“And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.”
'He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness - the summary of the Exodus recounts 'wonders and signs' (terata kai sēmeia, miracles and portents) throughout the wilderness wandering. The 'forty years in the wilderness' (tessarakonta eta, forty years) becomes a period of testing and purification. Signs and wonders mark God's presence but do not guarantee Israel's obedience.
Church Fathers on Acts 7:23
And when he was full forty years old. Acts 7:23 Forty years he was there, and was not found out from his being circumcised. Observe, how, being in safety, they overlook their own interests, both he and Joseph, in order that they may save others: And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: for he…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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