Acts 7:9
“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Stephen highlights that the brothers' envy wasn't just a fleeting emotion; it was the driving force behind their decision to sell Joseph, a sin that directly contradicts God's plan. The critical point is that even amidst this human wickedness, God's presence and purpose were with Joseph, demonstrating His sovereignty over evil.
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel's ancestors, starting with Joseph. He emphasizes how Joseph's own brothers, driven by envy and jealousy over their father's favor and Joseph's dreams, sold him into slavery in Egypt. Despite this betrayal, Stephen immediately pivots to highlight that God's presence and favor were with Joseph, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power.
The story of Joseph begins not with divine intervention, but with human sin. Yet, even in this act of betrayal, God's hand is at work.
The Sin of the Patriarchs
Stephen highlights the deep-seated envy of Joseph's brothers. The original Greek word, 'zelosantēs,' points to a burning jealousy stemming from their father Jacob's clear favoritism towards Joseph and the prophetic dreams that indicated Joseph's future prominence. This envy fueled their hatred and led to the wicked act of selling him into slavery.
God's Overruling Providence
Despite the brothers' malicious intent, the verse immediately pivots: "but God was with him." This is the crucial turning point. God's presence wasn't absent because Joseph was far from home or suffering. Instead, His presence meant He was actively working through the circumstances, even the sinful actions of men, to bring about His own redemptive purposes. Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt, a direct result of this betrayal, would ultimately save his entire family from famine.
Was Joseph merely sold to passing merchants, or was there a more direct path to Egypt? The text offers clarity on this pivotal moment.
A Deliberate Action
While Joseph was physically sold to Ishmaelite and Midianite traders, the text emphasizes that this was a deliberate act by the patriarchs to send him into Egypt. They understood the slave trade routes and knew where their actions would lead. Joseph himself later acknowledges this in Genesis 45:5, stating, 'For God sent me before you to preserve life.'
Setting the Stage for Redemption
This wasn't an accidental journey. The brothers' decision, driven by malice, was the very means by which God positioned Joseph to fulfill his destined role. It underscores a profound theological truth: human sin, however egregious, cannot thwart God's sovereign plan for salvation and provision.
Understand the original words
zelos · Greek Noun
A feeling of resentment or bitterness toward someone else's status, possessions, or favor; in Scripture, it is a destructive sin often leading to hatred and violence.
Stephen highlights that even from the earliest days of Israel's story, betrayal and rejection by their own people were met by God's steadfast presence and providential purpose, a theme he will soon connect to Jesus.
c. 1750 BC— this verse
Joseph Sold into Slavery
Joseph's jealous brothers sell him to Ishmaelite traders, who then sell him in Egypt. This act of betrayal marks the beginning of Joseph's trials but also God's unfolding plan.
c. 1740 BC
Joseph Rises to Power in Egypt
Through God's favor and wisdom, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, leading to his appointment as second-in-command over Egypt. This position averts a devastating famine.
c. 1730 BC
Jacob's Family Migrates to Egypt
During the famine, Jacob and his entire family, totaling seventy-five people according to some traditions, relocate to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen.
c. 1630 BC
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
After Joseph's death and the rise of new Pharaohs, the Israelites' population grows, leading to their enslavement and harsh oppression by the Egyptians.
This passage directly describes the event Stephen is referencing, showing the brothers' jealousy and their decision to sell Joseph into slavery.
Genesis 39:2-3This immediately follows Joseph's arrival in Egypt and highlights God's presence with him, leading to his success in Potiphar's house, underscoring the 'God was with him' aspect.
Psalm 105:17-22This Old Testament psalm recounts Joseph's story, emphasizing God's providence and favor despite Joseph's suffering and betrayal, mirroring Stephen's point about God's hidden presence.
Romans 8:28This New Testament verse echoes the underlying theme that God works all things, even wicked deeds like Joseph's sale, for good to those who love Him, validating Stephen's assertion that God was with Joseph.
Acts 7:51-53Stephen directly applies the lesson of Joseph's rejection by his brothers to his audience, the Jewish leaders, showing a pattern of resistance to God's messengers throughout their history.
ellicottActs 7:9: "And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,"
(9) The patriarchs, moved with envy. —This, interpreted by what follows, is the first step in the long induction which is to show that the elect of God had always been opposed and rejected by those who were for the time the representatives of the nation. Envy had actuated the patriarchs when they sold Joseph; envy had led their descendants to deliver up Jesus ( Matthew 27:18 ). But man’s evil will had…
barnesActs 7:9: "And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,"
Moved with envy - That is, dissatisfied with the favor which their father Jacob showed Joseph, and envious at the dreams which indicated that he was to be raised to remarkable honor above his parents and brethren, Genesis 37:3-11 . Sold Joseph into Egypt - Sold him, that he might be taken to Egypt. This was done at the suggestion of "Judah," who advised it that Joseph might not be put to death by his…
Stephen highlights that the brothers' envy wasn't just a fleeting emotion; it was the driving force behind their decision to sell Joseph, a sin that directly contradicts God's plan. The critical point is that even amidst this human wickedness, God's presence and purpose were with Joseph, demonstrating His sovereignty over evil.
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel's ancestors, starting with Joseph. He emphasizes how Joseph's own brothers, driven by envy and jealousy over their father's favor and Joseph's dreams, sold him into slavery in Egypt. Despite this betrayal, Stephen immediately pivots to highlight that God's presence and favor were with Joseph, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power.
Stephen is recounting the history of Israel's ancestors, starting with Joseph. He emphasizes how Joseph's own brothers, driven by envy and jealousy over their father's favor and Joseph's dreams, sold him into slavery in Egypt. Despite this betrayal, Stephen immediately pivots to highlight that God's presence and favor were with Joseph, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power.
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c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Led by Moses, the Israelites are miraculously delivered from nearly 400 years of slavery in Egypt, marking a pivotal moment of redemption and nation-building.
"“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him" — Stephen highlights that the brothers' envy wasn't just a fleeting emotion; it was the driving force behind their decision to sell Joseph, a sin that directly contradicts God's plan. The critical poin…
