Acts 7:7

KJV

And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the nation {G1484} to whom {G3739}{G1437} they shall be in bondage {G1398} will {G2919} I {G1473} judge {G2919}, said {G2036} God {G2316}: and {G2532} after {G3326} that {G5023} shall they come forth {G1831}, and {G2532} serve {G3000} me {G3427} in {G1722} this {G5129} place {G5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I will judge the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and afterwards they will leave and worship me in this place.’

Berean Standard Bible

‘But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come forth and worship Me in this place.’

American Standard Version

And the nation to which they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:7, embedded within Stephen's powerful defense before the Sanhedrin, recounts a pivotal moment in God's covenant history with Abraham, specifically detailing the divine prophecy concerning Israel's future bondage in Egypt and their subsequent miraculous liberation. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human history, His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, and His righteous judgment against oppressors, all leading to the ultimate purpose of His people's worship and service in the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:7 is a direct quotation or summary from God's ancient promise to Abraham, forming a crucial part of Stephen's lengthy historical discourse (Acts 7:2-53). Stephen, accused of blasphemy against the Temple and the Law, strategically uses Israel's history to demonstrate God's consistent presence and work outside of the Temple, and the nation's repeated resistance to divine revelation. This particular verse, referencing the Egyptian bondage and Exodus, serves to highlight God's faithfulness despite dire circumstances, setting the stage for Stephen's argument that Israel's rejection of Jesus was a continuation of their historical pattern of resisting God's chosen messengers. It connects directly to the preceding verses that establish Abraham's call and the covenant, and it foreshadows the subsequent narrative of Moses and the Exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Stephen's speech takes place in Jerusalem before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council. This setting is charged with tension, as Stephen's Hellenistic Jewish background and his bold proclamation of Jesus as Messiah challenged the traditional interpretations of the Law and Temple held by the Jewish authorities. The prophecy cited in Acts 7:7, originally found in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham and Prophecy of Bondage"), was a foundational narrative for the Jewish people, representing their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. By quoting this, Stephen grounds his argument in their shared sacred history, reminding his accusers of God's active involvement in their past, including His judgment on oppressors and His provision for their freedom to worship Him. The reference to "this place" would resonate with the Jewish audience as the Promised Land, specifically Jerusalem, where the Temple stood, though Stephen subtly redefines "place" to emphasize God's presence not being confined to a physical structure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, illustrating that God's plan for His people unfolds precisely as He declares, even across centuries of hardship. The theme of **God's Justice and Judgment** is prominent, as He promises to "judge" the nation that would oppress His chosen people, a theme vividly demonstrated in the [plagues upon Egypt](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin") and the [Red Sea crossing](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, showing God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, ensuring the eventual liberation and establishment of His people. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Deliverance for a Purpose**, as freedom from bondage is not an end in itself but is explicitly for the purpose of serving God in the land He promised, pointing to the ultimate goal of worship and obedience, as seen in the instructions given at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel's Covenant with God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nation (Greek, _éthnos'_):** From G1484, this term primarily refers to a race or tribe, often implying a foreign or non-Jewish people, and by implication, pagan. In this context, it specifically denotes Egypt, the foreign nation that would enslave Abraham's descendants. Stephen's use of this term highlights the distinct identity of God's chosen people versus those who would oppress them, setting up the divine judgment that follows.
* **judge (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, this word signifies more than merely distinguishing or deciding; it carries the weight of judicial action, including trying, condemning, and punishing. Here, it denotes God's active, punitive intervention against the oppressive nation of Egypt. It underscores God's righteous character as the ultimate arbiter of justice, who does not overlook the suffering of His people but actively intervenes to rectify wrongs and execute divine retribution.
* **serve (Greek, _latreúō'_):** From G3000, this verb means to minister to God, rendering religious homage, service, or worship. It implies a devoted, worshipful service. The promise that Israel would "serve me in this place" reveals the ultimate purpose of their liberation: not just freedom for its own sake, but freedom for the sake of worship and obedience to God. This term emphasizes the spiritual dimension of their deliverance, pointing to a covenant relationship centered on devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage":** This clause directly refers to the prophecy given to Abraham concerning his descendants' future enslavement. The "nation" is Egypt, and "they" are the Israelites. It establishes the context of severe oppression and servitude that God's people would endure, setting the stage for the divine intervention that follows.
* **"will I judge, said God":** This is a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty and justice. God Himself, the supreme Divinity (G2316), states His intention to bring judgment upon the oppressive nation. The verb "judge" (G2919) implies a decisive, punitive action, not merely a legal verdict, demonstrating God's active role in history to avenge His people and right injustices.
* **"and after that shall they come forth":** This phrase points to the miraculous liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, specifically the Exodus. "After that" (G3326, G5023) emphasizes the sequential fulfillment of God's prophecy, occurring precisely at His appointed time following the period of servitude and judgment. "Come forth" (G1831) highlights their emergence from oppression into freedom.
* **"and serve me in this place":** This final clause reveals the ultimate divine purpose behind the liberation. The freedom granted was not an end in itself but was for the specific purpose of worshiping and serving God ("serve me," G3000, G3427). "In this place" (G1722, G5129, G5117) refers to the Promised Land, specifically where God's presence would dwell and where His people would establish their covenant relationship with Him through worship and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's use of Acts 7:7 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. Foremost is **Prophecy**, as the verse directly quotes or summarizes a future event declared by God centuries before its fulfillment. This highlights God's **Divine Sovereignty** and **Foreknowledge**, demonstrating His absolute control over the unfolding of human history and His ability to declare the end from the beginning. The precise fulfillment of this prophecy, from bondage to judgment to liberation and service, serves as compelling evidence of God's faithfulness and power. Furthermore, the passage employs **Covenant Language**, as the entire statement is framed within the context of God's promises to Abraham, reinforcing the unbreakable bond between God and His chosen people. The contrast between the "nation to whom they shall be in bondage" and "serve me" also creates a powerful **Antithesis**, emphasizing the shift from forced servitude under an oppressor to willing, worshipful service under God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:7 stands as a profound testament to God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His righteous character as judge of all the earth. Theologically, it affirms God's perfect foreknowledge and His sovereign orchestration of history, even through periods of intense suffering for His chosen ones. It underscores that God's justice is not merely passive but actively intervenes to deliver the oppressed and punish the oppressor. The ultimate purpose of this deliverance, to "serve me," reveals that freedom is always for the sake of relationship and worship, a principle that transcends the Old Covenant and finds its ultimate expression in the New. This historical precedent also sets the stage for understanding God's continued work through Christ, where liberation from sin's bondage leads to a life of devoted service to Him.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Prophecy of Israel's Bondage and Deliverance")
* [Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - Moses' Commission and the Promise of Worship at Horeb")
* [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20-25 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Remembering the Exodus and Serving God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:7 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to purpose for believers today. It reminds us that even in seasons of profound difficulty, oppression, or waiting, God remains sovereign and faithful to His promises. Just as He foreknew and orchestrated Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, so too does He work all things according to His divine purpose in our lives and in the world. We can find deep comfort in the knowledge that God sees injustice and will bring His righteous judgment in His perfect timing, whether in this life or in the age to come. Furthermore, this verse reorients our understanding of freedom: it is not merely an escape from hardship, but a liberation for a higher purpose – to serve God. For the Christian, our deliverance from the bondage of sin through Christ is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a life dedicated to worship, obedience, and ministry to God and others. Our very existence, our freedom, is meant to be an act of grateful service and devotion to the One who set us free.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's foreknowledge and sovereignty in Acts 7:7 impact your trust in His plan for your life, especially during challenging times?**
* **In what ways do you see God's justice at work in the world today, and how does this verse encourage you to pray for or participate in the pursuit of justice?**
* **Considering that our freedom in Christ is for the purpose of serving God, what practical steps can you take this week to live a life more fully devoted to His worship and service?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "this place" in Acts 7:7?**

