Acts 7:17-29
Teaching Notes
In Acts 7:17–29, Stephen reminds us that God is always fulfilling His promises, even when we don’t see it. The Israelites had become comfortable in Egypt, but through growing oppression, God was positioning them for something new. Painful circumstances often serve as the very means by which God moves us into a new season. Just like the Israelites were pushed out of Egypt, we too may be nudged out of comfort to step into God's greater plan.
A major theme in this passage is spiritual blindness. The religious leaders Stephen addressed had deep scriptural knowledge, but they completely missed the truth of who Jesus was. Spiritual blindness isn’t just ignorance—it’s the unwillingness to see. We can be blinded by our intellect, our success, our pain, or our self-righteousness. Billy Graham once said, “You can see physically but still be spiritually blind.” That reality should humble all of us.
Stephen draws a powerful parallel between Moses and Jesus. Both had miraculous births, were preserved through threats, left privilege behind to identify with the suffering, and were rejected by those they came to deliver. Moses was rejected when he first tried to help his people, just as Jesus was rejected by many when He came to bring salvation. Their stories echo the truth that God’s deliverance often comes in ways we don’t expect. The question becomes: are we rejecting the help God has sent simply because it didn’t come the way we wanted?
The religious leaders questioned Jesus' authority, just as their ancestors had questioned Moses'. They didn’t reject Him because of a lack of evidence—they rejected Him because of pride and hard hearts. And that same rejection happens today. Many people are spiritually blind, convinced they’re right, but missing the light of truth that Jesus brings. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). He opens our blind eyes, not by force, but by invitation.
For those of us who believe, our response is clear: pray for those still walking in spiritual blindness. Ask God to open their eyes. Remain humble and willing to be corrected by God’s truth. Keep rooted in Scripture—it is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). If you feel spiritually stuck today, know this: Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He desires to come into your life, to forgive you, to lead you, and to make you a child of God.
Let’s be people who walk in the light of Christ and who lovingly lead others out of darkness. God is still opening eyes. May He use us to reflect the truth of Jesus—the Deliverer we didn’t expect, but the exact one we all need.
