Acts 3:22

For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you.

Study Bible

For Moses said
This phrase introduces the authority of Moses, a central figure in Jewish history and religion. Moses is revered as the lawgiver and prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt. His words carry significant weight, and his prophecies are seen as foundational. The reference to Moses here underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, affirming that Jesus fulfills the prophecies and expectations set forth by Moses.

The Lord your God
This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. "The Lord" (YHWH) is the personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). It signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The use of "your God" personalizes this relationship, reminding the audience of their unique identity as God's chosen people.

will raise up for you a prophet
The promise of a prophet "like me" (Moses) is a direct reference to Deuteronomy 18:15. In Jewish tradition, this prophecy was understood to refer to the coming Messiah. The phrase "raise up" suggests divine action and initiative, indicating that this prophet is appointed and empowered by God. This prophet is not just another leader but one who will have a unique role in God's redemptive plan.

like me
Moses was a mediator between God and the people, a role that prefigures Christ's mediatory work. The phrase "like me" suggests that the coming prophet will share characteristics with Moses, such as intimacy with God, authority, and the ability to perform signs and wonders. This likeness also points to the prophet's role in delivering God's word and leading His people.

from among your brothers
This phrase indicates that the prophet will be an Israelite, emphasizing the continuity of God's work within the chosen people. It also highlights the humanity of the prophet, who will be one of their own, relatable and accessible. This foreshadows the incarnation of Christ, who, though divine, took on human flesh and lived among His people.

You must listen to Him
The imperative "must listen" underscores the authority and importance of the prophet's message. Listening implies obedience and submission, recognizing the prophet's words as divinely inspired. In the New Testament context, this calls believers to heed the teachings of Jesus, who speaks with the authority of God Himself.

in everything He tells you
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prophet's authority. It is not selective listening but a call to complete obedience. For Christians, this means accepting the entirety of Jesus' teachings, trusting in His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life. It challenges believers to align their lives with the teachings of Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is the prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. In this verse, he is quoted as prophesying about a future prophet.

2. The Lord your God
Refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is the ultimate authority and the one who will raise up the prophet.

3. A Prophet like Moses
This is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of Moses' prophecy. Jesus, like Moses, is a mediator between God and His people.

4. The Israelites (Your Brothers)
The original audience of Moses' prophecy, representing the people of Israel, from whom the prophet would arise.

5. Peter's Sermon
This event takes place during Peter's sermon in Solomon's Colonnade, where he addresses the people of Israel after healing a lame man, using this prophecy to point to Jesus as the Messiah.

Teaching Points

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, affirming the continuity and reliability of Scripture.

The Authority of Jesus
As the prophet like Moses, Jesus holds divine authority, and we are called to listen to Him in all things.

The Importance of Obedience
Just as the Israelites were commanded to listen to the prophet, we are called to obey Jesus' teachings in our daily lives.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets serve as God's messengers, and their words are vital for understanding God's will and purpose.

The Unity of Scripture
The New Testament consistently affirms and fulfills the Old Testament, showing the unity and coherence of God's redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Moses' role as a prophet help us appreciate the significance of Jesus being "a prophet like Moses"?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to Jesus in everything He tells us today?

3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to obey Jesus' teachings more fully in your daily life?

5. How can the comparison between Moses and Jesus in Hebrews 3:1-6 deepen our understanding of Jesus' role and mission?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:15-19
This is the original prophecy given by Moses, which Peter quotes in Acts 3:22. It establishes the expectation of a prophet like Moses.

John 1:45
Philip identifies Jesus as the one Moses wrote about in the Law, connecting Jesus directly to the prophecy in Deuteronomy.

Hebrews 3:1-6
This passage compares Jesus to Moses, highlighting Jesus' superiority and faithfulness as a Son over God's house.