What does Acts 7:28 mean?

Explanation

Acts 7:28 refers to an incident mentioned earlier in the book of Exodus where Moses, having grown up in Pharaoh's house, sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people.

In response, Moses looks around to ensure no one is watching and kills the Egyptian, hiding his body in the sand.

The following day, he witnesses two Hebrews fighting and tries to intervene, only to be asked if he intends to kill one of them as he did the Egyptian.

Acts 7:28 is cited by Stephen, a Christian deacon, during his defense before the Sanhedrin (Jewish council) as he recounts the history of Israel and the rejection of Moses by the people.

This question reveals the Israelites' lack of understanding of Moses' calling and foreshadows their later rejection of Christ, which is Stephen's primary point in his speech.

Historical Context

Acts 7:28 falls within the narrative of Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin, shortly before his martyrdom.

Stephen recounts the history of the Jewish people and their resistance to divine messengers, pointing to Moses as a precursor to Christ.

The timing is during the early Christian church, not long after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in a period where the Christian faith was spreading but also meeting with significant opposition, particularly from Jewish religious leaders.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Stephen's use of the history of Moses serves to draw a parallel between the rejection of Moses by his own people and the rejection of Jesus by the Israelites.

Just as Moses was initially turned away by those he was sent to save, so too was Jesus rejected and crucified.

Stephen’s speech, which includes verse 28, ultimately presents a message about the continuity of God’s salvation history and the pattern of God’s messengers being rejected by their own people.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and accepting those who are sent to help and deliver us, whether in spiritual, emotional, or practical matters.

It can also encourage believers to remain faithful and persistent in their mission, even when facing rejection or misunderstanding from those they seek to help.

Cross-References

• Exodus 2:11-14: This is the original account of Moses killing the Egyptian and being confronted by a Hebrew man.
• Hebrews 11:24-26: Referring to Moses' faith and his choice to identify with the people of God rather than enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season.
• John 1:11: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” This parallels how Moses was not received by his people, just as Jesus was not received by His.
• Acts 7:35: Later in the same chapter, Stephen points out that this same Moses whom they had rejected was the one chosen by God to lead them out of Egypt.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the verb used for "kill" is "ἀνελεῖν" (anelein), which can mean to take up, to lift up, to take away, or in this context, to slay or kill.

This denotes a physical action with the intent of ending a life.

The second verb for "diddest" is "ἐποίησας" (epoiēsas), which is a form of the verb "to do" or "to make," indicating an action that has been committed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing Moses' act of killing the Egyptian to other ancient myths, one could find similarities in the theme of a hero standing up against injustice. For example, in some Greek myths, heroes often take justice into their own hands to protect the oppressed.

However, Moses' action is distinguished by its religious and moral implications within the context of his calling as a deliverer for the Hebrew people.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific perspective on the act of Moses killing the Egyptian, archaeological and historical studies can offer insights into the life of Hebrews in Egypt during the said period.

Moreover, the psychological aspect of leadership and public perception could be considered in assessing Moses' actions and the Hebrews' response.

Commentaries

Commentary on Acts 7:28 varies among biblical scholars.

Some emphasize Stephen’s retelling of Jewish history to show the continuous rebellion against God’s chosen leaders, which now includes the rejection of Jesus.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for instance, notes that Moses was willing to risk his status in Pharaoh's house to defend his oppressed brethren, and yet they did not understand his intentions.

This shows a pattern, Henry argues, that the Jews have been ungrateful and rebellious throughout history.

John Calvin comments that Moses’s premature action to deliver his people shows a flaw in taking matters into his own hands before God’s appointed time, which serves as a lesson on human impatience contrasted with divine timing.