Acts 7:35-36

The very man whom the Israelite leaders had rejected as their ruler and judge (Acts 7:27) God sent to fulfill that role with His help (cf. Acts 3:13-15). Moses proceeded to perform signs and wonders in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness.

The third reference to 40 years (cf. Acts 7:23; Acts 7:30; Acts 7:36) divides Moses’ career into three distinct parts. These stages were (1) preparation ending with rejection by his brethren, (2) preparation ending with his return to Egypt, and (3) ruling and judging Israel. The parallels with the career of Jesus become increasingly obvious as Stephen’s speech unfolds.

"Jesus too had been brought out of Egypt by Joseph and Mary, had passed through the waters of Jordan at his baptism (the Red Sea), and had been tempted in the wilderness for forty days." [Note: Neil, p. 111.]

As Moses became Israel’s ruler and judge with angelic assistance, so will Jesus. As Moses had done miracles, so had Jesus. The ultimate prophet that Moses had predicted would follow him was Jesus (cf. Acts 3:22).

"Stephen naturally lingers over Moses, ’in whom they trusted’ (Jn. Acts 7:45-47), showing that the lawgiver, rejected by his people (35), foreshadowed the experience of Christ (Jn. i. 11)." [Note: Blaiklock, p. 76.]