What does Acts 7:14 mean?

Explanation

Acts 7:14 refers to the patriarch Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to become a powerful official in Egypt.

This particular verse recounts the moment Joseph sent for his father, Jacob, and his entire family to come to Egypt to live because there was a severe famine in their own land, which is mentioned earlier in the book of Genesis.

This act results in the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants into a great nation, although they would first face a period of enslavement.

The verse highlights the significance of Joseph's family, as it lists the number of individuals who went to Egypt, mentioning "threescore and fifteen souls," equal to seventy-five people.

This is the moment the Israelite nation begins to take shape in a foreign land, laying the groundwork for what would become a central narrative in Jewish history, their eventual enslavement in Egypt and subsequent liberation.

Historical Context

Acts 7:14 is part of the speech of Stephen before the Sanhedrin in the New Testament.

Stephen was one of the first deacons of the Christian Church, and in this chapter, he is defending himself against accusations of blasphemy before the Jewish religious leaders.

His speech is a retelling of Jewish history, emphasizing God's actions outside the confines of the land of Israel and the Temple.

During the time Stephen is giving this speech, the early Christian community was trying to establish its identity in relation to traditional Judaism.

Stephen's speech places Christian theology within the context of Jewish history, thereby arguing for continuity between the covenants of the Old and New Testaments.

The mention of Joseph and his family in Egypt serves to remind the audience of God's pattern of saving action throughout history.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, Acts 7:14 showcases the sovereignty of God in the lives of His people. Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, and Jacob's family being settled in Goshen, is seen as part of divine providence.

A Jewish interpretation might focus on the unity and preservation of the family of Jacob as a foundational event in the formation of the Israelite people.

It might also symbolize the beginning of a long historical trajectory that ultimately leads to the Exodus, Sinai, and the occupation of the Promised Land.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire individuals to recognize the importance of family and the care for one’s relatives in times of crisis.

Additionally, it can encourage believers to trust in God's providence during difficult times, understanding that hardships may serve a larger purpose in God's plan.

Cross-References

• Genesis 45:9-11: Joseph urges his brothers to bring Jacob and their families to Egypt.
• Genesis 46:26-27: Details on the number of Jacob's family members who went to Egypt.
• Exodus 1:5: Repeats the count of Jacob's descendants who came to Egypt.

Language Study

In Acts 7:14, the phrase "threescore and fifteen souls" uses the archaic counting term "threescore," which means sixty (a score is twenty), in addition to fifteen, totaling seventy-five.

The word "souls" refers to living beings or persons, indicating the number of individuals, not just men but including women and children.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of Joseph can be compared to various "rags to riches" and wise counselor archetypes found in other ancient cultures, such as the tale of Sinuhe in Egyptian literature or the rise of Daniel in the court of Babylon.

The theme of a loved one, thought lost, who rises to great power is a powerful and recurring motif in many mythologies and religions.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern archaeological and historical scholarship on the movement of Semitic-speaking peoples into Egypt and their status within Egyptian society could provide context that helps in understanding the conditions underpinning the Biblical narrative.

While there is debate over the historical accuracy of the patriarchal narratives, such studies can shed light on the cultural and civilizational exchanges occurring in the Ancient Near East.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries often discuss Acts 7:14 in relation to its apparent contradiction to the Old Testament, where Genesis 46:27 and Exodus 1:5 report seventy persons instead of seventy-five.

Some scholars suggest that Stephen's speech, as recorded by Luke, might be using a version of the Septuagint, which includes the sons of Joseph born in Egypt and could account for the discrepancy in numbers.

Other experts might focus on how this verse emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises and the role of divine providence in the history of the Hebrew people.

Finally, some commentaries might examine the rhetorical purpose of Stephen's recounting of the Joseph narrative, seeing it as a defense of the legitimacy of the Christian faith as grounded in Jewish history.