What does Acts 7:37 mean?

Explanation

Acts 7:37 recounts a portion of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court in Jerusalem. Stephen refers to a prophecy that Moses spoke to the Israelites, as recorded in Deuteronomy 18:15.

The verse highlights the expectation of a prophet like Moses, whom God would raise from among the Jewish people.

The verse is significant because Stephen uses it to make a direct connection between Moses and Jesus Christ, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of that ancient prophecy. Stephen's purpose is to show that Jesus is indeed the promised prophet who should be heeded.

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is typically dated to the first century AD and is attributed to Luke, the companion of Paul. Acts 7:37 is part of Stephen's speech before he becomes the first Christian martyr.

The context of the speech is critical because it explains the Christian view of how Jesus relates to the history of Israel and its prophecies.

This particular passage is deeply rooted in the history of the Israelites, with Moses being a central figure in Jewish law and history, and the expectation of a future prophet was a significant aspect of Jewish messianic hope.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological viewpoint, Acts 7:37 articulates the belief that Jesus is the prophet who was to come, like Moses, revealing God's will to the people.

Some Christian scholars see in Jesus a greater mediator of God's covenant than Moses, as Jesus is believed to inaugurate a new covenant through his life, death, and resurrection.

In contrast, Jewish interpreters do not regard this verse as pointing to Jesus but maintain the expectation of a future prophet or messianic figure based on their interpretation of Torah prophecies.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Acts 7:37 can encourage believers to see their faith as part of a larger narrative of redemption that God has been weaving throughout history.

It can inspire individuals to listen to and follow the teachings of Jesus, believing Him to be the ultimate prophet and guide sent by God.

The call to "hear" this prophet could be understood to mean obeying Jesus' teachings and sharing his message of love and salvation.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 18:15: "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;"
• Deuteronomy 18:18-19: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."
• 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."
• Acts 3:22: "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you."

Language Study

In this verse, the phrase "like unto me" (Greek: ὡς ἐμέ) is significant. It implies a prophet with a similar role or one who shares some characteristics with Moses.

The words "a prophet" (προφήτην) suggest a divinely inspired spokesperson for God, whereas the imperative "him shall ye hear" (αὐτοῦ ἀκούσεσθε) emphasizes the authority and necessity of heeding this prophet's message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, figures often arise claiming to fulfill earlier prophecies, bringing renewal or reform.

Within Jewish tradition, expectations of a messianic figure varied, and different sects had different ideas about this individual.

In Islam, Moses (Musa) is also a revered prophet, and Muhammad is seen as the prophetic seal, while in Bahá'í belief, Bahá'u'lláh is regarded as fulfilling messianic prophecies of various religions.

Scientific Perspectives

Acts 7:37 does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings as it is a statement of faith regarding prophetic fulfillment.

However, modern biblical scholarship might apply historical-critical methods to understand the textual origins, authorship, and audience of Acts, which may, in turn, shed light on the cultural and historical context of such statements.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentaries interpret Acts 7:37 within the Christian framework as evidence of early Christian understanding of Jesus' role in religious history.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the idea that Moses spoke plainly of Christ to the children of Israel.

The Expositor's Greek Testament notes Stephen's boldness in using Jewish scripture to present Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy.

Critical commentaries often discuss the accuracy of Stephen's historical reference and the rhetorical strategy employed in his speech before the Sanhedrin.