What does Acts 7:18 mean?

Explanation

The verse "Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph" from Acts 7:18 makes a reference to a time of political and social change in Egypt when a new Pharaoh ascended to the throne who had no regard for Joseph, the Hebrew who previously had achieved a high status in the Egyptian government due to his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.

The phrasing "knew not Joseph" implies that this new king either did not know of Joseph and his contributions to Egypt or chose not to recognize them.

The verse forms part of Stephen's speech in the Book of Acts, where he gives a summary of the history of Israel and the unfaithfulness and disobedience of the people towards God.

The deeper meaning indicates a shift from a period of favor and prosperity for the Hebrews in Egypt to one of oppression and hardship, as this new Pharaoh begins to perceive the growing Hebrew population as a threat.

This event sets the stage for the enslavement of the Israelites and eventually leads to the story of Moses and the Exodus.

Historical Context

Acts 7 is part of the New Testament and is a speech given by Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early Christian Church.

Stephen's speech was delivered before a Jewish council where he was brought on charges of blasphemy.

Through recounting the history of the Jewish people, he intended to show God's faithfulness despite the failures of Israel.

This verse specifically fits within the larger narrative of Jewish history, setting the groundwork for the Exodus, which is a central event in Jewish and Christian tradition.

The historical King that "knew not Joseph" is thought to be a reference to the Pharaoh of the Exodus, although his exact identity is a point of debate among scholars. The time-period implied would be somewhat after the Middle Kingdom of Egypt where Joseph was said to have served.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be viewed through a lens of God's sovereignty in history, a common theme in Judeo-Christian belief.

It suggests that God, while working through Joseph in times of plenty, still maintained a plan during times of hardship.

From a Christian standpoint, it portrays the unpredictability of human leadership contrasted with the consistent guidance of God.

This verse may be used to demonstrate the idea of providence, suggesting that the change in Pharaoh was part of God's broader plan to bring about the events of the Exodus, which would lead to the Israelites receiving the Law and eventually entering the Promised Land.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse could be applied in daily life to remind individuals of the transient nature of human authority and favor.

It suggests the importance of placing one's trust not in human leaders, who may change and forget past loyalties, but in God who remains constant.

In societal terms, the verse warns against complacency during times of prosperity and encourages a steady faith and preparedness for times when circumstances may change abruptly.

Cross-References

• Genesis 41:46 - Joseph's rise to power in Egypt
• Exodus 1:8 - A parallel verse which states: "Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph."
• Psalm 105:25 - Which says: "He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants."

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek language from Acts 7:18 include:

• "Another" (ἕτερος, heteros) implying 'another of a different kind'.
• "Arose" (ἀνίστημι, anistēmi) which can mean 'to raise up' or 'to appear'.
• "Knew" (γινώσκω, ginōskō) indicates knowledge or recognition, suggesting either a lack of awareness or disregard.

The word "knew" in this context carries significant weight, as it denotes more than just a lack of information; it implies a disregard for the relationship and covenant that Joseph had with the previous Egyptian dynasty.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, it was not uncommon for new rulers or dynasties to distance themselves from or eradicate the memory of former powers.

This can be seen in the Ancient Near East where new rulers would often try to establish their own legitimacy by discrediting or ignoring the contributions of predecessors.

In other religious interpretations, such as the Islamic tradition, Joseph (Yusuf) is also recognized as a prophet, and his story is found in the Qur'an.

However, the Qur'an does not explicitly mention a Pharaoh who "knew not Joseph."

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might not directly relate to this verse, but archaeology can help to understand the historical context in which the story is set.

Historical and archaeological studies of ancient Egypt have sought to place the Biblical narrative within the framework of Egyptian history, with varying results and often inconclusive due to the scarcity of direct evidence of the Hebrews' presence in Egypt during that time.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer multiple interpretations of this verse:

• The Pulpit Commentary notes the change of feeling towards the Israelites with the change of dynasty from the Hyksos to the Egyptian, implying the Hyksos may have been more favorable to foreigners like Joseph and his people.
• Matthew Henry's commentary highlights the fickleness of worldly policy and human affairs, which are subject to great revolutions, and the passage of time which can lead to the forgetting of those who had been a nation's savior.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that the new king was likely from a new family, unacquainted with the affairs of Joseph's time, and more inclined to disregard the Hebrews and their contributions.