Acts chapter 7

vs 31-32

It has taken this long, 80 years, before God has spoken to Moses, and about 400 years since he has revealed himself to his people generally.

vs 33

This is a solemn and important time in Israel's history, where God is becoming directly, powerfully involved in their predicament. It deserves some holiness.

vs 34

I'm sure this is not what Moses wanted to hear. I'm sure he wanted to hear "I am God, I am mighty, I will get my people out of Egypt. Wait here." Funny how God doesn't work that way.

vs 35

A few interesting words of editorialising by Stephen here. One that Moses was leader by God's decree, even though the people had rejected him. Jesus much?

Secondly, Stephen refers to the appearance in the bush as an angel.Well, I think it's interesting.

vs 36

Woah! Stephen spent all that time explaining who Moses was, how the people got stuck in Egypt in the first place, and then, in one verse, summarises the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness! One verse!

vs 37

Ahhh, now we're getting to brass tacks. No wonder Stephen is speeding up. He's gotten to the interesting bit. Well, interesting for him, anyway. The religious leaders might not agree.

vs 38

Despite all his credentials (not personal, but just the fact that God let him be in all those places and have all those experiences), people did not listen to him. Sounding familiar?

vs 39

Back to Egypt. Back to the inferior way of life. Rejecting Moses was rejecting God, because God gave him the authority. So they were turning their backs on God to go back to Egypt.

vs 40

Their rebellion against God gets directly shown by their idolatrous request. They deny God's work, forget God's servant, and go for a replacement of both.