Acts 7:26 – “The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Stephen’s speech before the Jewish leaders as he recounts the story of Moses. The day after Moses killed the Egyptian (Acts 7:24), he saw two Israelites arguing. Instead of responding with violence like he did before, Moses stepped in as a peacemaker, trying to reconcile them.

Moses’ words—“Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?”—show that he understood the Israelites were not just slaves in Egypt; they were God’s chosen people, meant to live in unity. He saw their fighting as unnecessary and harmful. However, they rejected his efforts.

This was a second major moment of rejection in Moses’ life:

1. The Egyptians rejected him (Pharaoh sought to kill him after he murdered the Egyptian, Exodus 2:15).
2. His own people rejected him (the Israelites did not accept his leadership).

Stephen is using this to point out an important truth: God often sends leaders to bring deliverance, but people reject them before realizing their true purpose. This happened with Moses, and now it was happening with Jesus.

Historical Context

• The Israelites were not only suffering under Egyptian oppression, but they were also divided among themselves. The fact that two Israelites were fighting shows that their bondage had not only affected them physically but also spiritually and socially.
• Moses had grown up in Pharaoh’s palace. He had access to power and influence, yet he chose to stand with his people.
• He had already shown his willingness to defend an Israelite against an Egyptian. Now, instead of fighting, he tried to bring peace among his own people.
• This event set the stage for Moses’ 40-year exile. The Israelites did not accept his leadership, and Moses had to flee to the wilderness.

Stephen is making a strong point: Israel has a history of rejecting God’s chosen leaders. Just as they rejected Moses, they were now rejecting Jesus.

Theological Implications

1. God calls His people to unity, not division. Moses saw fighting among Israelites as a sign that something was wrong. God’s people should not be at war with each other but should live in harmony.
2. People often reject those sent to help them. Moses tried to bring peace, but his own people did not want his leadership. This foreshadows Jesus, who was rejected by His own people (John 1:11).
3. God’s plan does not always unfold the way we expect. Moses thought his fellow Israelites would recognize him as their leader, but God’s timing was different.
4. True leadership requires patience. Moses wanted to lead right away, but God first sent him into exile for 40 years to prepare him.

Stephen’s message is clear: Rejecting God’s chosen leader is a dangerous mistake. Israel rejected Moses before accepting him, and now they were doing the same with Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse highlights an important theme of misunderstanding and rejection:

• Moses was trying to help, but the Israelites did not see it.
• Jesus came to save, but the Jewish leaders did not recognize Him as the Messiah.

Stephen is pointing out a common pattern in Israel’s history—God raises up deliverers, but they are often rejected before they are fully accepted.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 2:13-14 – The original account of Moses trying to reconcile two Israelites.
• Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
• John 1:11 – Jesus came to His own people, but they rejected Him.
• Luke 19:41-42 – Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because they failed to recognize their Savior.
• Ephesians 4:3 – Believers are called to keep the unity of the Spirit through peace.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches several important lessons for believers today:

• God’s people should live in unity. Fighting among believers weakens our witness. We are called to love and serve one another.
• Rejection is part of following God’s call. Just as Moses was rejected at first, we may also face opposition when trying to do the right thing.
• God’s plan unfolds in His timing. Moses was meant to lead, but he had to wait until the right moment. If we feel called by God but don’t see results yet, we must trust His timing.
• We must recognize Jesus as the true Deliverer. The Israelites failed to see that Moses was sent to help them, just as many people today fail to recognize that Jesus is the only way to salvation.

For us today, this verse is a reminder to pursue peace, trust God’s timing, and recognize the leaders He has sent.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

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

1. God desires peace among His people. He does not want division, but unity (Psalm 133:1).
2. God is patient even when people reject Him. Moses was rejected, but God still used him. Jesus was rejected, but God still offers salvation to those who turn to Him.
3. God prepares leaders even when people don’t recognize them. Moses’ rejection didn’t stop God’s plan, just as Jesus’ crucifixion didn’t stop the plan of salvation.

This shows that God’s love is patient, faithful, and always working—even when people fail to see it.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Moses’ story foreshadows Jesus in many ways:

1. Both tried to bring peace among their people.
   • Moses tried to reconcile two Israelites.
   • Jesus came to bring peace between God and sinners (Romans 5:1).
2. Both were rejected by their own people.
   • The Israelites did not accept Moses as their leader at first.
   • The Jewish leaders did not accept Jesus as their Messiah (John 1:11).
3. Both later fulfilled their mission despite rejection.
   • Moses eventually led Israel out of Egypt.
   • Jesus rose from the dead and brings salvation to the world.

Stephen is making a powerful statement: Just as Israel first rejected Moses but later followed him, they were now rejecting Jesus—but He is the true Deliverer.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever tried to do the right thing but were misunderstood or rejected? How did you respond?
2. Moses saw division among God’s people and tried to bring peace. How can you be a peacemaker among believers today?
3. Why do you think people often reject those whom God sends to help them?
4. How does the rejection of Moses help us understand the rejection of Jesus?
5. What lessons can we learn from Moses about trusting God’s timing rather than rushing ahead?

This verse reminds us that God’s plans often take time to unfold, and His chosen leaders are not always recognized at first. Just as Moses was rejected before he became Israel’s deliverer, Jesus was rejected before He was glorified. But God’s plan was never stopped, and those who trust in Him will see His purposes fulfilled in His perfect timing. Will we recognize Jesus as our true Deliverer, or will we repeat Israel’s mistake?