Acts 7:37
This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
Acts 7:37 (KJV)
Context
Stephen spoke these words while on trial before the Jewish council, answering false charges by retelling Israel’s history. In Acts 7:37 he recalls Moses’ promise to the children of Israel, quoting Deuteronomy 18:15. That earlier verse records Moses telling the people that the Lord would raise up a prophet from among them, one like himself, and that they must listen to him.
Meaning
The phrase “like unto me” shows that the coming prophet would be an Israelite, chosen by God from among the people, and would speak with divine authority. The command “him shall ye hear” makes clear that this prophet’s words demand obedience. Stephen applies this prophecy directly to Jesus, declaring that Jesus, being of Jewish descent—“of your brethren”—fulfills what Moses foretold. Jesus is not merely another teacher but the final and authoritative voice of God, whose message completes and surpasses the law given through Moses.
Biblical connections
The same prophecy appears in Acts 3:22, where Peter also quotes it and applies it to Jesus, urging the people to listen to Him in all things. This shows that the early church understood Deuteronomy 18:15 as a messianic promise pointing to Christ. Stephen’s use of it emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments: Moses himself testified of Jesus.
Application
Believers today are called to heed Jesus’ teachings, listen to His voice, and submit to His authority. Through Christ, God has revealed the ultimate plan of salvation and reconciliation. To reject Jesus is to repeat the pattern of Israel’s rebellion against God’s messengers. Stephen’s bold proclamation of this truth cost him his life, reminding us that following the promised Prophet requires faith, obedience, and a listening heart.
Reflection
May this passage deepen your understanding of Jesus as the promised Prophet and encourage you to follow His words with trust and reverence.
