“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.” – Acts 7:37 (KJV)
“So Moses was in the assembly of God’s people; he said, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people. You must listen to everything he tells you.'” – Acts 7:37 (NLT)
“This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people. You must listen to him.'” – Acts 7:37 (MSG)
What Does Acts 7:37 Mean?
In Acts 7:37, we see a significant declaration by Moses that often gets overlooked. This verse is part of Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin, where he references the life of Moses. It carries weight because it reflects a prophecy regarding a future prophet who would come. Moses, a key figure in the Old Testament, had led the Israelites out of Egypt and brought them the Law. Here, he foreshadows someone who would come in a similar role. This reference points not only to the leadership qualities of Moses but also to the prophetic role of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled this prophecy. Through this verse, we learn that God has a plan. He raises leaders and prophets throughout history to guide His people.
The message that God will raise up a prophet like Moses is monumental in understanding the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. God is always in control, preparing His people for the next chapter of their spiritual journey. When Moses spoke these words, he was essentially announcing that the story of God’s interaction with humanity was far from over. This anticipation creates a sense of hope among the people of Israel. They were reminded that God had not abandoned them but was actively engaged in their lives, ensuring they would have guidance and support in their journey.
Acts 7:37 Explanation and Commentary
Examining Acts 7:37 involves looking at its layers of meaning. Stephen, in his defense, is drawing a line through history. By declaring that Moses prophesied about a prophet like himself, he sets the stage for Jesus’ introduction in the New Testament. The “prophet like me” serves as a direct reference to Jesus, encouraging listeners to reflect on His teachings and recognize His authority. Stephen goes beyond narrating a historical account; he is essentially teaching the Sanhedrin about the promised Messiah.
Stephen is connecting Moses’ leadership to Jesus’ ministry. Just as Moses delivered God’s message to the people and guided them to freedom, Jesus came to deliver us from sin and lead us to eternal life. The Israelites revered Moses, and now Stephen argues that they should revere Jesus that much more because He is the fulfillment of Moses’ prophecy. This verse acts as a turning point in Jewish understanding, bridging the Old Testament revelations with the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.
If we think about the attributes of Moses as a leader—his humble beginnings, his struggles, and his ultimate trust in God—we can see reflections of those characteristics in Jesus. Understanding this prophesy helps remind us of God’s faithfulness. Even when it seemed that Israel was abandoned or lost in despair, God had a plan: to send Jesus, the ultimate prophet and savior. This rich narrative of history provides us insight into God’s character. He is a faithful promise keeper, always prepared to provide guidance and support through appointed leaders.
What we grasp from Acts 7:37 is that God communicates with us through the leaders He raises. Sometimes, those leaders may come in forms that surprise us. While Moses was a humble shepherd, Jesus was born in a lowly manger. God shows us that our leaders may not always appear in royal attire or on grand platforms, but their messages are profound and life-changing. And like the Israelites had to listen to Moses, we too must pay attention to the voice God raises among us as we continue our spiritual journey.
This call to discernment challenges us to evaluate who we listen to in our lives. We are called to pay attention to the message of the prophets God has sent, whether they are found in our churches, communities, or even through the message of Scripture itself. This continuous request from God to hear Him encourages us to examine our own lives for places where we can apply the wisdom of His teaching.
Context of Acts 7:37
Acts 7 is a remarkable chapter in the New Testament. Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early church, stands before the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. He is accused of blasphemy, and instead of defending himself verbally, he provides an extensive outline of Israel’s history. He recounts the faithfulness of God to His people despite their constant rebellion. Acts 7:37 fits within this context, signifying a moment of prophecy about the future coming of Jesus, emphasizing the continuity of God’s plan for His people.
In examining Acts 7, we see that Stephen is speaking about foundational events in Jewish history. He emphasizes how Moses was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery. Moses’ life story is not only about his leadership but is also filled with moments of doubt and obstacles. It’s this context of struggle and resolution that Stephen uses to point to Jesus, the ultimate example of delivering God’s people from spiritual bondage.
Stephen’s approach in this chapter is not confrontational, but rather deeply contextual. He knows his audience well—the Sanhedrin would have significant respect for Moses and the Law. By recalling this prophecy, Stephen connects the two main figures—the lawgiver and the Messiah. This connection speaks volumes to the audience, especially given that they believed fervently in the teachings passed down through Moses. Through this appeal, Stephen highlighted the fulfillment of prophecy and showed that Jesus is indeed the awaited Messiah who understands their plight.
We can learn vital lessons about the importance of sharing our faith stories, just like Stephen did. He wasn’t merely defending his beliefs; he was recalling the history that shaped a nation while simultaneously pointing to a profound truth—Jesus is God’s chosen Prophet. When we share our stories and the stories of those who have shaped our faith, we provide context and meaning for those we share with.
