Acts 7:19 – “He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen continues his speech before the Sanhedrin, describing how the new Pharaoh in Egypt dealt harshly and cruelly with the Israelites. He enslaved them and then ordered their baby boys to be killed—a horrific act meant to control their population and weaken them as a people.

This was an act of fear and oppression. Pharaoh saw how numerous the Israelites had become (Exodus 1:9-10) and, fearing they might join Egypt’s enemies in war, he tried to reduce their numbers through brutal slavery and, eventually, through infanticide.

Stephen is highlighting this moment because it sets the stage for the birth of Moses, God’s chosen deliverer. Just as Pharaoh tried to eliminate Moses before he could fulfill his calling, the religious leaders in Stephen’s day had rejected Jesus, the true Deliverer.

Historical Context

• The Israelites had become a great nation in Egypt. They had arrived as a family of seventy-five people (Acts 7:14), but by this time, they numbered in the millions (Exodus 1:7).
• The Egyptian king felt threatened. He feared that the Israelites would rise up and overthrow Egypt, so he enslaved them and made their lives bitter (Exodus 1:8-14).
• Pharaoh ordered the killing of Hebrew baby boys. He first told the Hebrew midwives to kill all male newborns (Exodus 1:15-16). When they refused, he commanded all Egyptians to throw Hebrew babies into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22).
• This is where Moses’ story begins. His mother hid him for three months, and then God miraculously saved him through Pharaoh’s own daughter (Exodus 2:1-10).

Stephen’s audience—the Jewish leaders—knew this story well. But Stephen was preparing to make a bigger point: Just as Pharaoh tried to destroy Israel’s deliverer, they had now rejected and crucified Jesus, the true Deliverer.

Theological Implications

1. Evil rulers often oppose God’s people. Pharaoh’s oppression of Israel was not just political—it was spiritual warfare against God’s chosen people. In the same way, Jesus warned that His followers would face persecution (John 15:18-20).
2. God’s purposes cannot be stopped by human power. Pharaoh tried to destroy Israel, but God used Moses to deliver them. In the same way, the religious leaders tried to silence Jesus, but God raised Him from the dead (Acts 2:23-24).
3. God raises up deliverers in times of trouble. Moses was born in a time of oppression, just as Jesus was born during Roman rule. In both cases, the enemy tried to stop them from fulfilling their mission—but God’s plan prevailed.
4. Satan often attacks children in an attempt to stop God’s plan. Pharaoh killed baby boys in Egypt, and later, King Herod ordered the massacre of infants in Bethlehem to try to eliminate Jesus (Matthew 2:16). But no force on earth can stop God’s will.

Stephen was showing that Israel had faced opposition before, and now they were making the same mistake by rejecting Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse builds on the theme of oppression and deliverance that runs throughout Stephen’s speech:

• Pharaoh oppresses Israel → God raises up Moses.
• Religious leaders oppose Jesus → God raises Him up as the true Deliverer.

It also highlights the pattern of attempted destruction before salvation:

• Pharaoh tried to kill Moses, but God saved him.
• Herod tried to kill Jesus, but God protected Him.
• The religious leaders killed Jesus, but God raised Him from the dead.

Stephen is making the case that God’s deliverers have always faced rejection and opposition, and Jesus is no exception.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 1:8-22 – Pharaoh enslaves Israel and orders the killing of baby boys.
• Exodus 2:1-10 – Moses is miraculously saved from Pharaoh’s command.
• Psalm 105:24-25 – God made His people fruitful, but Egypt oppressed them.
• Matthew 2:16 – Herod orders the killing of male infants, just as Pharaoh did.
• Acts 2:23-24 – Jesus was rejected and killed, but God raised Him up.
• Revelation 12:3-5 – A symbolic picture of Satan trying to destroy Jesus, just as Pharaoh and Herod had attempted.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that evil will always try to oppose God’s people, but God is always in control.

• God’s people will face opposition. Just as Pharaoh targeted Israel, and Herod targeted Jesus, believers today will face challenges because of their faith.
• God’s plan cannot be stopped. No matter what Pharaoh did, God still raised up Moses. No matter what the religious leaders did, God still raised up Jesus.
• We must trust God’s timing in difficult situations. The Israelites suffered under Pharaoh before they were delivered. Sometimes, God allows hardships before bringing deliverance.

For believers today, this is a reminder that God is always at work, even in the darkest times.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in this story in several ways:

1. He protected His people, even in oppression. Despite Pharaoh’s cruelty, God did not abandon Israel.
2. He saved Moses to bring deliverance. God’s love was preparing a way for His people to be set free.
3. He ultimately sent Jesus as the true Deliverer. God’s love didn’t stop with Moses—He sent His own Son to bring ultimate freedom from sin.

Even in difficult times, God’s love is always working for the good of His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Moses’ story is a clear foreshadowing of Jesus:

1. Both were born during a time of oppression. (Exodus 1:8-22; Matthew 2:16)
2. Both faced attempts to be killed as infants. (Exodus 2:1-4; Matthew 2:13-15)
3. Both were raised up by God to deliver His people. (Exodus 3:10; Luke 4:18)
4. Both were rejected by their own people. (Exodus 2:14; John 1:11)
5. Both led people out of bondage—Moses from slavery, Jesus from sin. (Exodus 12:31-32; John 8:36)

Stephen’s point was clear: Just as Israel had rejected Moses at first, they were now rejecting Jesus, their true Savior.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt like the world is against you because of your faith? How does this verse encourage you to trust God?
2. How does Moses’ story help you understand Jesus’ mission as our Deliverer?
3. The Israelites suffered before their deliverance. Have you ever faced struggles that God later used for good?
4. Pharaoh feared the Israelites because they were growing in number. How do you see fear leading to opposition against God’s people today?
5. How does knowing that God’s plan cannot be stopped give you confidence in your faith?

This verse reminds us that opposition against God’s people is nothing new—but neither is God’s faithfulness. Just as He raised up Moses to deliver Israel, He has raised up Jesus to bring eternal salvation. No matter how dark things may seem, God is always in control, working out His perfect plan.