Summary of Acts 7:35

Acts 7:35 discusses how Moses, initially rejected by his own people, was ordained by God to lead and deliver Israel from bondage in Egypt. This verse emphasizes God's providence and choice in appointing leaders, despite human disbelief.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry highlights the irony of Moses being rejected by those he came to save. This rejection served as a foreshadowing of Christ's own rejection. He also underscores God's persistent work in raising leaders despite human opposition.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that Moses was chosen by God to be both a spiritual and civil leader. He points out that the miraculous signs, including the burning bush, validated Moses’ authority. This sets a precedent for divine confirmation of God's chosen people.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke focuses on the theological implications of divine choice and rejection. He emphasizes the role of Moses as a 'deliverer' typifying Christ, and that God selects whom He wills to accomplish His purposes regardless of human opinions.

Bible Cross-References

• Exodus 3:10: God's commissioning of Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
• Hebrews 11:24-26: Moses's faith in refusing to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter.
• John 1:11: Our Lord Jesus being rejected by His own people.
• Acts 3:22: Quoting Moses, God will raise up a prophet like him among the brethren.
• Deuteronomy 18:15: The promise that God would raise up a prophet from among the people.
• Matthew 21:42: Jesus referring to Himself as the stone the builders rejected.
• Isaiah 53:3: Describes the Messiah as being despised and rejected by men.
• Luke 4:24: Jesus stating that no prophet is accepted in his own country.
• Romans 11:2-5: God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew, including those who rejected Him.
• 1 Peter 2:4: Christ as the living stone rejected by men, but chosen by God.

Connections Between Bible Verses

Acts 7:35 serves as a pivotal moment linking the Old Testament figure of Moses with the New Testament reality in Christ. The parallels drawn between Moses as a deliverer and Jesus Christ highlight God's plan of redemption and leadership:

• The rejection of Moses parallels the rejection of Christ, emphasizing a consistent theme of God’s chosen ones facing disbelief.
• Both Moses and Jesus are depicted as deliverers sent by God, showcasing the divine choice and authority in appointing leaders.
• Moses’ prophetic role establishes a framework that leads to the ultimate prophetic fulfillment in Jesus.
• Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush is a prefiguration of divine revelation, seen elaborately in the Gospel of John with the Word made flesh.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

This verse invites exploration into several themes:

• Divine Appointment: Understanding how God appoints leaders through Scripture (e.g., Jeremiah 1:5).
• Rejection and Acceptance: The motif of God's chosen being rejected, seen throughout Scripture.
• The Latter Prophets: Connections between Moses and the Prophets leading to Christ's advent.
• Deliverance: The thematic link of liberation found in passages like Psalm 34:17.
• Faith Amidst Doubt: How both Moses and Jesus faced skepticism, paralleling the experiences of the faithful today.

Conclusion

Acts 7:35 is a profound verse that encapsulates the essence of God’s leadership, the anticipation of Christ, and the complexities of human reception to divine calling. It serves as a reminder for believers to recognize and honor God's chosen servants who lead us toward freedom and truth.

Further Study Tools

For those interested in deepening their understanding of cross-referencing within the Scriptures, consider the following:

• Bible concordance for tracking keywords and themes.
• Bible cross-reference guides to locate similar verses efficiently.
• Online Bible tools for thematic studies and historical contexts.
• Study Bibles with embedded cross-references and footnotes for context.
• Group Bible study materials for collaborative learning about interconnected verses.