Acts 7:23 – “When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites.”

Extended Explanation

Stephen continues his speech before the Jewish leaders, recounting the story of Moses. By this point, Moses was 40 years old, well-educated, and living as Egyptian royalty. But something stirred inside him—he felt compelled to visit his people, the Israelites.

Moses was born a Hebrew but raised as an Egyptian. He had all the privileges of royalty—wealth, power, and status. Yet, he knew he was not truly an Egyptian. Something inside him drew him back to his true identity.

This verse marks a turning point in Moses’ life. For 40 years, he had lived in luxury. Now, he chooses to identify with his own people, even though they were suffering as slaves. This decision would eventually lead to his exile and his calling as Israel’s deliverer.

Stephen is making an important point: Moses was willing to leave a comfortable life to stand with God’s people. The Jewish leaders, however, were doing the opposite—they were rejecting Jesus, the true Deliverer, to hold onto their power.

Historical Context

• Moses had been raised as Pharaoh’s grandson. He had all the education and privileges of royalty (Exodus 2:10, Acts 7:22).
• At 40 years old, Moses made a life-changing decision. Instead of continuing in luxury, he chose to associate with the suffering Israelites.
• This choice cost him everything. After defending an Israelite by killing an Egyptian, Moses had to flee Egypt and spend the next 40 years in exile (Exodus 2:11-15).
• Moses’ journey mirrors Israel’s history. Just as Moses left Egypt and later returned to deliver his people, Israel would also leave Egypt and journey toward the Promised Land.

Stephen is reminding the Sanhedrin that God had been working in Moses’ life long before he became Israel’s deliverer—just as He had been working through Jesus long before His crucifixion.

Theological Implications

1. God calls His people out of comfort and into purpose. Moses could have stayed in Pharaoh’s palace, but he chose to stand with God’s people. True faith often requires us to leave behind worldly security.
2. God puts a burden in our hearts for His people. Moses didn’t just happen to visit the Israelites—God was stirring something inside him, preparing him for his calling.
3. Following God’s calling often leads to difficulty. Moses’ decision led to opposition, rejection, and exile. When we follow God, it may cost us something, but it’s always worth it.
4. God’s plan unfolds in steps. Moses felt a burden for his people at 40, but God wouldn’t call him to lead them out of Egypt until he was 80. God’s timing is different from ours.

Stephen is making the case that Moses’ journey was part of God’s plan, just as Jesus’ mission was part of God’s plan—but the Jewish leaders were rejecting Jesus, just as Israel had initially rejected Moses.

Literary Analysis

This verse marks a crucial turning point in Moses’ life:

• Before: Moses lived in Egyptian luxury, disconnected from Israel’s suffering.
• Now: He chooses to visit and identify with his people.
• Soon: His choice will lead to exile, then to his true calling.

This follows a common biblical pattern:

1. A leader is raised in privilege.
2. He feels a call from God.
3. He leaves comfort to follow that call.

This pattern is also seen in Jesus:

• He was in heaven, in perfect glory.
• He came to earth to identify with humanity.
• He was rejected but ultimately became the Savior.

Stephen is drawing a parallel between Moses and Jesus—both left comfort for the sake of their people.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 2:11-12 – Moses goes to see his people and kills an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew.
• Hebrews 11:24-26 – Moses chose to give up his status in Egypt to suffer with God’s people.
• Philippians 2:5-8 – Jesus left His heavenly position to become a servant and suffer for our sake.
• John 1:11 – Jesus came to His own people, but they rejected Him, just as Moses was rejected at first.
• Acts 7:25 – Stephen explains that Moses expected the Israelites to recognize him as their deliverer, but they did not.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches several important truths:

• God places a calling in our hearts. Moses felt drawn to his people because God was preparing him to be their deliverer. God often gives us a burden for something before calling us to act.
• Faithfulness sometimes requires sacrifice. Moses had wealth, power, and comfort, yet he chose to stand with God’s people. We, too, must be willing to follow God, even when it costs us something.
• God’s timing is not our timing. Moses felt a burden at 40, but God didn’t send him back to Egypt until he was 80. Sometimes, God puts something on our hearts long before He tells us to act on it.
• Jesus is the greater Moses. Just as Moses left his royal status to help his people, Jesus left heaven to save us from sin.

For believers today, this verse is a reminder to listen to God’s calling, trust His timing, and be willing to step out in faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in this verse in several ways:

1. God was preparing Moses for something greater. He placed a burden in Moses’ heart and set him on a path to lead Israel to freedom.
2. God identifies with His people. Just as Moses chose to be with his suffering people, Jesus chose to enter our world and suffer for us.
3. God’s love calls us out of comfort into purpose. Love is not about ease—it’s about sacrifice and obedience.

This verse reminds us that God’s love is active—He calls His people to step into His plan, just as He did with Moses.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Moses’ life is a foreshadowing of Jesus in many ways:

1. Both left a place of power and privilege to identify with their people.
   • Moses left Pharaoh’s palace.
   • Jesus left heaven (Philippians 2:6-8).
2. Both were initially rejected by their own people.
   • Moses tried to defend an Israelite, but they rejected him (Exodus 2:14).
   • Jesus came to His people, but they rejected Him (John 1:11).
3. Both returned later to be the true deliverer.
   • Moses returned to Egypt at 80 and led Israel out of slavery.
   • Jesus will return to rule and reign as King.

Stephen was making it clear: Just as Israel rejected Moses at first, they were now rejecting Jesus—the true Deliverer.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt a strong burden or calling from God? How did you respond?
2. Moses gave up power and comfort to follow God’s plan. What is God calling you to surrender?
3. Have you ever experienced a delay between when God put something on your heart and when He called you to act? How did you handle it?
4. Why do you think people often reject those whom God has sent to help them?
5. How does Moses’ story help you understand Jesus’ mission better?

This verse reminds us that God’s plans unfold in His perfect timing. Just as Moses was called to deliver Israel, Jesus came to deliver us from sin. And just as Moses chose to stand with his people, Jesus chose to stand with us—even to the point of death on a cross. Will we recognize Him as our true Deliverer?