Acts 7 36

Acts 7:36 kjv

He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

Acts 7:36 nkjv

He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

Acts 7:36 niv

He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness.

Acts 7:36 esv

This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.

Acts 7:36 nlt

And by means of many wonders and miraculous signs, he led them out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and through the wilderness for forty years.

Acts 7 verses

Acts 7 36 Meaning

Stephen highlights Moses' divinely empowered leadership, authenticated by powerful supernatural acts displaying God's intervention throughout the Exodus from Egypt, the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, and the sustained provision and discipline in the wilderness journey for forty years. This passage underscores God's faithfulness and Moses' role as His accredited deliverer.

Acts 7 36 Context

Acts 7:36 is part of Stephen's long discourse before the Sanhedrin, where he is accused of speaking against Moses, the Law, and the Temple. Stephen's defense involves recounting a selective history of Israel, emphasizing two key points: God's continuous work of salvation often occurred outside or before the Temple, and Israel frequently resisted or rejected God's chosen leaders, from Joseph to Moses, and implicitly, to Jesus Himself. In this verse, Stephen portrays Moses as a powerfully authenticated deliverer, specifically highlighting God's mighty works through him during the Exodus and wilderness. By recounting Moses' legitimate divine accreditation despite the people's rebellion, Stephen subtly draws a parallel to his own situation and the rejection of Jesus.

Acts 7 36 Word analysis

• He (Gk. houtos): Refers directly to Moses, the subject of Stephen's narrative from Acts 7:20 onwards. It underscores Moses' pivotal and distinct role as God's instrument.
• led them out (Gk. exēgagen, from exagō): Signifies "to bring out," "to deliver," or "to lead forth." This is the foundational term for the "Exodus" and implies a powerful act of divine liberation and initiative. It stresses that Moses was the divinely appointed agent for Israel's deliverance.
• after performing (Gk. poiēsas, an aorist active participle from poieō): Means "having done," "having made," or "having accomplished." This emphasizes that Moses' leadership in leading the people out was preceded and authenticated by concrete, active demonstrations of divine power through him.
• wonders and signs (Gk. terata kai sēmeia): A common biblical pairing for divine authentication.
  • wonders (Gk. terata): Extraordinary and astonishing events that inspire awe, sometimes dread, signifying something truly marvelous or terrifying, beyond human capability.
  • signs (Gk. sēmeia): Events that point to a greater reality, revealing divine authority, confirming a message, or authenticating a messenger. Together, they demonstrate incontrovertible proof of God's active presence and validation of Moses' ministry.
• in Egypt: The location of the initial, overwhelming displays of God's power through the ten plagues, proving His supremacy over the gods of Egypt and compelling Pharaoh to release Israel.
• at the Red Sea: The site of the miraculous parting of the waters (Ex 14), which completed Israel's liberation by destroying the pursuing Egyptian army. This event was an unparalleled demonstration of God's saving power.
• and in the wilderness: The vast, arid region where God continued to demonstrate His faithfulness through supernatural provision (manna, water) and protection, while also disciplining His people over many years.
• for forty years: A significant period in biblical typology. It represents a generation's lifespan, a period of testing, divine discipline, and purification, demonstrating God's long-suffering patience and Israel's continued reliance (or lack thereof) on Him.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He led them out, after performing": This phrase succinctly combines Moses' human leadership with divine empowerment. The act of "leading out" was not merely logistical but directly flowed from and was validated by the "performing" of mighty deeds, highlighting God's active role through Moses in the Exodus.
• "wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea": This grouping identifies the foundational miraculous events that definitively established Moses' authority and God's power in liberating Israel from slavery. These acts were visible, undeniable declarations of God's supremacy and His commitment to His covenant.
• "and in the wilderness for forty years": This extends the timeline and scope of God's miraculous providence. It demonstrates that God's active engagement and miraculous support of Israel were not limited to their initial liberation but continued throughout a sustained period of wandering, even amidst their consistent rebellion and testing. This phrase also carries the dual meaning of divine care and Israel's unbelief.

Acts 7 36 Bonus section

• The phrase "wonders and signs" is a standard prophetic formula in both Old and New Testaments, consistently authenticating God's messengers (e.g., Jesus in Acts 2:22; the Apostles in Acts 2:43; 2 Cor 12:12). It underscores that Moses' actions were not merely human exploits but direct manifestations of divine power, aligning him with all true prophets.
• The forty-year period in the wilderness holds profound theological significance. It represents a period of divine training and testing, where God humbled Israel and taught them dependence on Him for every aspect of their existence (Deut 8:2-3). It served as a crucible for a new generation before they could enter the Promised Land, foreshadowing the spiritual wilderness that believers might experience.
• The entire Exodus narrative, culminating in the wilderness sojourn, serves as a significant type (pattern) for God's ultimate salvation work in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses led Israel from physical slavery to promised rest, Jesus leads His people from spiritual slavery to the true spiritual rest and inheritance in God (Heb 4:8-10).

Acts 7 36 Commentary

Acts 7:36 functions as a foundational declaration of Moses' unquestionable divine authentication before Israel. Stephen's account here is highly selective and purposeful. It highlights that God’s great redemptive work was demonstrably through Moses, attested by unparalleled miracles. The "wonders and signs" served as undeniable proof of God's power over human oppression and natural elements, confirming Moses as the legitimate intermediary between God and His people. This divine attestation was not a singular event but a continuous outpouring of miracles throughout their long sojourn in the wilderness, underscoring God's faithful presence and provision even during periods of Israel's stubbornness and rebellion. By emphasizing these undeniable facts, Stephen is subtly building his case: if God so powerfully authenticated Moses, how much more powerful is the accreditation of the greater Prophet, Jesus, whom Israel had now rejected? The example of Moses' initial rejection by Israel (Acts 7:27-29) yet ultimate divine commissioning, mirrors Christ's experience.