Acts 7:28 – “Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Stephen’s speech to the Jewish leaders as he recounts the story of Moses and how the Israelites initially rejected him as their leader.

The day before, Moses had killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Acts 7:24; Exodus 2:11-12). Moses assumed that the Israelites would see him as a rescuer, but instead, when he tried to break up a fight between two fellow Israelites, one of them turned on him and exposed his crime.

The question—“Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?”—was not just an accusation. It was a rejection of Moses’ leadership. The man didn’t see Moses as a deliverer. He saw him as a murderer.

This moment changed everything for Moses. He realized that his secret was out, that the Israelites did not accept him, and that Pharaoh would soon hear about it. So, he fled Egypt and spent the next 40 years in exile.

Stephen is emphasizing a key point: Moses was rejected before he became Israel’s deliverer. This is important because the Jewish leaders were now rejecting Jesus—the true Deliverer.

Historical Context

• Moses had lived 40 years in Pharaoh’s palace. He had all the education and privileges of Egyptian royalty (Acts 7:22).
• He felt called to help his people, the Israelites. But instead of waiting for God’s timing, he acted on his own, killing the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12).
• His own people rejected him. Instead of welcoming his leadership, they questioned him and exposed his crime.
• Moses fled to the wilderness of Midian. He lived there for 40 years before God appeared to him in the burning bush and called him back to Egypt (Exodus 3:1-12).

Stephen is drawing a direct connection between Israel’s rejection of Moses and their rejection of Jesus. Just as they failed to see Moses as their deliverer at first, they were now failing to recognize Jesus as the true Savior.

Theological Implications

1. People often reject God’s chosen leaders. Moses was rejected before he could lead Israel. Likewise, Jesus was rejected before He was recognized as the Savior.
2. Sinful hearts resist authority. The Israelite who confronted Moses did not want to be led by him. Many people today reject Jesus because they don’t want to submit to His authority.
3. God’s timing is different from ours. Moses was called to lead, but he wasn’t ready yet. His 40 years in exile were part of God’s preparation.
4. God’s plans cannot be stopped by human rejection. The Israelites rejected Moses, but God still used him to deliver them later. In the same way, Jesus was rejected, but His mission to save the world was not stopped.

Stephen is warning the Jewish leaders: Just as your ancestors rejected Moses, you are now rejecting Jesus. Be careful not to make the same mistake.

Literary Analysis

This verse highlights an important biblical theme: God’s chosen leaders are often misunderstood and rejected before they fulfill their mission.

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

Stephen is showing that Israel’s history is repeating itself—they have always rejected the deliverers God sends them.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 2:14-15 – The original account of the Israelite rejecting Moses and exposing his crime.
• Acts 7:35 – Stephen later states that Moses, the man they rejected, became their ruler and deliverer.
• John 1:11 – Jesus came to His own people, but they rejected Him.
• Luke 19:14 – A parable where the citizens say, “We don’t want this man to be our king.”
• Isaiah 53:3 – A prophecy that the Messiah would be despised and rejected by men.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches several key lessons:

• People resist the authority of God. Just as the Israelites questioned Moses, many today refuse to recognize Jesus as Lord.
• God’s timing is perfect. Moses was called to lead, but God made him wait 40 years before sending him back to Egypt. If we feel called by God but don’t see immediate results, we must trust His timing.
• Rejection does not mean failure. Moses was rejected at first, but later, he became Israel’s leader. If we experience rejection for our faith, we should not be discouraged—God’s plan is still at work.
• Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer. Just as Moses was rejected before becoming Israel’s leader, Jesus was rejected before being exalted as the Savior of the world.

For believers today, this verse is a reminder to trust in God’s plan, even when things don’t go as expected.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident even in this moment of rejection:

1. He did not give up on Moses. Even after Moses failed, God still had a purpose for him.
2. He did not give up on Israel. Even though they rejected Moses at first, God still rescued them from Egypt.
3. He does not give up on us. Even though people rejected Jesus, God still offers salvation to all who repent and believe.

This shows that God’s love is patient and persistent—He continues His work, even when people resist Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Moses’ story is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ mission:

1. Both were called to rescue their people.
   • Moses tried to intervene to save the Israelites.
   • Jesus came to save sinners from judgment.
2. Both were rejected before being accepted.
   • Moses was asked, “Who made you ruler and judge?”
   • Jesus was rejected and crucified before being recognized as Lord (Acts 2:36).
3. Both later fulfilled their mission.
   • Moses eventually led Israel to freedom.
   • Jesus rose from the dead and now offers salvation to all.

Stephen is making a bold claim: Just as Israel rejected Moses but later followed him, they were now rejecting Jesus—but one day, every knee will bow before Him (Philippians 2:10-11).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever tried to help someone but were misunderstood or rejected? How did you respond?
2. Why do people often resist those whom God sends to help them?
3. How does Moses’ rejection help us understand the rejection of Jesus?
4. What does this verse teach us about trusting God’s timing, even when things don’t go as planned?
5. Have you ever struggled to accept Jesus’ authority in your life? How can you fully submit to Him as Lord?

This verse reminds us that God’s chosen leaders are often rejected before being recognized. Just as Moses was rejected before leading Israel, Jesus was rejected before being exalted as the true Savior. But God’s plan always prevails, 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?