Acts 7:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 7:28
28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
Chapter Context
Acts 7 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, worship, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-60: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 7:28
28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
Analysis
The Hebrew's threatening question exposed Moses' hidden deed, forcing him to flee. Knowledge of Moses' killing the Egyptian had spread, revealing that secret sins eventually come to light. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that human works, even acts of defense or justice, when done in the flesh apart from God's command, lead to fear and flight rather than deliverance. True deliverance would require God's sovereign intervention and call, not Moses' self-directed zeal.
Historical Context
Pharaoh learned of Moses' action and sought to kill him (Exodus 2:15), forcing Moses into forty years of exile in Midian. This Egyptian Pharaoh was likely Thutmose III or Amenhotep II of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
Reflection
- How do our 'secret' sins and self-directed actions ultimately hinder God's purposes?
- What is the difference between fleshly zeal for justice and Spirit-led obedience?
- Why must God's deliverers act under His authority rather than their own initiative?