Acts 7:13-14
And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the verse mentions Joseph making himself known, the more significant, non-obvious point is how his entire family then becomes known to Pharaoh. This isn't just about Joseph's personal recognition, but about God revealing His chosen people and their lineage to a powerful world leader.
Stephen recounts how, during their second trip to Egypt for grain, Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers, and in turn, Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. This moment marked a turning point where Joseph's brothers were reunited with him, and their lineage became known to the Egyptian ruler.
Why did it take a second encounter for Joseph to reveal himself? Discover the intentionality behind his actions.
Stephen recounts that Joseph made himself known to his brothers 'at the second time.' This wasn't accidental. We see in Genesis 45 that Joseph first tested his brothers, ensuring they had changed. He wanted to see remorse and a changed heart before revealing his identity. This 'second time' signifies a moment of deliberate revelation, moving from suspicion and control to openness and reconciliation. It's a powerful reminder that true restoration often requires time and a genuine transformation.
Joseph's family becoming known to Pharaoh is more than just a detail; it's a pivotal moment for God's people.
The verse also notes that 'Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh.' This is crucial! Pharaoh wasn't just learning about Joseph's personal relatives; he was being introduced to the entire clan that would soon settle in Egypt. This official recognition by the ruler of Egypt opened the door for Jacob and his descendants to find a safe haven during the famine. It signifies divine orchestration, where God's purposes for His people are being established, even through the political structures of the world.
Understand the original words
Iōsēph · Greek Proper Noun
The son of Jacob who was sold into slavery, rose to prominence in Egypt, and became the instrument of God’s preservation for the covenant family.
syngeneia · Greek Noun
A generic term used here to describe a person's relatives or household, emphasizing the family unit through which God preserves His covenant promises.
Stephen highlights Joseph's reunion with his brothers and the subsequent immigration of his family to Egypt, underscoring God's providential care even amidst human betrayal and setting the stage for Israel's sojourn.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his envious brothers and taken to Egypt.
c. 1690 BC
Joseph rises to power in Egypt
Through divine wisdom and favor, Joseph rises from slavery and imprisonment to become second-in-command to Pharaoh.
c. 1660 BC
Jacob's family faces famine
A severe famine grips Canaan, forcing Jacob to send his sons to Egypt to buy food.
c. 1660 BC
Joseph's brothers visit Egypt
Joseph's brothers arrive in Egypt to buy grain, unaware that the powerful official is their long-lost sibling.
c. 1660 BC— this verse
Joseph reveals himself to his brothers
This is the direct Old Testament account where Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, mirroring the event Stephen is referencing in Acts.
Genesis 45:16This passage shows Pharaoh extending an invitation to Joseph's family to come to Egypt, indicating that Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh due to his elevated status.
Psalm 105:17-18This Psalm recounts Joseph's trials, noting that 'his soul was pierced by iron,' highlighting the deep suffering he endured before his family recognized him and his status was established.
Romans 8:28This verse speaks to God's sovereign hand in all circumstances, which is a powerful theme in Joseph's story, showing how God orchestrated his rise to power for the preservation of his family.
barnesActs 7:13: "And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh."
Joseph was made known - Genesis 45:4 . Joseph's kindred ... - His relatives; his family, Genesis 45:16.
bengelActs 7:13: "And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh."
Acts 7:13 . Ἀνεγνωρίσθη , was made known to, was recognised by) Made himself known to or recognised by : Genesis 45:1 in the LXX., ἀνεγνωρίζετο τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς αὐτοῦ .
While the verse mentions Joseph making himself known, the more significant, non-obvious point is how his entire family then becomes known to Pharaoh. This isn't just about Joseph's personal recognition, but about God revealing His chosen people and their lineage to a powerful world leader.
Stephen recounts how, during their second trip to Egypt for grain, Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers, and in turn, Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. This moment marked a turning point where Joseph's brothers were reunited with him, and their lineage became known to the Egyptian ruler.
Stephen recounts how, during their second trip to Egypt for grain, Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers, and in turn, Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. This moment marked a turning point where Joseph's brothers were reunited with him, and their lineage became known to the Egyptian ruler.
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During his brothers' second visit to Egypt, Joseph makes himself known to them, leading to reconciliation.
c. 1660 BC
Jacob's family immigrates to Egypt
Pharaoh invites Jacob and his entire family to settle in Egypt, providing them with the best land, following Joseph's revelation.
"And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all." — While the verse mentions Joseph making himself known, the more significant, non-obvious point is how his entire family then becomes known to Pharaoh. This isn't just about Joseph's personal recogni…
