Rejected Leaders and God’s Unexpected Plan
Acts 7:26–29 (NASB95)
26“On the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren, why do you injure one another?’ 27“But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us? 28‘You do not mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you?’ 29“At this remark, Moses fled and became an alien in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
In Acts 7:26–28, Moses seeks to reconcile his quarreling Israelite brothers, only to face rejection: “Who appointed you ruler over us?” (7:27). This echoes Joseph’s earlier betrayal by his brothers and prefigures Jesus’ rejection by His own people (John 1:11). Both Joseph and Moses were misunderstood despite acting on God’s calling. The Israelites’ failure to recognize Moses’ role parallels how Jesus’ contemporaries missed His messianic identity (Luke 19:42; Acts 3:17). Stephen highlights this recurring theme to confront his audience: Israel’s leaders rejected God’s appointed saviors, blinded to divine purposes unfolding through unlikely agents.
Why does Stephen mention Moses’ sons in verse 29? Like Joseph in the previous verses, Moses married non-Israelite women. Moses’ wife was a Midianite, and Joseph’s wife was Egyptian. Stephen uses these examples to subtly critique the ethnic exclusivity of religious leaders. These unions challenged Israelite ethnocentrism, positioning God’s deliverers as “aliens” engaged with Gentile nations. Just as Joseph’s Egyptian marriage saved Israel from famine, Moses’ Midianite connection prepared him to lead Israel out of Egypt. These relationships foreshadowed the church’s Gentile mission, demonstrating God’s heart to redeem all nations through His rejected deliverers. Such marriages were not incidental but theological markers of God’s inclusive plan.
Moses’ rejection in Egypt mirrors Jesus’ rejection in Jerusalem. Both faced accusations like “Who appointed you?” (Acts 7:27; Luke 12:14), yet God vindicated them. Stephen links Moses’ role as λυτρωτής (“redeemer,” Acts 7:35) to Jesus as σωτήρ (savior, 5:31), emphasizing divine sovereignty over human opposition. Just as Moses fled to Midian only to return as Israel’s deliverer, Jesus’ resurrection transformed His crucifixion into victory. Rejection, for both Moses and Jesus, became the pathway to redemption.
What Practical Application is there for the Modern Church?
Like Joseph and Moses, the church must reject ethnocentric mindsets. Cultivate partnerships across cultural divides, recognizing God’s work in unexpected places and people. Remember, people – all people – are the mission.
Moses’ experience reminds us that godly leaders often face resistance. Pray for discernment to recognize and affirm those God has called, even when their methods or backgrounds challenge tradition or even your preferences.
Israel’s rejection of Moses did not negate God’s plan. Trust that God’s purposes prevail despite opposition. Persist in proclaiming Christ’s redemption, knowing rejection may precede revival.
Moses and Joseph’s stories remind us that God’s deliverers are often misunderstood, yet His plans cannot be thwarted. May we champion unity, embrace the marginalized, and proclaim hope—even when met with resistance.
Blessings,
Ryan Goodnight