The verse Acts 7:28 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?" This verse is part of a longer speech delivered by Stephen, one of the early disciples of Jesus, before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council, in defense of his faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

To fully understand the significance of Acts 7:28, it is important to first place it within the broader context of Stephen's speech. In Acts 7, Stephen recounts the history of the Israelites and emphasizes God's sovereignty over His people throughout the ages. He points out the pattern of rejection that the Israelites demonstrated towards the prophets that God sent to them, and ultimately towards Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Stephen's speech is a bold and unapologetic proclamation of his faith, which ultimately leads to his martyrdom.

In Acts 7:28, Stephen is referencing an incident from the Old Testament in which he accuses the Israelites of being unfaithful and disobedient to God's appointed leaders. The specific event he refers to is recorded in Exodus 2:11-14, where Moses, before his call to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, kills an Egyptian who is mistreating an Israelite. The day after this incident, Moses confronts two Israelites who are quarreling and asks why they are fighting each other. One of the Israelites responds with the question quoted in Acts 7:28, which is directed at Moses.

This incident is a symbol of the Israelites' rejection of their deliverer, Moses. Through Stephen's words, the parallel is drawn between the Israelites' rejection of Moses and their rejection of Jesus Christ. Stephen is highlighting the historical trend of the Israelites' resistance towards those whom God sends to lead and deliver them, and he is drawing a direct comparison between Moses and Jesus.

Furthermore, the verse Acts 7:28 serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's chosen leaders. The Egyptian that Stephen refers to in this verse is a representation of oppression and injustice, and Moses' actions in killing him can be seen as an act of justice and deliverance for the oppressed Israelites. By rejecting Moses, the Israelites were essentially rejecting the opportunity for liberation and deliverance. Similarly, by rejecting Jesus, the Israelites and the religious leaders of Stephen's time were refusing the opportunity for spiritual liberation and redemption.

The broader themes of Acts 7:28 and Stephen's speech as a whole include the sovereignty of God, the historical pattern of rejection of God's messengers, and the consequences of disobedience and unbelief. Stephen's speech serves as a powerful testimony to the unchanging nature of God and His faithfulness to His people, despite their repeated rejection and disobedience.

Symbolically, Acts 7:28 also serves as a warning to those who would reject Jesus Christ and His messengers. It is a reminder that God holds His people accountable for their rejection of His appointed leaders and for their lack of faith. Ultimately, Acts 7:28 points to the need for repentance and obedience to God's chosen means of deliverance and salvation, as represented in the person of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, Acts 7:28, within the context of Stephen's speech, serves as a powerful reminder of the historical pattern of rejection of God's messengers and the consequences of such rejection. It also highlights the need for faith, obedience, and a recognition of God's sovereignty. The verse ultimately points to the message of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ, and the importance of embracing God's appointed means of deliverance.