Acts 7:38

“This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us.”

Context:Acts 7:38 is part of Stephen’s speech, where he is addressing the Jewish religious leaders and recounting the history of Israel from their ancestors. He references Moses and the time when the Israelites were in the wilderness. The purpose of Stephen’s speech is to defend his faith and demonstrate how the Jewish people have a long history of resisting the work of God and rejecting His messengers.

The Church in the Wilderness:Stephen refers to the “church in the wilderness,” which is the Israelite community that journeyed through the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. In this context, the term “church” does not refer to a formal institution but rather to the assembly or congregation of the Israelite people. This highlights the continuity between the people of Israel in the Old Testament and the Christian Church in the New Testament.

The Angel and Mount Sinai:Stephen mentions that Moses was with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai. This refers to the encounter of Moses with God at Mount Sinai, where God delivered the Ten Commandments and other laws to the Israelites (Exodus 19-20). The angel represents the divine presence and communication of God with Moses on the mountain. This event marked a significant moment in the establishment of the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites.

Lively Oracles:Stephen further states that Moses received the “lively oracles” from God to give to the people. The term “lively oracles” in the KJV can also be understood as “living words” or “living utterances.” It refers to the divine revelation and commandments that God entrusted to Moses to guide and instruct the Israelites. These commandments formed the basis of Israel’s religious and moral framework, emphasising the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God.

Overall, Acts 7:38 highlights the historical connection between the early Christian community and the Israelites of the Old Testament. It emphasises the role of Moses in receiving divine instruction and leading the people of Israel. Stephen’s speech serves to demonstrate the continuity of God’s work throughout history and to challenge the religious leaders to recognise Jesus as the Messiah and not repeat the mistakes of their ancestors.