Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 7:26

"And the day following he appeared unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?" — Acts 7:26 (ASV)

And the next day. (Exodus 2:13)

He showed himself. He appeared to them in a sudden and unexpected manner.

To them. That is, to two of the Hebrews (Exodus 2:13).

As they strove. As they were engaged in a quarrel.

Have set them at one. In Greek, this means "would have urged them to peace." He did this by remonstrating with the man who did the wrong.

Saying. What follows is not quoted literally from the account Moses gives, but it is substantially the same.

Sirs. In Greek, this means "men."

Ye are brethren. You belong not only to the same nation, but you are brethren and companions in affliction, and should not, therefore, contend with each other.

One of the most melancholy scenes in this world is when those who are poor, afflicted, and oppressed add altercations and strife among themselves to all their other calamities. Yet it is from this class that contentions and lawsuits usually arise.

The address that Moses makes here to the contending Jews might be applied to the whole human family in view of the contentions and wars of nations: "Ye are brethren, members of the same great family, and why do you contend with each other?"

The phrase "at one again" means "would have reconciled them."