Acts 7:38 – “He was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living words to pass on to us.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Stephen’s speech to the Jewish leaders, where he recounts Israel’s history and points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Here, Stephen is talking about Moses. He reminds his audience that Moses was “in the assembly in the wilderness,” meaning he was leading the Israelites after their escape from Egypt. This assembly (or “congregation”) was God’s chosen people, journeying toward the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership.

Stephen also refers to “the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai.” This takes us back to Exodus 19-20, when God gave Moses the Law on Mount Sinai. The angel mentioned here is likely a reference to God’s presence, as God often spoke through angelic messengers in the Old Testament.

The phrase “living words” refers to the Law of God—the Ten Commandments and other instructions given to Israel. These weren’t just ordinary words but God’s commands, meant to give life and guide His people in righteousness.

Stephen’s point was clear: Moses, who the Jewish leaders respected so much, was given God’s Word to pass on. But now, they were rejecting the ultimate Word of God—Jesus. Just as their ancestors had failed to fully obey Moses, they were now failing to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Historical Context

1. The Assembly in the Wilderness – After leaving Egypt, the Israelites traveled through the wilderness for 40 years. This was a time of testing, where they often struggled to obey God and trust Him.
2. The Angel on Mount Sinai – In Exodus 19-20, Moses met with God on Mount Sinai, where God gave him the Law. This was a foundational moment for Israel, establishing them as a nation under God’s rule.
3. Stephen’s Trial Before the Sanhedrin – Stephen was speaking to religious leaders who revered Moses and the Law, yet they were rejecting Jesus. By recalling this history, Stephen was showing that rejecting God’s messenger was nothing new for Israel.

Theological Implications

1. God Gave His People His Word – The Law was not invented by Moses but was directly from God, given to guide and instruct Israel.
2. God’s Presence Was with His People – Through the angel at Mount Sinai and throughout the wilderness, God actively led His people.
3. Rejecting God’s Word Has Consequences – The Israelites often disobeyed the Law, which led to wandering in the wilderness. Stephen was warning that rejecting Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s Word, was an even greater mistake.
4. God’s Word is Alive – The term “living words” shows that God’s commands are not just historical laws but are still relevant and powerful today.

Literary Analysis

Stephen uses historical recall to build his case. He connects Moses, the Law, and God’s direct involvement to show that rejecting God’s Word has always led to disaster.

The phrase “living words” is especially important. In the original Greek, it implies that the words given to Moses were not just rules but life-giving truth. This foreshadows Jesus as the living Word of God (John 1:1), who brings eternal life.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 19:3-6 – God calls Moses up Mount Sinai to receive His Law.
• Deuteronomy 5:27 – The people recognize that Moses is receiving God’s words to pass on to them.
• Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
• John 1:1, 14 – Jesus is described as the living Word who came from God.
• Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is alive and active.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• God’s Word is still living and active – It is not just an ancient text; it is meant to guide us today.
• We must listen to God’s messengers – The Israelites resisted Moses, and many resist Jesus today. Are we truly listening?
• God leads His people through His Word – Just as He guided Israel in the wilderness, His Word provides direction for us now.
• Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s message – If we respect the Word of God given to Moses, we must also accept Jesus as the final and perfect revelation of God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God didn’t leave His people without guidance. He gave them His Law through Moses, and He ultimately gave them His Son, Jesus. This shows God’s love in action—He provides everything needed for people to know Him and walk in His ways.

Even when Israel failed, God remained patient, continually guiding and teaching them. This same patience and love extend to us today.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Living Word – The “living words” Moses received pointed to the ultimate Word—Jesus (John 1:1).
2. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law – While Moses brought the Law, Jesus came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).
3. Jesus leads His people just as Moses did – Moses led Israel through the wilderness, and Jesus leads His followers to eternal life (John 10:27-28).
4. Jesus provides true spiritual life – The Law showed people their sin, but Jesus provides the way to be saved from sin (Romans 8:3-4).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that God’s Word is “living”? How does this change the way you read the Bible?
2. How did Israel’s resistance to Moses reflect the same rejection of Jesus?
3. What are some ways people today reject or ignore God’s Word?
4. How does Jesus, as the living Word, fulfill what was given to Moses on Mount Sinai?
5. What steps can you take to be more obedient to God’s Word in your daily life?

God has always given His people His Word to guide them—first through Moses and ultimately through Jesus. The question is, are we listening?