Acts 7:36 – “He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Stephen’s speech before the Jewish leaders, where he recounts how God used Moses to deliver Israel from slavery.

Moses, whom the Israelites initially rejected, was later sent by God to lead them out of Egypt. His leadership was confirmed by the “wonders and signs” God performed through him—first in Egypt through the ten plagues, then at the Red Sea, where the waters were miraculously parted, and later in the wilderness, where God provided for His people for forty years.

Stephen was emphasizing that God’s power and presence were undeniable throughout Israel’s history. The Israelites had seen God’s miracles firsthand, yet they still struggled to trust Him. This was a warning to the Jewish leaders—just as their ancestors doubted God despite seeing His power, they were now rejecting Jesus, whom God had sent to bring salvation.

Historical Context

This verse points back to three key events in Israel’s history:

1. The Plagues in Egypt – God performed miraculous judgments (Exodus 7–12) to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.
2. The Parting of the Red Sea – When Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued Israel, God parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross safely while drowning the Egyptian army (Exodus 14).
3. The Forty Years in the Wilderness – Due to their unbelief and rebellion, the Israelites wandered in the desert before reaching the Promised Land, yet God sustained them with manna, water, and guidance (Exodus 16-17, Numbers 14).

At the time Stephen was speaking, Israel’s religious leaders prided themselves on their knowledge of these events. But they were missing the point—just as Israel had failed to fully trust Moses and God’s plan, they were now rejecting Jesus, the true Deliverer.

Theological Implications

1. God is the one who delivers His people – Moses was the human leader, but it was God’s power that brought Israel out of Egypt.
2. Miracles confirm God’s presence and authority – The plagues, the Red Sea crossing, and the provisions in the wilderness showed that God was leading Israel.
3. Unbelief can persist even after seeing miracles – Israel witnessed God’s power yet still complained and rebelled. Faith is not just about seeing miracles but trusting God.
4. God’s deliverance often includes a journey – Freedom from slavery was immediate, but the process of reaching the Promised Land took time. Spiritual growth follows a similar path.

Literary Analysis

This verse follows a structured progression of events:

• “He led them out of Egypt” – Establishes Moses as the leader.
• “Performed wonders and signs in Egypt” – Refers to the ten plagues, which displayed God’s power over Pharaoh.
• “At the Red Sea” – Highlights one of the most dramatic acts of divine rescue.
• “For forty years in the wilderness” – Reminds the audience that even after being saved, Israel still struggled with faith and obedience.

Stephen’s speech uses parallelism—showing that just as Moses performed wonders, Jesus performed miracles. Yet both were rejected by their people.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 7-14 – The plagues in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea.
• Deuteronomy 8:2-4 – Moses reminds Israel how God sustained them in the wilderness.
• Psalm 78:12-16 – A reflection on God’s miracles in Egypt and at the Red Sea.
• John 5:46 – Jesus says that Moses wrote about Him, pointing to His role as the true Deliverer.
• Hebrews 3:7-11 – A warning against hardening one’s heart as Israel did in the wilderness.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• God is still a Deliverer – Just as He rescued Israel from Egypt, He rescues us from sin through Jesus.
• Faith is more than witnessing miracles – Israel saw wonders but still doubted. True faith requires trust in God’s character, not just His acts.
• God provides for His people – Just as He sustained Israel in the wilderness, He provides for our needs today.
• Obedience is part of the journey – Being saved is just the beginning. Like Israel’s journey to the Promised Land, following God takes patience, trust, and obedience.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God didn’t just free Israel from slavery and leave them to figure things out on their own. He led them, provided for them, and guided them every step of the way. This shows that God’s love is not just about rescuing people but about sustaining and guiding them.

Even when Israel complained and rebelled, God remained faithful. This is a powerful reminder that God’s love is patient and enduring.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the greater Moses – Just as Moses led Israel out of Egypt, Jesus leads people out of sin (Hebrews 3:3-6).
2. Jesus performed greater signs and wonders – Moses’ miracles pointed to God’s power, but Jesus’ miracles revealed that He was God Himself (John 20:30-31).
3. Jesus provides for His people – Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:31-35).
4. Jesus’ salvation is a journey – Just as Israel had to walk to the Promised Land, following Christ is a lifelong journey of faith and obedience (Philippians 1:6).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Israel’s journey teach us about trusting God, even when we don’t immediately see results?
2. How does this verse encourage you when facing struggles in your spiritual journey?
3. Why do you think people can witness miracles and still struggle with unbelief?
4. How does Jesus’ role as the ultimate Deliverer strengthen your faith?
5. In what ways has God provided for you, just as He provided for Israel in the wilderness?

God is not just a rescuer—He is a provider, sustainer, and leader. Are we willing to trust Him for the whole journey?