Acts 7:37
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 7:37
37 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.
Chapter Context
Acts 7 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, judgment, obedience. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 7:37
37 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.
Analysis
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. Stephen quotes Deuteronomy 18:15, identifying this as messianic prophecy that Moses himself delivered—a prophet like Moses would come.
The comparison like unto me suggests continuity and escalation. Like Moses, Christ would be mediator, lawgiver, deliverer, and covenant-maker. Yet greater than Moses, as Hebrews 3:3 confirms. The phrase of your brethren emphasizes the Messiah's humanity—fully human, one of Israel's descendants, yet uniquely authorized by God.
The command him shall ye hear carries divine authority. This isn't suggestion but requirement. At Christ's transfiguration, the Father speaks identical words: 'This is my beloved Son; hear him' (Mark 9:7). Stephen indicts his accusers: you claim to honor Moses, yet reject the very Prophet Moses predicted.
Reformed hermeneutics sees Christ as the ultimate Prophet, revealing God's final word (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Old Testament points forward to Him; rejecting Christ means rejecting the testimony of Moses himself. This typological reading was standard in apostolic preaching.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 was widely recognized in Second Temple Judaism as messianic prophecy. The Qumran community and various Jewish sects anticipated this coming Prophet. Peter quotes this same passage in Acts 3:22-23.
Stephen's strategy is brilliant: accused of blasphemy against Moses, he shows Moses himself testified to Christ. The Sanhedrin prided themselves as Moses' disciples (John 9:28), yet their rejection of Jesus violated Moses' explicit command. This speech precipitates Stephen's martyrdom—the accusation hits too close to home. Around 34-35 CE, the early church increasingly articulated Christ as fulfillment of Torah and Prophets.
Reflection
- How does Moses' prophecy of a coming Prophet establish Christ as fulfillment rather than replacement of the Law?
- What does it mean that we must 'hear' Christ, and how does this differ from merely hearing about Him?
- In what ways is Christ both like Moses and greater than Moses?
- How does this passage challenge those who claim religious heritage while rejecting Christ's lordship?
- What responsibility comes with recognizing Christ as the Prophet Moses foretold?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Acts 7:38, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35, John 18:37