and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Joseph's rise wasn't just about God intervening, but God granting him "favor and wisdom" before Pharaoh. This emphasizes that God actively shaped the perception and understanding of the Egyptian king, setting the stage for Joseph's elevation. It shows God working not just in the circumstances, but through and on the hearts of human leaders.
and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Stephen is recounting the story of Joseph, highlighting God's intervention and favor even when Joseph's own brothers betrayed him by selling him into slavery. This verse specifically details how God rescued Joseph from hardship, granted him wisdom and favor with Pharaoh, leading to his appointment as a ruler in Egypt. This sets the stage for how Joseph would later save his family from famine.
When life throws its worst at you, where is God in the midst of it all? Joseph's story shows us that God's presence isn't always about immediate rescue, but about steadfast companionship.
Stephen, speaking to a hostile crowd, reminds them of God's faithfulness to Joseph. Even in his deepest suffering—sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned—God was with him.
How does one go from a prison cell to the king's palace? It wasn't just luck; it was a divine appointment, blending wisdom and favor.
The verse explicitly states that God 'gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh.' This wasn't merely human charisma or intelligence; it was a direct impartation from God.
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Understand the original words
exaireo · Greek Verb
To bring someone out of danger or confinement; it is used frequently to describe God's saving power in delivering His people from oppression.
charis · Greek Noun
Divine grace or acceptance shown to an individual, often resulting in elevation or protection by those in authority.
sophia · Greek Noun
The God-given ability to perceive reality correctly and make decisions according to His will; it is seen as a gift that allows for godly leadership.
Stephen highlights God's direct intervention, not just in delivering Joseph from suffering, but in elevating him to a position of power specifically so he could later save his own family from starvation.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph's envious brothers sell him into slavery, marking the beginning of his afflictions in Egypt.
c. 1690 BC
Joseph imprisoned
False accusations lead to Joseph's imprisonment, despite his integrity and faithfulness.
c. 1680 BC
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams
Joseph, while still imprisoned, accurately interprets the Pharaoh's dreams, revealing a coming famine.
c. 1680 BC— this verse
Joseph appointed ruler of Egypt
Recognizing Joseph's divine wisdom, Pharaoh releases him from prison and appoints him ruler over all of Egypt to manage the coming famine.
c. 1670 BC - 1660 BC
Famine strikes
The prophesied famine grips Egypt and the surrounding lands, including Canaan.
c. 1660 BC
Jacob's family comes to Egypt
Joseph's family, led by his father Jacob, journeys to Egypt to buy grain, unaware that Joseph is the powerful ruler.
This verse directly precedes Joseph's rise to prominence, highlighting that 'the Lord was with Joseph' and showing him kindness, setting the stage for the favor and wisdom mentioned in Acts.
Genesis 41:39-41This passage details Pharaoh's own recognition of Joseph's wisdom and God's role in it, directly leading to Joseph being appointed ruler over Egypt, mirroring the account in Acts.
Psalm 105:21-22This Old Testament psalm recounts God's actions on behalf of Israel, specifically mentioning God making Joseph 'ruler over all that he had' and giving him 'wisdom and instruction,' echoing the Stephen's sermon.
Daniel 1:9Similar to Joseph, Daniel found favor and wisdom in a foreign court (Babylon) due to God's intervention, demonstrating a recurring theme of divine empowerment in gentile settings.
Matthew 10:19-20Jesus forewarns His disciples that they will be brought before rulers, but assures them that the Spirit will speak through them, reflecting the divine wisdom and favor that enabled Joseph in his difficult circumstances.
barnesActs 7:10: "And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house."
And delivered him ... - That is, restored him to liberty from his servitude and humiliation, and raised him up to high honors and offices in Egypt. Favour and wisdom - The favor was the result of his wisdom. His wisdom was particularly evinced in interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, Genesis 41. And he made him gove…
vincentActs 7:10: "And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house."
Afflictions (θλίψεων)See on Matthew 13:21.
The verse highlights that Joseph's rise wasn't just about God intervening, but God granting him "favor and wisdom" before Pharaoh. This emphasizes that God actively shaped the perception and understanding of the Egyptian king, setting the stage for Joseph's elevation. It shows God working not just in the circumstances, but through and on the hearts of human leaders.
Stephen is recounting the story of Joseph, highlighting God's intervention and favor even when Joseph's own brothers betrayed him by selling him into slavery. This verse specifically details how God rescued Joseph from hardship, granted him wisdom and favor with Pharaoh, leading to his appointment as a ruler in Egypt. This sets the stage for how Joseph would later save his family from famine.
Stephen is recounting the story of Joseph, highlighting God's intervention and favor even when Joseph's own brothers betrayed him by selling him into slavery. This verse specifically details how God rescued Joseph from hardship, granted him wisdom and favor with Pharaoh, leading to his appointment as a ruler in Egypt. This sets the stage for how Joseph would later save his family from famine.
"and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household." — The verse highlights that Joseph's rise wasn't just about God intervening, but God granting him "favor and wisdom" before Pharaoh. This emphasizes that God actively shaped the perception and unders…
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Last reviewed October 2026