Acts 7:35 – “This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen is reminding the Jewish leaders of an important moment in Israel’s history. Moses, whom the Israelites once rejected, was later chosen by God to be their leader and deliverer.

Stephen refers to an earlier incident when Moses, trying to help his fellow Israelites, was met with rejection. One of them asked, “Who made you ruler and judge?” (Exodus 2:14). That question showed their refusal to accept Moses as God’s appointed leader.

But despite their rejection, God Himself sent Moses back to Egypt as their leader and rescuer. God’s plan for deliverance did not depend on human approval—it was His will, and He made it happen.

Stephen was making a bold comparison. Just as Israel rejected Moses before he became their deliverer, they were now rejecting Jesus—whom God had sent as the ultimate Deliverer. The Jewish leaders, like their ancestors, failed to recognize the one God had chosen to save them.

Historical Context

This event connects back to Exodus 2:11-15, when Moses, raised as an Egyptian prince, tried to defend an Israelite slave. But instead of welcoming his help, the Israelites pushed him away, questioning his authority. This rejection led Moses to flee to the wilderness, where he spent 40 years in exile before God called him through the burning bush (Exodus 3).

By the time Stephen was speaking these words in Acts 7, more than a thousand years had passed. But the pattern remained the same—God had sent Jesus as the Messiah, yet the Jewish leaders rejected Him, just as their ancestors had initially rejected Moses.

Stephen was driving this point home: history was repeating itself. Israel had a habit of rejecting God’s chosen leaders before later realizing their mistake.

Theological Implications

1. God’s chosen leaders are often rejected at first – Moses was not initially accepted by his people, and neither was Jesus.
2. God’s plan does not depend on human approval – Even though Israel rejected Moses, God still used him. In the same way, Jesus was rejected by men but chosen by God (1 Peter 2:4).
3. God is patient with His people – Instead of abandoning Israel for rejecting Moses, God still rescued them. This shows His deep mercy.
4. Jesus is the greater Moses – Just as Moses led Israel out of slavery, Jesus leads His people out of sin and death.

Literary Analysis

This verse uses contrast and irony to make a point. The very man Israel rejected became their deliverer. “Who made you ruler and judge?” was a sarcastic rejection, yet God Himself was the one who appointed Moses.

The phrase “by God himself” emphasizes that Moses’ authority wasn’t based on human opinion—it was divine.

The mention of “the angel who appeared to him in the bush” reminds the audience of God’s personal involvement. Moses didn’t appoint himself—he was sent by God, making Israel’s rejection of him even more foolish.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 2:14 – The Israelites’ rejection of Moses when he tried to help them.
• Exodus 3:10 – God’s command to Moses to return and deliver Israel.
• John 1:11 – “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (Jesus’ rejection by His people).
• 1 Peter 2:7 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Jesus as the rejected but chosen one).

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• God’s calling on your life is not dependent on people’s approval – Just as Moses was rejected but still called, God can use you even if others don’t recognize it.
• Don’t resist God’s chosen deliverer – The Israelites rejected Moses and later regretted it. Many people reject Jesus today—will we learn from their mistake?
• God’s patience is a gift – Even when people resist Him, He gives opportunities to turn back. Are we listening to His call?
• Rejection does not mean failure – Being rejected for doing the right thing does not mean you are wrong. Moses was rejected, but he was still God’s chosen servant.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s patience and love. Even when His people rejected Moses, God still sent him back to rescue them. This demonstrates that God does not abandon people when they make mistakes—He gives them another chance.

It also shows that God works through people to bring salvation. He doesn’t just act from a distance—He raises up leaders to guide His people. That’s exactly what He did in sending Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus, like Moses, was first rejected – The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus just as their ancestors rejected Moses (John 5:46-47).
2. Jesus is the true Deliverer – Moses freed Israel from Egypt, but Jesus frees people from sin (Luke 4:18).
3. Jesus was chosen by God, not men – Just as God appointed Moses, God appointed Jesus as the Savior of the world (Acts 2:36).
4. Jesus will return to finish His mission – Just as Moses was sent back to Egypt after his initial rejection, Jesus will return one day as King (Revelation 19:11-16).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt rejected for doing what God called you to do? How does Moses’ story encourage you?
2. What are some ways people today reject Jesus as their Deliverer?
3. How does knowing that God’s plan is unstoppable give you confidence in your faith?
4. What can we learn from Israel’s mistake in rejecting Moses?
5. How does this passage help you see Jesus as the ultimate Deliverer?

God’s plan does not fail, even when people reject it. The question is—will we recognize His chosen Deliverer before it’s too late?