Acts 7:27 – “But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?’”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Stephen’s speech to the Jewish leaders, where he recounts Israel’s history and how their ancestors often rejected the leaders God sent them.

Moses had just tried to stop two Israelites from fighting (Acts 7:26). He expected them to recognize that he was trying to help, but instead, one of the men pushed him aside and rejected his authority. This was a turning point for Moses.

The man’s response—“Who made you ruler and judge over us?”—was more than just a dismissal of Moses. It was a rejection of God’s plan. Moses was chosen by God to deliver Israel, but they refused to accept him. This rejection led Moses to flee Egypt, delaying their deliverance by 40 years.

Stephen’s point is clear: Israel has a long history of rejecting the leaders God sends them. They did it with Moses, and now they were doing the same thing with Jesus.

Historical Context

• Moses had grown up in Pharaoh’s palace but identified as a Hebrew. He had left the comfort of royalty to stand with God’s people (Hebrews 11:24-26).
• His attempt to intervene among the Israelites backfired. Instead of welcoming his help, his own people turned against him.
• This rejection led to Moses’ exile. He fled to Midian, where he spent 40 years as a shepherd before God called him back (Exodus 2:14-15, Acts 7:30).
• Israel’s rejection of Moses delayed their deliverance. If they had accepted him right away, they might have been freed sooner.

Stephen is using this example to show that just as Israel delayed their own rescue by rejecting Moses, they were now rejecting Jesus—the true Deliverer.

Theological Implications

1. People often resist God’s chosen leaders. The Israelites rejected Moses before he became their deliverer, just as they rejected Jesus before His resurrection.
2. God’s plan will still be fulfilled, even when people resist it. Moses eventually led Israel out of Egypt, and Jesus is still the Savior, whether people accept Him or not.
3. Rejection doesn’t mean God isn’t at work. Moses’ rejection led to 40 years in the wilderness, but God used that time to prepare him. Sometimes delays are part of God’s bigger plan.
4. Pride and rebellion keep people from recognizing God’s messengers. The Israelites rejected Moses because they didn’t want to submit to his leadership. Many people reject Jesus today for the same reason—they don’t want to submit to God’s authority.

Stephen’s argument is strong: Just as their ancestors rejected Moses, the Jewish leaders were now rejecting Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse highlights an important pattern in Scripture—God’s chosen leaders are often rejected before they are accepted.

• Joseph’s brothers rejected him → Later, he saved them.
• Moses was rejected by Israel → Later, he led them to freedom.
• Jesus was rejected by His people → Later, He became the Savior of the world.

Stephen is emphasizing that Israel’s rejection of Jesus fits into a historical pattern—they have done this before.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 2:14 – The original account of the Israelite rejecting Moses’ leadership.
• John 1:11 – Jesus came to His own people, but they rejected Him.
• Luke 19:14 – The parable of the citizens who refused to accept their rightful king.
• Romans 10:21 – Paul quotes Isaiah, saying Israel has always been stubborn toward God.
• Philippians 2:10-11 – One day, every knee will bow to Jesus, whether they accepted Him before or not.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches several key lessons:

• People still reject God’s truth today. Many people do not want to accept Jesus’ authority over their lives, just as the Israelites rejected Moses.
• God’s plan is not stopped by human rejection. The Israelites’ refusal to accept Moses delayed their freedom, but God’s plan still moved forward. Likewise, people may reject Jesus, but He is still the only Savior.
• Rejection is often part of following God’s calling. If Moses was rejected, and Jesus was rejected, we should not be surprised when people oppose us for our faith.
• God’s delays are often times of preparation. Moses needed 40 years in the wilderness before he was ready to lead. Sometimes, our waiting seasons are really training seasons.

For believers today, this is a reminder to trust God’s plan, even when we face rejection or don’t understand His timing.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident even in rejection:

1. He is patient with His people. Even when Israel rejected Moses, God still sent him back to rescue them.
2. He does not abandon us when we fail. Moses’ failure didn’t disqualify him—God still had a plan for his life.
3. He gives people multiple chances. The Israelites rejected Moses before accepting him, and God still offers salvation today, even to those who have rejected Jesus in the past.

This shows that God’s love is persistent and faithful, even when people resist Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Moses’ story is a clear foreshadowing of Jesus’ mission:

1. Both came to rescue their people.
   • Moses tried to intervene and save the Israelites.
   • Jesus came to rescue humanity from sin.
2. Both were rejected at first.
   • Moses was told, “Who made you ruler and judge?”
   • Jesus was rejected by His people and put to death (John 1:11).
3. Both were later recognized as the true deliverer.
   • Moses eventually led Israel out of Egypt.
   • Jesus rose from the dead and offers salvation to all who believe.

Stephen is making a clear case: Israel rejected Moses, but he still became their leader. Now, they were rejecting Jesus, but He is still the true King.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever faced rejection while trying to do the right thing? How did you respond?
2. Why do people often reject those whom God sends to help them?
3. How does Moses’ rejection help us understand the rejection of Jesus?
4. Have you ever struggled to accept God’s authority in your life? How can you submit to His leadership more fully?
5. What does this verse teach us about waiting on God’s timing, even when we face setbacks?

This verse reminds us that God’s plans always come to pass, even when people resist them. Just as Moses was rejected before he became Israel’s leader, Jesus was rejected before He was glorified. But God’s plan never fails, and those who trust in Him will see His purposes fulfilled. Will we recognize Jesus as our true Deliverer, or will we repeat Israel’s mistake?