Acts 7:24 – “He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Stephen’s retelling of the life of Moses as he speaks before the Jewish leaders. Moses, now 40 years old, had left the royal palace to see his fellow Israelites. While doing so, he witnessed an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew slave. Overcome by anger and a desire for justice, Moses stepped in and killed the Egyptian.

At first glance, it may seem like Moses was simply acting out of impulse, but Stephen frames this event in a way that suggests Moses saw himself as a deliverer. He thought his people would recognize his leadership and that God was going to use him to rescue them (Acts 7:25). However, things did not go as Moses expected.

This moment reveals several important truths:

1. Moses’ heart was already drawn toward helping his people. Even though he was raised as an Egyptian prince, he still identified as a Hebrew.
2. He acted in human strength rather than waiting on God’s plan. Instead of seeking God’s wisdom, Moses took matters into his own hands, leading to failure and exile.
3. He was rejected by his own people. Moses expected the Israelites to recognize him as their deliverer, but they did not accept his leadership yet.

Stephen is making a powerful connection between Moses and Jesus—both were sent to save their people, but both were initially rejected.

Historical Context

• The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. They had been suffering under Pharaoh’s harsh rule for many years (Exodus 1:11-14).
• Egyptian taskmasters were known for their cruelty. Beatings and mistreatment of slaves were common.
• Moses was raised as Egyptian royalty but never forgot his Hebrew roots. This moment shows his decision to stand with his people rather than enjoy the comfort of Pharaoh’s palace (Hebrews 11:24-26).
• Murder was a serious crime in Egyptian law. By killing an Egyptian, Moses was not only breaking the law but also risking his own life.

Stephen’s audience would have understood that Moses was acting as a deliverer, but he was ahead of God’s timing.

Theological Implications

1. God’s calling requires God’s timing. Moses was destined to be Israel’s deliverer, but he acted too soon, and it led to failure.
2. Good intentions don’t always mean right actions. Moses wanted to help his people, but killing the Egyptian was not God’s way.
3. Rejection is often part of God’s plan. Moses was rejected by his people before he could lead them. Jesus was also rejected before being accepted as the Savior.
4. God prepares His servants through trials. Moses would spend 40 years in the wilderness, learning humility before he could fulfill his calling.

Stephen was subtly telling the Jewish leaders, “You are rejecting Jesus, just like Israel initially rejected Moses. But just as Moses later became the deliverer, Jesus is the true Deliverer, whether you accept Him or not.”

Literary Analysis

This verse highlights a recurring biblical pattern of rejection before redemption:

• Joseph was rejected by his brothers → Later became their savior.
• Moses was rejected by Israel → Later led them out of Egypt.
• Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders → Later became the true Deliverer.

Stephen is emphasizing that God’s chosen leaders often face rejection before fulfilling their mission.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 2:11-12 – The original account of Moses killing the Egyptian.
• Acts 7:25 – Stephen explains that Moses thought the Israelites would recognize him, but they did not.
• Hebrews 11:24-26 – Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy sin for a short time.
• John 1:11 – Jesus came to His own, but they did not accept Him.
• Romans 12:19 – Believers should leave vengeance to God, rather than take matters into their own hands.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches us several important lessons:

• God’s plans require His timing. Moses tried to fulfill his calling too early, and it led to failure. We must wait on God’s perfect timing.
• Righteous anger must be handled correctly. Moses was upset about injustice, but his actions made things worse. We, too, must be careful to act in wisdom and not just emotion.
• Rejection is part of following God. Moses was rejected before being accepted as Israel’s leader. If we follow Jesus, we may face rejection as well.
• God uses our failures to prepare us. Moses’ mistake led to 40 years in the wilderness, but that time was not wasted—God was shaping him for his future mission.

For us today, this verse is a reminder to trust God’s timing, seek His wisdom, and remain faithful even when things don’t go as planned.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

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

1. God protected Moses even after his mistake. Moses should have been killed for murdering an Egyptian, but God spared his life and used his failure to prepare him.
2. God’s love is patient. Even though Moses acted in his own strength, God did not give up on him.
3. God’s love includes discipline. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness, learning humility before he was ready to lead. God’s discipline is always for our good.

This shows that God does not abandon us when we fail—He uses our failures to teach us and bring us closer to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Moses’ experience foreshadows Jesus in several ways:

1. Both identified with their people.
   • Moses left Pharaoh’s palace to stand with Israel.
   • Jesus left heaven to stand with humanity (Philippians 2:6-8).
2. Both were rejected at first.
   • Moses thought Israel would accept him, but they did not (Acts 7:25).
   • Jesus was rejected by His own people (John 1:11).
3. Both would later return to fulfill their mission.
   • Moses returned to Egypt to deliver Israel (Exodus 3:10).
   • Jesus will return to establish His kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16).

Stephen’s argument is clear: Just as Israel rejected Moses at first but later followed him, they were now rejecting Jesus—but one day, every knee will bow to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever acted in your own strength instead of waiting on God’s timing? What happened?
2. How does Moses’ failure encourage you that God can still use you, even after mistakes?
3. Moses had a heart for justice, but he went about it the wrong way. How can we seek justice in ways that honor God?
4. How does the rejection of Moses remind us of how Jesus was treated?
5. What is something you feel called to do, but God has not yet opened the door? How can you trust His timing?

This verse reminds us that God’s plans are perfect, but they require His timing. Just as Moses had to learn patience and dependence on God, we, too, must trust that God is preparing us—even when we don’t understand His ways. And just as Moses returned to lead Israel, Jesus is coming again to complete His mission as the true Deliverer. The question is, will we recognize Him?