What does Acts 7:35 mean?

Explanation

[This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.] (Acts 7:35, KJV) addresses the initial rejection of Moses by the Israelites and God’s subsequent appointment of Moses as their leader.

The verse highlights a paradox: the same Moses who was initially rejected by his people was the one whom God chose to liberate them from Egyptian bondage. It underscores the notion that God's choices may not align with human expectations or acceptance.

The reference to "the angel which appeared to him in the bush" alludes to the theophany – a divine manifestation – Moses experienced at the burning bush on Mount Horeb, where he received his commission from God (Exodus 3).

This verse positions Moses not only as a historical figure but as a divinely sanctioned leader, emphasizing the divine authority behind his mission.

Historical Context

Acts 7:35 is part of a speech by Stephen, a Christian deacon who was speaking in his own defense before Jewish leaders in Jerusalem.

His speech is a retelling of Jewish history, highlighting the recurrent theme of the Israelites’ resistance to those whom God sends to them.

The speech ultimately led to Stephen's martyrdom, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.

During this period, Christianity was seen as a sect within Judaism.

Jews and early Christians shared a common history and scripture but diverged in their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah.

Stephen draws parallels between the rejection of Moses and the rejection of Jesus by certain Jewish authorities.

He is speaking in a period marked by religious tension, where the emerging Christian faith was both growing and becoming distinct from its Jewish roots.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, Acts 7:35 serves to illustrate a theological continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

Moses serves as a type of Christ, with both figures being initially rejected by their own people yet affirmed by God.

The "ruler and a deliverer" that Moses came to be foreshadows, in Christian theology, the role of Jesus as the ultimate ruler and savior.

This verse also highlights the sovereignty of God over human decisions and the mysterious ways He prepares and uses leaders for His purposes.

The presence of the angel in the bush reaffirms God's direct intervention in guiding Moses, just as Christians believe Jesus was sent by God and led by the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

Acts 7:35 can inspire individuals to trust in God's greater plan even when facing rejection or misunderstanding.

It suggests that human judgment may be shortsighted and that true authority comes from God. For believers, it can instill courage to stand firm in their convictions and to be open to God's unexpected choices in their lives.

This verse also serves as an encouragement to accept and follow spiritual leaders who, although they might not always align with our expectations, have been appointed by God for a particular mission or purpose.

Cross-References

• Exodus 3:2: "And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed."
• Exodus 2:14: "And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known."
• Exodus 14:31: "And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses."
• Hebrews 11:24-26: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."
• John 1:11: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse from Acts require analysis:

• "ἀπώσαντο" (apōsanto) - Translated as "refused" or "rejected," this word conveys a strong dismissal, indicating a decisive act of rejection by the people.
• "ἄρχοντα" (archonta) and "δικαστήν" (dikastēn) - Translated as "a ruler" and "a judge," these terms suggest authority and the capacity to make judicial decisions.
• "ἀγγέλου" (angelou) - This word is often translated as "angel," but in a broader biblical context, it can refer to a messenger or a divine representative.
• "ἐν τῇ βάτῳ" (en tē batō) - Literally "in the bush," referring to the location of the divine encounter with the burning bush.

Understanding these words in their original language and context enriches the meaning of the verse and emphasizes the dramatic turnabout from Moses' rejection to his divine commissioning.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, the theme of a rejected hero or leader later elevated by divine intervention is common.

For example, in Greek mythology, figures like Heracles faced challenges from those they would later save.

In the Egyptian narrative, the story of Joseph (also found in the Hebrew Bible) shows a similar pattern of initial rejection followed by a rise to a position of authority through divine favor.

In other religious contexts, such as Islam, Moses (known as Musa) is also regarded as a significant prophet, and his narrative illustrates similar themes of divine election and mission against initial opposition.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the account of the burning bush, linked to Moses in this verse, generates interest regarding natural phenomena that may have been perceived as divine manifestations.

For example, some have theorized that the burning bush could have been a natural occurrence such as a plant containing flammable oil that appeared to be on fire without being consumed.

However, from a literary and religious standpoint, such explanations are not typically intended to demystify the event but rather to understand the possible interplay between natural phenomena and the perception of the divine.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of Acts 7:35. For example:

• John Calvin: Emphasized Moses' role as a deliverer and the importance of God's sovereignty in choosing despite human rejection.
• Matthew Henry: Drew parallels between the experiences of Moses and Jesus Christ, with the emphasis on God's ultimate plan prevailing over human rejection.
• William Barclay: Discussed the unexpected nature of God’s choices and the divine authority that validates Moses' leadership, independent of human approval.

Overall, commentators reflect on the significance of Moses' leadership as divinely ordained and the theme of God's redemptive work through unexpected and often initially resisted means.