What does Acts 3:22 mean?

Explanation

Acts 3:22 refers to a statement by Peter, who is quoting a prophecy from Deuteronomy 18:15-19.

Peter is speaking to a Jewish audience and references Moses, whose authority they highly regarded.

He recalls the words of Moses, who prophesied that God would raise a prophet from among the Israelites, a prophet like himself.

This prophet would be one whom the people should listen to in all things.

The key analogy here is "like unto me," indicating that the coming prophet would have a similar status or role to that of Moses.

The deeper meaning of the verse lies in its Messianic expectation.

Christians believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy, as Jesus was a Jewish prophet who, like Moses, delivered God's commandments and taught the people.

Furthermore, he is seen as a mediator between God and humanity, a parallel to Moses' mediation between God and the Israelites.

Historical Context

Acts is believed to be written by Luke as a continuation of his Gospel, around A.D. 70 to A.D. 100.

It was a time after Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

The early Christians were spreading the news about Jesus and his teachings to both Jews and Gentiles.

In this context, Peter was speaking to a crowd that included devout Jews, and he used their scriptures to establish the legitimacy of Jesus as the promised prophet.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, the verse is seen as a validation of Jesus' role and mission. It also supports the concept of prophetic continuity in God's plan of salvation, beginning with Moses and culminating in Jesus.

Other viewpoints might be less Christocentric.

Jews, for example, traditionally interpret the "prophet like Moses" as not a singular individual but a reference to the succession of prophets God sent to Israel through the ages.

Not identifying Jesus as this prophet, Jews await the Messiah as a figure who is yet to come.

Practical Applications

Acts 3:22 can be applied in daily life by understanding the importance of listening to God's guidance through various means.

Christians take this verse as an encouragement to follow the teachings of Jesus, who they believe is speaking to them through the Scriptures.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19: "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;"
• John 1:45: "Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
• John 6:14: "Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world."
• Acts 7:37: "This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear."

Language Study

The key terms to consider in the original Greek text of this verse from Acts are:

• "Prophet" (προφήτην - prophetēn): This refers to one who speaks by divine inspiration as a spokesperson for God.
• "Raise up" (ἀναστήσει - anastēsei): Not just to "raise", but to “cause to rise,” suggesting divine appointment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various cultures and religions, there are figures like Moses who act as intermediaries between the divine and humanity.

The prophetic tradition is not unique to Judaism or Christianity, with similar roles observable in Islam's concept of prophets and even in non-Abrahamic traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

The intersection between this verse and modern scientific understandings isn't direct, as the verse deals with theological prophecy rather than empirical observation.

If one considers the science of textual criticism and historical analysis, the verse provides evidence of how early Christians regarded Jesus and understood his role in the light of Jewish prophecy.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree that Acts 3:22 is Peter's use of a key prophecy to interpret Jesus' life and ministry in terms that his Jewish audience would understand and accept.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for example, posits that Jesus is superior to Moses, and thus fulfills the role of the "prophet like unto" Moses in a greater way.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary explains that this is one of several speeches in Acts where the apostles attempt to connect Jesus to Jewish expectations of the Messiah.

There is an ongoing scholarly debate about the exact expectations of first-century Jews regarding the prophet like Moses, which informs different interpretations of the passage.