Acts 7:36
This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that both "wonders" and "signs" were performed, not just to amaze, but to testify to God's power and purpose. It's a subtle distinction, suggesting these events weren't just spectacle, but divine communication, carrying a message that the Israelites, and we today, need to hear.
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and their repeated rejection of His chosen leaders. He has just declared that Moses, whom they had just disowned, was sent by God as a ruler and redeemer. This verse then emphasizes Moses' credentials, detailing the incredible signs and wonders God performed through him to bring Israel out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and sustain them for forty years in the wilderness, underscoring God's power and grace despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
The Bible doesn't just say God did things; it emphasizes how He did them. What's the significance of calling them 'wonders and signs'?
Stephen highlights that Moses's leadership was validated by "wonders and signs" (teras kai sēmeia in the Greek).
The 'Wonder' Factor:
'Wonders' speaks to the awe-inspiring, astonishing nature of these events. Think of the plagues in Egypt or the parting of the Red Sea – they were meant to shock and amaze, demonstrating a power far beyond human capability.
The 'Sign' Factor:
'Signs' points to their purpose: they weren't just amazing displays, but they signified something. They were divine indicators, pointing to God’s authority, His judgment on Egypt, and His deliverance of Israel. They were tangible evidence of God's promises and His hand at work.
Together, these terms underscore that Moses wasn't just a charismatic leader; he was God's appointed agent, authenticated by undeniable supernatural acts.
Stephen is making a bold point here. He's linking Israel's past rejection of Moses to their present rejection of Jesus. What does this tell us about our own choices?
The commentary points out a crucial parallel Stephen is drawing. Moses, the very one God sent to deliver Israel, was initially rejected by them. They questioned his authority, asking, "Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?" (Acts 7:35).
A Pattern of Disbelief:
Stephen uses this history to confront his audience. He reminds them that the man they had just rejected – Jesus – was God's chosen deliverer, just as Moses was. Their rejection of Jesus echoed the Israelites' rejection of Moses centuries earlier.
Divine Purpose Despite Rejection:
Despite Israel's unthankfulness and rejection, God still worked through Moses. The "wonders and signs" weren't halted because of their doubt; God's redemptive plan moved forward. This highlights God's sovereignty and His persistent grace, even when His chosen instruments are spurned.
Understand the original words
teras · Greek Noun
An act or event that defies the laws of nature, intended to manifest God's power and validate a divine message or messenger.
sēmeion · Greek Noun
An object, event, or action that serves as a divine signal or evidence of God's presence, authority, or future purpose.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Exodus from Egypt
Under Moses' leadership, God miraculously delivered the Israelites from over 400 years of slavery in Egypt through a series of powerful signs and wonders, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea.
c. 1446 BC
Parting of the Red Sea
God divided the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army. When the Egyptians attempted to cross, the waters returned, drowning them and confirming God's power.
c. 1445 BC - 1406 BC
Forty Years in the Wilderness
After escaping Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the Sinai wilderness for forty years due to their disobedience. During this time, God continued to provide for them with manna, water from a rock, and protection.
ellicottActs 7:36: "He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years."
(36) After that he had shewed wonders and signs. —The two nouns are joined together, as in Deuteronomy 6:22 , Matthew 24:24 . The words express different relations, it may be, of the same phenomena, rather than phenomena specifically different;—the first emphasising the wonder which the miracle produces, and therefore answering more strictly t…
clarkeActs 7:36: "He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years."
He brought them out, after that he had showed wonders, etc. - Thus the very person whom they had rejected, and, in effect, delivered up into the hands of Pharaoh that he might be slain, was the person alone by whom they were redeemed from their Egyptian bondage. And does not St. Stephen plainly say by this, that the very person, Jesus Christ,…
The verse highlights that both "wonders" and "signs" were performed, not just to amaze, but to testify to God's power and purpose. It's a subtle distinction, suggesting these events weren't just spectacle, but divine communication, carrying a message that the Israelites, and we today, need to hear.
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and their repeated rejection of His chosen leaders. He has just declared that Moses, whom they had just disowned, was sent by God as a ruler and redeemer. This verse then emphasizes Moses' credentials, detailing the incredible signs and wonders God performed through him to bring Israel out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and sustain them for forty years in the wilderness, underscoring God's power and grace despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and their repeated rejection of His chosen leaders. He has just declared that Moses, whom they had just disowned, was sent by God as a ruler and redeemer. This verse then emphasizes Moses' credentials, detailing the incredible signs and wonders God performed through him to bring Israel out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and sustain them for forty years in the wilderness, underscoring God's power and grace despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
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The mention of 'forty years' isn't just a number; it signifies a whole era of God's faithfulness and Israel's journey. What does this extended period teach us?
The forty years in the wilderness wasn't just a waiting period; it was a crucible of God's ongoing power and faithfulness, and a testament to Israel's prolonged journey of learning obedience.
Sustained Divine Provision:
During those forty years, God continued to display His power through "wonders and signs." This included providing manna, water from the rock, and protection from enemies. It was a continuous demonstration that He was actively leading and sustaining His people.
A Journey of Formation:
This extended period was crucial for shaping Israel into a nation that could enter the Promised Land. It was a time to test their faith, reveal their stubbornness, and instill the Law. The sheer length of time emphasizes that God’s deliverance wasn’t a quick fix but a process of transformation and covenant-keeping.
"This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years." — The verse highlights that both "wonders" and "signs" were performed, not just to amaze, but to testify to God's power and purpose. It's a subtle distinction, suggesting these events weren't just sp…
