A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 7:35

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Acts 7:35

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Acts 7:35

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"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)

This Moses (Τουτον τον Μωυσην). Rhetorical repetition follows this description of Moses (five times, anaphora, besides the use here, six cases of ουτος here about Moses: verse 35 twice, 36,37,38,40). Clearly Stephen means to draw a parallel between Moses and Jesus. They in Egypt

denied (ηρνησαντο) Moses as now you the Jews denied (ηρνησασθε, 3:13) Jesus. Those in Egypt scouted Moses as "ruler and judge" (verses 27,35, αρχοντα κα δικαστην) and God "hath sent" (απεσταλκεν, perfect active indicative, state of completion) Moses "both a ruler and a deliverer" (αρχοντα κα λυτρωτην) as Jesus was to be (Luke 1:68; Luke 2:38; Hebrews 9:12; Titus 2:14). "Ransomer" or "Redeemer" (λυτρωτης) is not found elsewhere, λυτρον (ransom), λυτροω, to ransom, and λυτρωσις, ransoming or redemption, are found often. In Ac 5:31 Christ is termed "Prince and Saviour."

With the hand (συν χειρ). So the correct text. The Pharisees had accused Stephen of blaspheming "against Moses and God" (6:11). Stephen here answers that slander by showing how Moses led the people out of Egypt in co-operation (συν) with the hand of the Angel of Jehovah.