or the New Covenant (the Christian church). This highlights that the church is not a completely new entity but the continuation and fulfillment of God's covenant relationship with His people, now expanded to include both Jews and Gentiles through Christ, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ").

**What are the "lively oracles," and why are they described as "lively"?**

Answer: The "lively oracles" (Greek: `lógia záōnta`) refer to the divine utterances or pronouncements given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, primarily the Law (Torah) and the commandments. They are described as "lively" (from `záō`, G2198, meaning "to live" or "active") because they are not dead letters or mere human philosophies. Instead, they are inherently dynamic, active, and possess the power to impart life, guidance, and spiritual vitality. Unlike idols or human decrees, God's Word is living and effective, capable of transforming hearts and sustaining His people. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament understanding of the Law as life-giving (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:46-47](/deuteronomy/32-46-47 "Deuteronomy 32:46-47 - The Law is Your Life")), and it foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on God's Word as living and powerful, as described in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:38, with its focus on Moses receiving the "lively oracles" to give to the people, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. Moses served as the mediator of the Old Covenant, delivering God's Law, which, though "lively," could not ultimately give life or remove sin (cf. [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Law's Inability to Save")). Jesus, however, is the ultimate Prophet, greater than Moses, who not only received but *is* the living Word of God made flesh (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He embodies the "lively oracles" in their fullest sense, bringing not just commandments but the very life of God to humanity. While Moses gave the Law, Jesus brought grace and truth (cf. [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). He is the true bread from heaven, the ultimate sustenance for God's people in their spiritual wilderness, fulfilling the temporary manna given through Moses (cf. [John 6:32-35](/john/6-32-35 "John 6:32-35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Stephen's recounting of Moses' mediatorial role thus serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ, the perfect mediator of a new and better covenant, through whom God's life-giving truth is fully revealed and eternally secured (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

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

Romans 3:2

Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

Hebrews 5:12

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Acts 7:53

Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].

1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 33:4

Moses commanded us a law, [even] the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.

Deuteronomy 32:46

And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.