“But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over the phrase "as the time of the promise drew near," but it's the whole point! Stephen emphasizes that Israel's incredible multiplication in Egypt, even while enslaved, wasn't mere coincidence but a direct, timed fulfillment of God's oath to Abraham. This highlights God's sovereign hand, working mysteriously to bring His promises to pass precisely when He intends.
“But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, moving from the patriarchs to the period of slavery in Egypt. He highlights that even as the promised time for God's people to become a great nation approached, they faced immense suffering and oppression under a new Pharaoh who had no memory of Joseph's service. This sets the stage for the story of Moses' birth and rescue, which Stephen will elaborate on next.
Ever feel like God's promises take forever to arrive? Stephen reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when it feels slow.
Stephen highlights that God's promise to Abraham, concerning a great nation, was about to be fulfilled. The original promise in Genesis wasn't just about land, but about countless descendants.
God's Appointed Time
The Greek word used here can mean 'as' or 'in proportion as,' suggesting that the growth of the people happened in sync with the nearing of God's appointed time for fulfillment. It wasn't a random occurrence, but a divinely orchestrated event.
Faith in the Unseen
The people of Israel had been in Egypt for generations, and the promise of a great nation was still far from obvious. This calls us to trust God's timeline, even when circumstances don't yet reflect His promises.
How can a people grow exponentially when they're in slavery and facing harsh oppression?
This verse presents a powerful paradox: the Israelites increased and multiplied in Egypt even while they were oppressed. This wasn't a natural, easy growth; it was supernatural and contrary to their circumstances.
God's Power Over Circumstances
Despite Pharaoh's decrees and the hard labor, God's plan for multiplication continued. The commentaries point out that this growth was beyond the 'ordinary custom of nature.' It was a sign of God's active blessing and protection, ensuring His promise would come to fruition.
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A Divine Strategy
While the next verses detail Pharaoh's attempts to curb this growth, this particular verse focuses on the incredible reality of their multiplication before those oppressive measures fully took hold. It shows God's sovereign hand, ensuring His people would become a great nation, no matter the challenges.
Understand the original words
epangelia · Greek Noun
A prophetic declaration or oath made by God to His people, establishing a covenantal commitment that He will fulfill in His perfect timing. It often refers to the specific covenant made with the patriarchs regarding the land and the multiplication of descendants.
basileus · Greek Noun
A generic term for a monarch, ruler, or sovereign, often implying absolute or dictatorial authority in the context of ancient Near Eastern powers like Egypt.
Stephen highlights that Israel's incredible growth in Egypt, despite oppressive conditions and even a decree to kill male infants, was not a natural occurrence but a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and a testament to His sovereign power.
c. 1800 BC
Abrahamic Covenant and Promise
God promises Abraham that his descendants will be numerous and inherit the land of Canaan. This sets the stage for the future growth of his people.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph's Arrival in Egypt
Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rises to power in Egypt, saving the land from famine and establishing his family there.
c. 1530 BC
New Dynasty in Egypt
A new dynasty, possibly the 18th Dynasty, rises to power in Egypt, likely expelling the Hyksos. This new leadership does not remember Joseph's service.
c. 1490-1446 BC— this verse
Israelites Multiply and are Oppressed
The descendants of Abraham, now known as Israelites, grow significantly in number. A new Pharaoh, fearing their vast population, begins to oppress them.
c. 1450 BC
Infanticide Policy Against Israelites
Pharaoh enacts a brutal policy to limit the Israelite population by ordering Hebrew midwives to kill male infants at birth.
c. 1450 BC
Birth and Preservation of Moses
Moses is born and miraculously saved from Pharaoh's decree, being found and raised in the Egyptian royal court.
This passage directly foreshadows the enslavement and eventual deliverance of Abraham's descendants in Egypt, highlighting God's foreknowledge and His promise concerning their suffering and liberation.
Exodus 1:7-9This passage describes the incredible multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt, setting the stage for the new Pharaoh's fear and subsequent oppression, mirroring Stephen's narrative.
Galatians 3:17This verse references the 430-year period God appointed for the Israelites in Egypt, directly linking to the 'time of the promise' mentioned in Acts 7:17 and emphasizing the divine timing of His plans.
Hebrews 11:22This verse shows how Joseph, in faith, spoke about the future deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, underscoring the deep-seated hope and prophetic awareness of God's promise even during their time in Egypt.
ellicottActs 7:17: "But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,"
(17) Which God had sworn to Abraham. —The better MSS. give, which God promised.
calvinActs 7:17-19: "But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,"
And when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people increased, and was multiplied in Egypt, 18. Until another king arose, which knew not Joseph: 19. This man dealt subtilely with our kindred; he evil-entreated our fathers, that they might cast out their infants, lest they should be increased.
Stephen passeth over unto th…
It's easy to skim over the phrase "as the time of the promise drew near," but it's the whole point! Stephen emphasizes that Israel's incredible multiplication in Egypt, even while enslaved, wasn't mere coincidence but a direct, timed fulfillment of God's oath to Abraham. This highlights God's sovereign hand, working mysteriously to bring His promises to pass precisely when He intends.
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, moving from the patriarchs to the period of slavery in Egypt. He highlights that even as the promised time for God's people to become a great nation approached, they faced immense suffering and oppression under a new Pharaoh who had no memory of Joseph's service. This sets the stage for the story of Moses' birth and rescue, which Stephen will elaborate on next.
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel, moving from the patriarchs to the period of slavery in Egypt. He highlights that even as the promised time for God's people to become a great nation approached, they faced immense suffering and oppression under a new Pharaoh who had no memory of Joseph's service. This sets the stage for the story of Moses' birth and rescue, which Stephen will elaborate on next.
"“But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph." — It's easy to skim over the phrase "as the time of the promise drew near," but it's the whole point! Stephen emphasizes that Israel's incredible multiplication in Egypt, even while enslaved, wasn't me…
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Last reviewed October 2026