Acts 7:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 7:29
29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
Chapter Context
Acts 7 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, judgment, faith. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 7:29
29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
Analysis
Moses' flight to Midian marks a crucial transition from self-confident Egyptian prince to humble shepherd. The term 'stranger' (Greek paroikos, sojourner) became Moses' identity - he named his son Gershom meaning 'stranger there.' Reformed theology sees God's providence in this exile: Moses needed to become a stranger and sojourner to identify with Israel's condition and to learn dependence on God alone. His two sons represented both his alien status (Gershom) and God's help (Eliezer).
Historical Context
Midian was east of the Gulf of Aqaba, descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2). Moses married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro the Midianite priest, integrating into this pastoral society for forty years (circa 1486-1446 BC).
Reflection
- How did Moses' identity as a 'stranger' prepare him to lead Israel, themselves strangers in Egypt?
- What role does exile and displacement play in God's preparation of His servants?
- In what ways are all believers called to be 'strangers and pilgrims' (1 Peter 2:11)?