Context matters significantly. Knowing who we are speaking to, understanding their experiences, and relating to their history can be powerful tools in effectively communicating the gospel message. We should strive to remember the foundational truths of our own faith journeys, awaiting opportunities to share how God has faithfully led us. Whether it is in personal conversations or larger gatherings, context provides depth to our understanding of God’s overarching narrative in our lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 7:37
Breaking down Acts 7:37 brings to light the layered meanings embedded in its words. Here, we discover the significance of “this is that Moses.” Stephen’s usage of “this is” establishes a direct connection to the Moses familiar to the Israelites, reinforcing that he is speaking of an important historical figure who represents God’s leading hand in their lives. We recognize the importance of leadership and guidance from the right sources.
The phrase “A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up” points to a promise from God. It reminds us that while earthly leaders may disappoint us, God will always provide the right voice at the right time. His promises reflect His faithfulness and commitment to guiding His people. “From your brethren” emphasizes the humanity of Jesus; He is not an outsider but one who understands the struggles of His people. This inclusion calls us to relate to God who experienced life as we do. Jesus can empathize with us, bringing a more profound understanding of what it means to follow God.
The call to “hear him” at the end echoes the responsibility of the Israelites, and it implicates us today. It is a call to action, inviting us not just to listen passively, but to engage actively with the truth revealed through Christ. We are encouraged to take Jesus’ words seriously as he speaks to us in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit. As followers, we have the responsibility to discern His voice amidst all the noise around us.
Ultimately, each phrase connects us to the larger narrative of salvation that spans generations. It emphasizes that God is consistently present, revealing His character through chosen leaders while foreshadowing the vibrant message of hope found in Jesus. This continual thread of hope encourages us today—it assures us that God’s work continues. Even in times of struggle, we find confidence in knowing we serve a God who raises prophets and leaders to guide us toward Him.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 7:37
Acts 7:37 provides insight and guidance for our own lives as we search for meaning and direction. First, we are reminded that God actively raises leaders in our midst. Whether they are pastors, mentors, or fellow believers, God continues His work through people. We should be observant and attentive to those He places in our lives as they may offer messages and guidance intended for us. We need to become a community that listens, encourages, and builds each other up in faith as we navigate our spiritual journeys together.
This verse also invites us to embrace the prophetic. We may not speak in the same way as Moses or Jesus, but through our testimonies and daily lives, we can be a voice of hope to others. Every interaction presents an opportunity to share God’s love, grace, and wisdom. Just as Moses pointed the way to a greater prophetic figure, we, too, can point others toward Christ by sharing our experiences of Him working in our lives.
This scripture also reminds us of the importance of listening. “You must listen to everything he tells you” serves as a challenge. Are we attentive to the guidance God provides? Are we taking the time to reflect on His word and the messages we receive through prayer and community? Being open to learning from God should drive us to not just be consumers of information but to allow His truth to transform us into the likeness of Christ. We are called to actively pursue relationships with God and each other that help strengthen our faith.
Finally, we learn about the continuity of God’s promises. He fulfilled the promise to send a prophet like Moses in Jesus, and He continues to reveal His faithfulness today. Trusting in God’s ongoing work assures us that we are never forgotten or abandoned; God is always with us, offering guidance and hope. Each time we feel disconnected, we can return to God’s promises and be reminded that we are part of an ongoing story—a story of love, redemption, and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Acts 7:37 serves as a powerful reminder of how God uses individuals to speak to His people. Through Moses, He made a declaration that resonates throughout history, leading us to understand the significance of Jesus in our lives today. God continues to raise leaders who share His message, echoing the same truth that God is always guiding us through life.
As we reflect on this verse, let’s commit to being attentive listeners—to both God’s word and the leaders He places in our lives. It’s essential not only to embrace and absorb what is being preached but also to become living examples who serve and point others toward Christ. Our spiritual journey is not just about us; it’s about how we can affect the lives of others through faith, encouragement, and genuine love.
It’s exciting to think about the history that surrounds us, and the stories that shape our faith. Like those early believers, we are called to share the excitement of what God is doing and to look forward to how He is leading us. God has a plan, and if we remain attentive and willing, we will be blessed to witness His work unfold in our lives and the world around us. So let us open our hearts to His messages and be ready to respond to His call, just as Moses did, leading us closer to fulfilling His promises.
For further exploration of biblical themes, check out the story of the spies sent into Canaan, where you will find lessons on obedience and faith. You’ll also want to take a look at why Jesus’ teachings continue to resonate today. Each of these passages helps us go deeper into understanding God’s word and His loving guidance.