“Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us; for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.”– Acts 7:40
Acts 7:40 Meaning
This verse is a part of a sermon given by Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early church. He was speaking to the Jewish council, recalling their history and the moment when the Israelites were wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt. At this time, the people grew impatient and desperate for guidance. They turned away from God and, instead, sought to create their own gods. This verse reflects the action of the Israelites when they felt abandoned by Moses, the leader God had chosen to deliver them.
The phrase “Make us gods to go before us” highlights the deep-seated need for direction and leadership—a need so profound that the people chose to forsake their trust in God. They wanted something tangible they could see and worship. When Moses, the man who brought them out of Egypt, delayed in returning from Mount Sinai, they became anxious about their future and were quick to abandon their faith. This reflects a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures and in human nature: the struggle to remain faithful during times of uncertainty.
Acts 7:40 Commentary and Explanation
In Stephen’s address, he recounts significant moments in the history of Israel. Here, the crux is the departure of the people from faith in God while they were in the wilderness. When Moses took too long to return from the mountain, the people felt abandoned, leading them to take matters into their own hands. Acting out of fear and impatience, they created an idol, which they believed could replace Moses, who represented God’s presence and guidance. This act symbolizes the human tendency to turn to idols—false gods—when faith feels difficult to maintain.
The Israelites fashioned a golden calf, representing not only their rebellion against God but also a loss of trust in His provision. With the calf, they were attempting to create a focal point for worship, a substitute for what they believed they had lost. Their hurried decisions reflect how fear can cause individuals to forsake what they know to be true.
Looking at the broader themes in Scripture, this incident is not an isolated event. We see similar patterns throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The longing for visible leadership has driven people throughout history to seek comfort in things that do not satisfy, illustrating a deep-seated yearning for certainty and assurance. We see God’s response to their actions; while He desires a relationship built on trust and faith, human nature often leans towards what it can control or see.
In Acts 7:40, Stephen is not only recounting history but is also drawing parallels with his audience’s current rejection of Jesus. Just as the Israelites turned from Moses, many present were turning from Jesus, the ultimate revelation of God. Stephen’s speech serves as a warning, urging them not to repeat the same mistakes made by their ancestors.
Context of Acts 7:40
To understand Acts 7:40 fully, we must consider the broader context of Stephen’s address in Acts 7. He is brought before the Sanhedrin, accused of blaspheming Moses and God. In his defense, Stephen recounts the history of Israel, emphasizing moments when God’s chosen people rebelled against Him. Starting from Abraham and moving through Joseph, Moses, and the Exodus, Stephen is painting a picture of God’s unfailing faithfulness contrasted against Israel’s repeated disobedience.
In the context of Acts 7:39–40, Stephen is reminding the council that their ancestors, despite being delivered by God, often chose disobedience when faced with trials. They turned to idols instead of trusting in God’s promises. Through this retelling, he is indirectly calling attention to the current situation: just as their ancestors rejected Moses, the leaders in Stephen’s time were rejecting the messenger of God, Jesus Christ. This connection served to illustrate the continuity of God’s plan—how God consistently calls humanity to faithfulness, offering grace and forgiveness while bearing the consequences of idolatry.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 7:40
The opening phrase, “Saying unto Aaron,” indicates a direct address to one of the key figures in Moses’ story. Aaron, who was held in high regard, was persuaded by the people to act against God’s commands and help them create an idol. This sets the scene for the involving dynamics of leadership and responsibility. The Israelites affirm their fear with “we wot not what is become of him.” Their willingness to abandon God stemmed from uncertainty; they didn’t understand what had happened to Moses. His delay caused them to believe that they were forgotten.
This introduces the request “Make us gods,” which exposes the wrestle of faith versus fear. Rather than relying on God’s power, they opted to create something physical to lead them. This creation of the golden calf embodies their lack of faith and need for assurance in the form of tangible idols. Their actions, in essence, reflect a chaotic departure from God’s direct guidance and blessings. These verses portray the raw human need for certainty combined with the inability to wait for divine timing.
Lessons From Acts 7:40
We can glean several vital lessons from Acts 7:40 that are pertinent to our lives today. First, this passage raises questions about faith in moments of uncertainty. How often do we act rashly when God seems to be silent or delayed in providing guidance? Like the Israelites, we may look for ways to fill the void with things that ultimately lead us away from God. Instead, we should cultivate a willingness to trust in God’s plan, even when we cannot see it in motion.
Another lesson speaks to leadership and responsibility. Aaron’s choice to yield to the people’s demands shows the vulnerability of leadership in moments of crisis. We must strive to be leaders who guide others toward faith, even during challenging times, speaking truth and pointing to God instead of succumbing to pressure.
This passage also serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering our spiritual history. Reflecting on the faithfulness of God in our past can serve as a source of encouragement and strengthen our present faith. Understanding how God has moved in the lives of others can fuel our courage to hold fast to that faith.
Final Thoughts
Acts 7:40 presents a powerful narrative that serves to challenge us about our reliance on God during times of uncertainty. While we navigate the trials of life, we may feel tempted to turn to various idols, whether they are material possessions, relationships, or other distractions. We must remain vigilant and focused on God, who calls us to trust Him deeply. As we consider our response to His promises, this story reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the importance of waiting on Him.
It’s a great opportunity to explore more of what the Bible has to say about faith and trust. For those of us seeking encouragement, we can look into bible verses about inspiration and encouragement. Let’s stay true to our faith, leaning on God’s everlasting presence, and continue to grow in understanding and strength.