Acts 7:37
This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.'
This is the Moses
The reference to "Moses" here is significant as it connects the audience to the revered leader and lawgiver of Israel. Moses is a central figure in Jewish history, known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receiving the Law at Sinai. The Greek name "Mōusēs" is derived from the Hebrew "Mosheh," which means "drawn out," reflecting his rescue from the Nile. Moses is a type of Christ, a deliverer and mediator, prefiguring the ultimate deliverance through Jesus.

who told the Israelites
The phrase "told the Israelites" emphasizes Moses' role as a prophet and communicator of God's will to His people. The Israelites, or "sons of Israel," are the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. This highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises from the patriarchs to the nation. Moses' communication underscores the prophetic tradition in Israel, where God speaks through chosen individuals.

‘God will raise up for you
The promise that "God will raise up" indicates divine initiative and sovereignty. The Greek verb "anastēsei" (to raise up) suggests not only the physical act of raising but also the establishment of a leader or prophet. This reflects God's active role in guiding His people and fulfilling His promises. The raising up of a prophet is a divine act, ensuring that the people are not left without guidance.

a prophet like me
The phrase "a prophet like me" is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses speaks of a future prophet. This prophet is to be like Moses, implying a leader with a unique relationship with God, a mediator of the covenant, and a deliverer. The comparison to Moses sets a high standard, as Moses was known for his humility, faithfulness, and direct communication with God. This prophecy is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate prophet, priest, and king.

from your brothers
The phrase "from your brothers" indicates that the prophet will arise from among the Israelites themselves, emphasizing the continuity of God's work within the chosen people. The term "brothers" (Greek "adelphōn") signifies kinship and shared heritage, reinforcing the idea that God's promises are fulfilled within the community of faith. This also points to Jesus' incarnation, as He was born into the Jewish nation, sharing in their humanity and heritage.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is the prophet and leader who delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. In this verse, he is quoted as prophesying about a future prophet.

2. The Israelites
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were chosen by God to be His people. They were led by Moses out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

3. The Prophet
This refers to the prophecy Moses made about a future prophet like himself, which Christians understand to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

4. Stephen
The speaker in Acts 7, Stephen is one of the first deacons of the early church and the first Christian martyr. He is addressing the Sanhedrin in this chapter.

5. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council in Jerusalem, before whom Stephen is giving his defense. They are the religious leaders who are questioning Stephen's teachings about Jesus.
Teaching Points
The Continuity of God's Plan
God's plan for salvation is consistent throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Moses' prophecy points directly to Jesus, showing the unity of Scripture.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecy serves as a confirmation of God's promises and His sovereignty over history. Understanding prophecy helps believers see the reliability of God's Word.

Jesus as the Fulfillment
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Recognizing Jesus as the prophet like Moses is essential for understanding His role in God's redemptive plan.

Listening to God's Chosen Prophet
Just as the Israelites were called to listen to Moses, we are called to listen to Jesus. This involves obedience and faith in His teachings.

The Importance of Witnessing
Stephen's boldness in proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy serves as an example for believers to witness to the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Moses' role as a prophet help us appreciate the significance of his prophecy about a future prophet?

2. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the role of the prophet like Moses, and how does this impact our faith?

3. How can we apply the principle of listening to God's chosen prophet in our daily lives today?

4. What can we learn from Stephen's example of witnessing about Jesus to those who may be resistant or hostile?

5. How does recognizing the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament strengthen our trust in the Bible as God's Word?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 18:15
This is the original prophecy where Moses tells the Israelites that God will raise up a prophet like him. This connection highlights the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

John 1:45
Philip refers to Jesus as the one Moses wrote about in the Law, affirming the fulfillment of Moses' prophecy in Jesus.

Acts 3:22-23
Peter also references Moses' prophecy, emphasizing that Jesus is the prophet like Moses, and warning of the consequences of not listening to Him.
A Prophet Like MosesR. Tuck Acts 7:37
Moses, a Type of ChristH. Melvill, B. D.Acts 7:37
St. Stephen's DefenceG. T. Sokes, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's Address in the SanhedrimR.A. Redford Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's Answers to the Charge of Blasphemy Against GodG. V. Lechler, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenceDean Alford.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenceD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's TestimonyW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
The Defence of StephenJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
The Earliest Appearance of God to AbrahamBp. Jacobsen.Acts 7:1-53
The High Priest and His QuestionBp. Jacobson.Acts 7:1-53
The Recital of a Nation's Spiritual PedigreeP.C. Barker Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenseR. Tuck Acts 7:2-53
The Divine and the HumanW. Clarkson Acts 7:20-39
Beauty a Divine TalentDr. Wogan.Acts 7:20-43
Beauty, its CriterionLord Greville.Acts 7:20-43
Human Learning Recommended from the Example of MosesW. Berriman, D. D.Acts 7:20-43
Moses and ChristK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
Moses' BeautyActs 7:20-43
Moses' EducationF. W. Robertson, M. A.Acts 7:20-43
Moses, a Man of God and a Man of the PeopleK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
Moses, a Pattern of God's Chosen InstrumentsK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
Moses, a True ReformerK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
ProvidenceK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
The Training of MosesK. Gerok.Acts 7:20-43
Virtue Necessary to BeautyActs 7:20-43
Moses, and Israel's Bearing Towards Him: a Figure of ChristE. Johnson Acts 7:35-43
People
Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, Sychem
Places
Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, Shechem
Topics
Brethren, Brothers, Descendants, Israelites, Prophet, Raise, Raised, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 7:37

