Acts 3:22
Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Peter isn't just quoting a prophet; he's highlighting Moses' unique role. By emphasizing that this coming prophet would be "like me," Moses set up a standard of divine authority that pointed directly to Jesus, not just as another religious teacher, but as the ultimate mediator of God's will. This shows how central Jesus is to the entire unfolding plan of God, even in the foundational laws given through Moses.
Peter and John have just healed a man who was lame from birth, performing a public miracle that draws a huge crowd. Peter seizes this moment, not to take credit, but to point everyone to Jesus, declaring that it was through faith in Jesus' name that the man was made well. He then uses this miracle as a springboard to preach about Jesus, urging the people to repent and turn to God so their sins can be forgiven.
Peter's powerful sermon hinges on a promise made by Moses himself. But what was the true scope of this prediction?
Peter isn't just quoting a prophet; he's invoking a foundational promise given to Israel through Moses. This wasn't a casual statement but a divine blueprint.
A Promise to the Fathers
Deuteronomy 18:15, the source of Peter's quote, was addressed to the 'fathers' – Israel's ancestors. It promised that God would raise up a prophet 'like me.' This designation 'like me' immediately elevates this future prophet, drawing a parallel with Moses, their unparalleled lawgiver and mediator.
More Than a Successor
While the prophecy could historically refer to a succession of prophets guiding Israel, Peter zeroes in on its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. He emphasizes that this prophet would be from their brothers – an insider, yet uniquely appointed by God. The key wasn't just foretelling the future but being God's direct spokesperson, a role Moses himself held in a singular way.
Peter doesn't mince words about the consequence of encountering this prophet. What does 'listen to him in all things' truly demand?
The core of Peter's argument isn't just identifying Jesus; it's compelling his audience to recognize the absolute authority God vested in this prophesied figure.
Unconditional Obedience
'You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you' is a command of radical obedience. It’s not selective listening; it’s not optional engagement. This prophet, raised up by God and like Moses, carries God's own words and divine authority.
A Test of Faith
For Peter's listeners, this was a direct challenge. They had just witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard his teachings, and now Peter presents Moses' own words as proof that rejecting this prophet means rejecting God's direct command and risking severe judgment. It's a call to submit their entire lives – their understanding, their decisions, their very being – to this divinely appointed messenger.
Peter’s appeal to Deuteronomy 18 highlights Moses' authority and reminds the Jewish audience that obeying Jesus is not a rejection of Moses, but the ultimate fulfillment of Moses' own words.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt and Giving of the Law
Under Moses' leadership, the Israelites were liberated from slavery in Egypt and received God's Law at Mount Sinai, establishing their covenant relationship with God.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses' Farewell Address and Prophecy
Just before his death, Moses delivered his final instructions to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, including the prophecy found in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 about a future prophet like himself.
c. 1000 BC - 400 BC
The Period of the Prophets
Following Moses, numerous prophets like Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others arose among the Israelites, delivering God's messages and foretelling future events, including the coming of the Messiah.
c. 400 BC - AD 1
The Silent Years
A period of approximately 400 years with no recorded prophetic utterances from God to Israel, heightening expectations for a final divine message.
barnesActs 3:22: "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you."
For Moses truly said - The authority of Moses among the Jews was absolute and final. It was of great importance, therefore, to show not only that they were not departing from his Law, but that he had actually foretold these very things. The object of the passage is not to prove that the heavens m…
calvinActs 3:22-24: "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you."
- Moses truly said unto the fathers, The Lord your God shall raise up a Prophet unto you of your brethren, [like unto me;] him shall ye hear, according to all things which he shall speak unto you. 23. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which shall not hear that Prophet shall be destr…
Peter isn't just quoting a prophet; he's highlighting Moses' unique role. By emphasizing that this coming prophet would be "like me," Moses set up a standard of divine authority that pointed directly to Jesus, not just as another religious teacher, but as the ultimate mediator of God's will. This shows how central Jesus is to the entire unfolding plan of God, even in the foundational laws given through Moses.
Peter and John have just healed a man who was lame from birth, performing a public miracle that draws a huge crowd. Peter seizes this moment, not to take credit, but to point everyone to Jesus, declaring that it was through faith in Jesus' name that the man was made well. He then uses this miracle as a springboard to preach about Jesus, urging the people to repent and turn to God so their sins can be forgiven.
"Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you." — Peter isn't just quoting a prophet; he's highlighting Moses' unique role. By emphasizing that this coming prophet would be "like me," Moses set up a standard of divine authority that pointed directly…
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c. AD 27-30
Ministry of Jesus Christ
Jesus, the promised prophet and Messiah, carried out his earthly ministry, performing miracles, teaching about the Kingdom of God, and ultimately being crucified and resurrected.
c. AD 30-33
Post-Resurrection Ministry and Ascension
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his followers, commissioned the apostles, and then ascended into heaven.
