Meaning of Acts 7:20

This verse, Acts 7:20, marks a pivotal moment in Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, introducing the extraordinary birth and early life of Moses. Stephen highlights that Moses was "no ordinary child," emphasizing his divine protection and special purpose from infancy. This declaration sets the stage for Moses's later role as the deliverer of Israel, a role foreshadowed by his miraculous survival and nurturing within his own family, despite Pharaoh's genocidal decree. The verse underscores God's sovereign hand actively intervening in human affairs, even in the face of extreme oppression.

Context and Background

Stephen's speech in Acts chapter 7 is a historical account of God's dealings with Israel, from Abraham to the present. He is recounting the story of Moses, who was born during a time when Pharaoh had commanded that all newborn Israelite males be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). Moses's birth was therefore an act of defiance against tyrannical authority and a testament to the faithfulness of his parents, Amram and Jochebed, who hid him for three months. This period of hiding and his subsequent rescue by Pharaoh's daughter are presented as the initial stages of God's plan for Moses's life and the liberation of the Israelites.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Providence: The verse emphasizes God's active involvement in protecting and preparing Moses. Despite the lethal decree, Moses was born and kept alive, indicating a divine plan at work.
• Extraordinary Beginnings: Calling Moses "no ordinary child" signifies that his birth and early life were marked by divine favor and purpose, distinguishing him from others.
• Faithful Parenting: The mention of his family caring for him highlights the courage and faith of Moses's parents in defying Pharaoh's orders, demonstrating how human obedience can be instrumental in God's redemptive work.
• Preparation for Deliverance: The three months of care are the initial phase of Moses's hidden preparation, a prelude to his more dramatic rescue and upbringing in Pharaoh's court and his eventual leadership.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the principle that God often chooses and prepares individuals for significant roles in His kingdom in ways that are not immediately apparent. It reminds believers that God can work through seemingly ordinary circumstances and faithful obedience to achieve extraordinary outcomes. The protection of Moses as an infant foreshadows God's constant protection over His people, even when they are vulnerable and facing overwhelming opposition. It encourages trust in God's timing and His ability to safeguard and equip His servants.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Acts 7:20 is intrinsically linked to the liberation narrative of the Old Testament, particularly the book of Exodus. Moses is a foundational figure in Israel's history, serving as the mediator of the Mosaic Covenant and the leader who brought Israel out of slavery. His birth and early protection are the essential first steps in this grand redemptive act. Stephen uses this narrative to show his audience that God has always acted decisively on behalf of His people, even through those they might have overlooked or who had humble beginnings. This narrative also serves as a type for Jesus Christ, who also faced threats to His life as an infant and who ultimately delivered His people from spiritual bondage.

Analogies

One analogy for Moses's early life being "no ordinary" is the way a precious seed, though small and seemingly insignificant, contains the blueprint and potential for a mighty tree. Similarly, Moses, hidden away in a basket, held within him the destiny of a nation. Another analogy could be a carefully crafted tool, hidden in a craftsman's workshop for a season, being meticulously prepared before it is brought out to perform its crucial function.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 1:15-22: This passage directly describes Pharaoh's decree and the courageous act of the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah, followed by the birth and hiding of Moses.
• Exodus 2:1-10: This is the account of Moses's discovery by Pharaoh's daughter and his subsequent adoption and upbringing, a direct continuation of the narrative initiated in Acts 7:20.
• Hebrews 11:23: This verse in the Hall of Faith explicitly mentions Moses's parents by faith, "when he was born, hid him three months," connecting his early life to the power of faith.
• Acts 7:30-36: Stephen continues the narrative of Moses, describing his calling at the burning bush and his commission to lead Israel out of Egypt, demonstrating the fulfillment of the purpose hinted at in his extraordinary birth.