     2318   Christ, as prophet
     5104   Moses, foreshadower of Christ
     5467   promises, divine

Acts 7:35-37

     1025   God, anger of

Acts 7:36-39

     7223   exodus, significance

Acts 7:37-38

     4269   Sinai, Mount

Acts 7:37-41

     8840   unfaithfulness, to God

Library
Stephen's vision
'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ]
'...the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.'--ACTS vii. 58. '...Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.' --PHILEMON 9. A far greater difference than that which was measured by years separated the young Saul from the aged Paul. By years, indeed, the difference was, perhaps, not so great as the words might suggest, for Jewish usage extended the term of youth farther than we do, and began age sooner. No doubt, too, Paul's life had aged him fast,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant
'And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And, when he had said this, he fell asleep.'--ACTS vii. 59, 60. This is the only narrative in the New Testament of a Christian martyrdom or death. As a rule, Scripture is supremely indifferent to what becomes of the people with whom it is for a time concerned. As long as the man is the organ of the divine Spirit he is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Prayer of Stephen.
(Fifth Sunday after Trinity, 1832.) TEXT: ACTS vii. 60. "And Stephen kneeled down and cried with, a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." FREE and unrestricted as we are in our church as to our choice of subjects for meditation from the treasuries of the divine Word, many of you may still perhaps wonder why I have selected this passage. For you are aware that I have often lately taken occasion to express the opinion that the state of things
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

Our Lord Appears after his Ascension.
^F I. Cor. XV. 8. ^f 8 and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also. [Since Paul reckons this among the bodily appearances of our Lord, we have included it in our work; but it borders upon those spiritual appearances which belong rather to apostolic history and may be classed with the vision of Stephen (Acts vii. 55) and John (Rev. i. 9-17), to which it was near kin. Accounts of the appearance will be found in the ninth, twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapters of Acts. For
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?...
My dear friend, You reply to the conclusion of my Letter: "What have we to do with routiniers? Quid mihi cum homunculis putata putide reputantibus? Let nothings count for nothing, and the dead bury the dead! Who but such ever understood the tenet in this sense?" In what sense then, I rejoin, do others understand it? If, with exception of the passages already excepted, namely, the recorded words of God--concerning which no Christian can have doubt or scruple,--the tenet in this sense be inapplicable
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc

