What does Acts 7:9 mean?

Explanation

The verse in Acts 7:9 refers to the experience of Joseph, a patriarch in the Hebrew Bible, who was sold into slavery by his brothers.

The "patriarchs" mentioned here are Joseph's brothers, the sons of Jacob.

Moved by jealousy and envy because of their father's favoritism towards Joseph (seen in the gift of a multi-colored coat), and Joseph's dreams that suggested he would rule over them, they decided to get rid of him.

This culminated in them initially plotting to kill him but then deciding to profit by selling him into slavery in Egypt.

While this event was tragic and fueled by negative human emotions, the latter part of the verse points out that despite these circumstances, "God was with him." This infers that Joseph's success in Egypt, as well as the broader unfolding of God's plan to save his family (and later the nation of Israel), was due to divine providence and guidance.

This carries a deeper meaning that God can work through human wrongdoing to bring about His purposes and can protect and bless individuals even in the midst of hardship.

Historical Context

Acts 7:9 comes from the speech of Stephen, who was one of the first deacons in the early Christian Church and became the first Christian martyr.

The book of Acts was written by Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul.

The context here is that Stephen, while defending himself against charges of blasphemy before the Jewish Sanhedrin, recounts the history of the Israelites, highlighting the faithfulness of God throughout their journey.

The historical context for Joseph dates back to the ancestral period of Israel’s history, roughly around the 19th century BCE, when the Israelites were still a family, long before they became a nation.

Joseph's story is recounted in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37-50.

His sale into Egypt led to a series of events where he rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt under Pharaoh, ultimately leading to the Israelites' settlement in Egypt, setting the scene for the story of Exodus centuries later.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 7:9 emphasizes the sovereignty of God even in situations where human intent is malicious. It underscores that God's plans are not thwarted by human sinfulness but can incorporate and transform such acts to achieve divine purposes.

Furthermore, Joseph's story is often seen as a typology of Christ in Christian theology. Like Christ, Joseph was rejected by his own, suffered unjustly, and yet later became a savior to his people and a ruler.

It suggests themes of redemption and the mysterious ways in which divine justice and mercy are dispensed.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse apply to modern life in several ways:

1. Handling adversity: The way Joseph's story unfolds encourages individuals to persevere through trials, trusting that challenging circumstances can be used for a greater good.
2. Forgiveness and reconciliation: As the story of Joseph progresses (later in Genesis), we learn that he forgave his brothers, teaching the value and possibility of reconciliation despite deep wrongs.
3. Providence in suffering: Believers are reassured that God’s presence is with them even in the face of betrayal or suffering and that no event is outside of God’s overarching plan.

Cross-References

• Genesis 37:28: "Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt."
• Genesis 45:4-5: "And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you.

And they came near.

And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life."

• Genesis 50:20: "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "moved with envy" is translated from "zēloō" (ζηλόω), which can mean to have a zeal for, to be jealous of, or to envy. This indicates an intense emotional response that led to their actions.

The Greek for "God was with him" is "theos ēn met' autou" (θεός ἦν μετ' αὐτοῦ), with "theos" meaning God and the phrase "ēn met' autou" indicating an ongoing, accompanying presence, suggesting God's continuous support and guidance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Joseph's story has similarities with ancient myths where a central character undergoes trials, such as the story of Osiris in Egyptian mythology or the trials of Hercules in Greek mythology.

However, a distinctive feature in Joseph's narrative is its emphasis on monotheism and divine providence which is a central tenet of Abrahamic traditions, rather than attributing outcomes to various gods or fate.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective may highlight the historical and anthropological accuracy of the account of Joseph.

Archaeological evidence can be considered to help validate the historical context of the narrative, such as the existence of Semitic people in Egypt during the relevant period, or the practice of slavery and the rise of individuals within ancient societies.

Commentaries

Commentaries often highlight the way in which the story of Joseph is a profound example of God's providence in action.

They underscore the drama of Joseph's rise from slavery to rulership as a testimony to faith in God's plan.

For instance, Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the envy and strife among brothers but equally God's grace in lifting Joseph to a place of authority.

John Calvin’s Commentary might focus on the doctrine of providence and God's sovereignty as manifested in Joseph's life.

Other experts may focus on the psychological or ethical aspects of the narrative, such as the effects of favoritism in families or the moral complexities of Joseph’s relationship with his brothers.