ACTS 7 17-37

 Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased  [ ] ref  { } thots

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

     Review — A group called Libertines couldn’t disprove the words of Stephen, so they made accusations about him, stirred up the people and a mob against him, and dragged him to court where they provided false witnesses against him. 

     Before the council (in court) Stephen continues his very good history lesson - 7:17 - “Meanwhile as the time drew near, for the promise [of a homeland] which God had promised Abraham, the people had increased and multiplied in Egypt. 18 And another king had risen in Egypt who didn’t know Joseph [and the nation as friends]. 19 And he dealt poorly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants [to the elements] so they would perish. 20 And it was at this time that Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God's sight.” {As all babies are.. Yet God was choosing/had chosen/predetermined Moses for his purpose. Interfering too much in this contrast/life as we presently know it.. well, what then would be the purpose?} “And Moses remained for three months in his father's house, 21 and when he was put out in the elements, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own. 22 And so Moses was instructed in all the schooling and knowledge of the Egyptians. And he was also gifted in his words and in his deeds.”

     23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 24 And then seeing one of them being beaten, he defended and avenged the oppressed man by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was going to deliver them by his leadership, but they didn’t.

     26 And on the following day he returned and saw some were quarreling and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you’re brothers. Why do you fight each other?’ 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor {fellow person} pushed him aside, and said, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?! 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?!’

     29 At this, Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

     30 Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush.” {Must be a strong metaphor here. Parable, in the literal. Fire that doesn’t consume. Is in the heart?}

     31 “Now when Moses saw that! He was amazed. And as he drew near to get a better look, there came from the bush, the voice of the LORD saying, 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and no longer dared to look. 33 Then the LORD said to him, ‘Take the sandals from off your feet, for the place where you’re standing is holy ground. {For God’s sake? Like he needs anything.. Or for Moses’ sake.. To DO something reverential.} 34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in slavery and bondage in Egypt. I have heard their groaning, and I’ve come down to deliver them. So now come, I will send you to Egypt.’

     35 This Moses” Stephen continued, “whom they at first rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a judge and ruler?’ But it was to this man God appeared to in the bush. He was sent by the hand of an angel. 36 This Moses, is the one who led them out, and performed wonders, and signs in Egypt. And at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 And Moses is the one who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you the prophet like me, from among your brothers.’”

Next Week - 7:38-60