St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. . . . Then they stirred up the people. . . . and caught him, and set up false witnesses against him. Verzage nicht du Haüflein klein [52]Altenburg Gustavus Adolphus' Battle-song. 1631. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Fear not, O little flock, the foe Who madly seeks your overthrow, Dread not his rage and power: What though your courage sometimes faints, His seeming triumph o'er God's saints Lasts but
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy?
Objection 1: It would seem that in Christ there was not the gift of prophecy. For prophecy implies a certain obscure and imperfect knowledge, according to Num. 12:6: "If there be among you a prophet of the Lord, I will appear to him in a vision, or I will speak to him in a dream." But Christ had full and unveiled knowledge, much more than Moses, of whom it is subjoined that "plainly and not by riddles and figures doth he see God" (Num. 6:8). Therefore we ought not to admit prophecy in Christ. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion?
Objection 1: It would seem that none should enter religion but those who are practiced in the observance of the commandments. For our Lord gave the counsel of perfection to the young man who said that he had kept the commandments "from his youth." Now all religious orders originate from Christ. Therefore it would seem that none should be allowed to enter religion but those who are practiced in the observance of the commandments. Objection 2: Further, Gregory says (Hom. xv in Ezech., and Moral. xxii):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels?
Objection 1: It seems that the Old Law was not given through the angels, but immediately by God. For an angel means a "messenger"; so that the word "angel" denotes ministry, not lordship, according to Ps. 102:20,21: "Bless the Lord, all ye His Angels . . . you ministers of His." But the Old Law is related to have been given by the Lord: for it is written (Ex. 20:1): "And the Lord spoke . . . these words," and further on: "I am the Lord Thy God." Moreover the same expression is often repeated in Exodus,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's birth should not have been manifested by means of the angels. For angels are spiritual substances, according to Ps. 103:4: "Who maketh His [Vulg.: 'makest Thy'] angels, spirits." But Christ's birth was in the flesh, and not in His spiritual substance. Therefore it should not have been manifested by means of angels. Objection 2: Further, the righteous are more akin to the angels than to any other, according to Ps. 33:8: "The angel of the Lord shall encamp round
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father?
Objection 1: It would seem unfitting that Christ should sit at the right hand of God the Father. For right and left are differences of bodily position. But nothing corporeal can be applied to God, since "God is a spirit," as we read in Jn. 4:24. Therefore it seems that Christ does not sit at the right hand of the Father. Objection 2: Further, if anyone sits at another's right hand, then the latter is seated on his left. Consequently, if Christ sits at the right hand of the Father, it follows that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped?
Objection 1: It would seem that judgment is not rendered perverse by being usurped. For justice is rectitude in matters of action. Now truth is not impaired, no matter who tells it, but it may suffer from the person who ought to accept it. Therefore again justice loses nothing, no matter who declares what is just, and this is what is meant by judgment. Objection 2: Further, it belongs to judgment to punish sins. Now it is related to the praise of some that they punished sins without having authority
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood...
In process of tithe, that is to say, in the tenth generation after the Flood, Abraham appeared, [120] seeking for the God who by the blessing of his ancestor was due and proper to him. [121] And when, urged by the eagerness of his spirit, he went all about the world, searching where God is, and failed to find out; God took pity on him who alone was silently seeking Him; and He appeared unto Abraham, making Himself known by the Word, as by a beam of light. For He spake with him from heaven, and said
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream...
And Jacob, when he went into Mesopotamia, saw Him in a dream, standing upon the ladder , that is the tree which was set up from earth to heaven; [172] for thereby they that believe on Him go up to the heavens. For His sufferings are our ascension on high. And all such visions point to the Son of God, speaking with men and being in their midst. For it was not the Father of all, who is not seen by the world, the Maker of all who has said: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent.
1. The whole system of religion delivered by the hand of Moses, in many ways pointed to Christ. This exemplified in the case of sacrifices, ablutions, and an endless series of ceremonies. This proved, 1. By the declared purpose of God; 2. By the nature of the ceremonies themselves; 3. From the nature of God; 4. From the grace offered to the Jews; 5. From the consecration of the priests. 2. Proof continued. 6. From a consideration of the kingdom erected in the family of David. 7. From the end of the
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined...
As God in his word enjoins common prayer, so public temples are the places destined for the performance of them, and hence those who refuse to join with the people of God in this observance have no ground for the pretext, that they enter their chamber in order that they may obey the command of the Lord. For he who promises to grant whatsoever two or three assembled in his name shall ask (Matth. 18:20), declares, that he by no means despises the prayers which are publicly offered up, provided there
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

A Glorious vision.
THE Epistle to the Hebrews, this profound and blessed portion of the Holy Scriptures, unfolds a most wonderful vision of the Person, the Glory and the great Redemption work of our adorable Lord. The portion of the Epistle which is the richest in this respect is the Second Chapter. Here is a vista for the eyes of faith which is sublime. Our Lord in His Person, in His humiliation and exaltation, in His suffering and glory, stands out in a way which makes the believing heart rejoice with joy unspeakable
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ...
13. It follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost." This Trinity, one God, one nature, one substance, one power; highest equality, no division, no diversity, perpetual dearness of love. [1795] Would ye know the Holy Ghost, that He is God? Be baptized, and ye will be His temple. The Apostle says, "Know ye not that your bodies are the temple within you of the Holy Ghost, Whom ye have of God?" [1796] A temple is for God: thus also Solomon, king and prophet, was bidden to build a temple for God. If
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

From Egypt to Sinai.
Ex. Chs. 1-19 Israel in Egypt. The length of time the Hebrews remained In Egypt is a perplexing question. Exodus 6:16-20 makes Moses the fourth generation from Levi (See Gen. 15:16; Num. 26:57-59). This would make it about 150 years. Gen. 15:13 predicts 400 years. Ex. 12:40 says they were there 430 years and Paul (Gal. 3:17) says 430 years from Abraham to Sinai. These apparently conflicting dates may be explained because of different methods of counting generations, probably based on long lives of
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

The Son of Man
"The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." MARK 2:10 (R.V.) WHEN asserting His power to forgive sins, Jesus, for the first time in our Gospel, called Himself the Son of man. It is a remarkable phrase. The profound reverence which He from the first inspired, restrained all other lips from using it, save only when the first martyr felt such a rush of sympathy from above poured into his soul, that the thought of Christ's humanity was more moving than that of His deity. So too it is then alone
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

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