Answer: The phrase "this place" (G5117, _tópos_) in Acts 7:7 refers to the Promised Land, specifically the land of Canaan, which God had covenanted to Abraham and his descendants. While Stephen's audience would immediately connect "this place" to Jerusalem and the Temple, Stephen's broader argument in Acts 7 subtly redefines God's presence as not being confined to a physical building or location. For the Israelites, coming forth to "serve me in this place" meant entering the land where they would establish their nation, build the Tabernacle and later the Temple, and live in covenant relationship with God, offering Him worship and obedience as outlined in the Law. It signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them into a land where they could freely worship Him, contrasting with their forced labor in Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:7, though rooted in Old Testament prophecy, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy of liberation from bondage and subsequent service to God prefigures the ultimate spiritual Exodus accomplished by Christ. Humanity, enslaved not by a physical nation but by the dominion of sin and death ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freedom from Sin's Dominion")), is liberated by the atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as God judged Egypt for its oppression, so too does Christ's cross represent God's decisive judgment against sin and evil, breaking its power over believers ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The purpose of Israel's deliverance was to "serve me in this place," and similarly, our redemption in Christ is not merely for freedom's sake, but to enter into a new covenant relationship where we are called to serve God in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Believers are now a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of worship and obedience, serving God not in a physical land or temple, but as living temples of the Holy Spirit, wherever we are ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate deliverer, and through Him, we find our true "place" of worship and service.

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 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Genesis 15:14

And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Genesis 15:16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.

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.

Psalms 136:10

¶ To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Psalms 136:15

But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.