What does Acts 7:38 mean?

Explanation

Acts 7:38 refers to a speech delivered by Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as recorded in the Book of Acts.

In this verse, Stephen speaks to the Jewish council and refers to Moses, as "he," who was with the Israelites, described as "the church in the wilderness." The term "church" here signifies a gathering or assembly of God's people.

Stephen explains that Moses was in contact with an angel on Mount Sinai, where he received divine messages – the "lively oracles," or living words of God, which are the commandments and teachings meant to be passed down to God's people.

These oracles are called "lively" because they are considered eternally valid and powerful for guiding the lives of the faithful.

Historical Context

Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and it follows the Gospels.

It was written by Luke, who also wrote the third Gospel.

The timeframe of Acts 7 is during the early formation of the Christian church, shortly after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Stephen's speech is given sometime around 35 AD during his trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Council.

The early Christian movement was considered heretical by many Jewish authorities, which led to conflicts and trials.

Stephen uses the history of Israel to make a point about the current rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse reinforces the belief in the continuity of divine revelation from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Stephen draws a direct line from the experiences of Israel with God's revelations in the past to the new revelations in Christ.

It also underlines the concept of God's covenant people not being confined to one place or time but defined by God's ongoing relationship with them, which now includes Gentiles through the universal message of the Gospel.

From a Christian viewpoint, this passage could be seen to suggest that just as Moses was a mediator of God's laws, Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant established for all humankind.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can remind modern believers of the importance of historical faith traditions and their role in shaping contemporary practice and belief.

The notion that there is significance in the continuity of God's word throughout generations might encourage individuals to respect and uphold the teachings contained in both the Old and New Testaments.

It also suggests a need to be open to new revelations within the context of the same faith, much like the Israelites had to transition from Moses' teachings to embracing the teachings of Jesus.

Cross-References

• Exodus 19:3-6 - "And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;"
• Deuteronomy 5:22 - "These words the Lord spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more.

And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me."

• Hebrews 3:5 - "And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;"
• Hebrews 8:5 - "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."

Language Study

The key phrases in the original Greek text of Acts 7:38 worth exploring include:

• "εκκλησία" (ekklēsia) often translated as "church," referring to an assembly of people.

In this context, it refers to the Israelites gathering as a community under God's covenant.

• "έζησεν" (ezēsen) which means "lived" or "was," indicating Moses' presence among the people.
• "λόγιον ζῶντα" (logion zōnta) translated as "lively oracles," with "logion" deriving from "λόγος" ("logos"), meaning "word" or "utterance," and "zōnta" being the present active participle of "ζάω" ("zaō"), meaning "to live." This compound suggests living, active, life-giving words or messages.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and cultures, there are similar themes of divine revelation and lawgiving. In Mesopotamian tradition, for example, the Code of Hammurabi was seen as divinely bestowed to bring order and justice.

The concept of receiving divine laws from a deity on a mountain also has parallels in other cultures, including Greek mythology where Zeus gives laws from Mount Olympus.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might interpret the "church in the wilderness" as a sociological phenomenon, describing the formation of early social structures around religious beliefs.

The reference of "lively oracles" to living words could be seen through the lens of linguistics, exploring how language and its transmission affect society.

Commentaries

Various experts on the Book of Acts have added insight into this verse:

• F.F.

Bruce comments on how Stephen establishes continuity between the Christian community and the ancient Israelite assembly, signaling the divine pattern.

• John Stott remarks on the ironic parallel that Stephen draws: as Israel resisted Moses, so the Jews of Stephen’s day resisted Jesus and his followers.
• Matthew Henry observes that Stephen credits Moses not only with receiving the laws of God but also with delivering them to the people, highlighting the role of leaders in God’s plan.

Each of these commentaries acknowledges the deep links Stephen makes between the history of Israel and the emerging Christian faith, and they reflect on the resistance faced by messengers of God throughout biblical history.