Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 7:35

"This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? him hath God sent [to be] both a ruler and a deliverer with the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush." — Acts 7:35 (ASV)

When they refused. That is, when he first presented himself to them (Exodus 2:13–14). Stephen introduces and dwells upon this refusal in order, perhaps, to remind them that this had been the character of their nation, and to prepare the way for the charge which he intended to bring against those whom he addressed, as being stiff-necked and rebellious. See Acts 7:51-52 and following.

A ruler. A military leader, or a governor in civil matters.

A deliverer. A Redeemer—lutrwthn—. It properly means one who redeems a captive or a prisoner by paying a price or ransom. And it is applied thus to our Lord Jesus, as having redeemed or purchased sinners by his blood as a price (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18; Hebrews 9:12).

It is used here, however, in a more general sense to denote the deliverance, without specifying the manner. Compare Exodus 6:6; Luke 24:21; Luke 1:68; Luke 2:38.

By the hand of the angel. Under the direction and by the help of the angel (Numbers 20:16). See the notes on Acts 7:30.