Acts 7:10
and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.
and rescued him out of all his troubles
This phrase highlights God's divine intervention in Joseph's life. The Greek word for "rescued" is "ἐξείλατο" (exeilato), which implies a powerful deliverance or liberation. Joseph's troubles began with his brothers' betrayal and continued through his unjust imprisonment in Egypt. Yet, God’s providence is evident as He orchestrates events for Joseph's ultimate good and His divine purpose. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in His deliverance from their own trials.

He gave him favor and wisdom
The phrase underscores the divine gifts bestowed upon Joseph. "Favor" in Greek is "χάριν" (charin), which can also mean grace or kindness. "Wisdom" is "σοφίαν" (sophian), indicating not just knowledge, but the ability to apply it effectively. Joseph's favor with God and man, coupled with wisdom, enabled him to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and manage Egypt's resources wisely. This reflects the biblical principle that God equips those He calls, providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to fulfill His purposes.

before Pharaoh king of Egypt
This phrase situates Joseph's account within a historical and political context. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, was considered a god-like figure, wielding immense power. Joseph's rise to prominence in such a setting is remarkable and illustrates God's ability to elevate His servants in any circumstance. Historically, this aligns with the Hyksos period in Egypt, when Semitic peoples, like Joseph, could have held significant positions. This context emphasizes God's control over history and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His will.

who appointed him ruler over Egypt
The appointment of Joseph as a ruler is a testament to God's providential plan. The Greek word "κατέστησεν" (katestēsen) means to set or establish someone in a position. Joseph's elevation from a prisoner to a ruler is a dramatic reversal that highlights God's power to transform situations. This serves as an encouragement to believers that God can change their circumstances and use them for His glory, regardless of their starting point.

and all his household
This phrase indicates the extent of Joseph's authority, not only over the land of Egypt but also over Pharaoh's personal affairs. The term "household" in Greek is "οἶκον" (oikon), which can refer to both a physical house and a family or dynasty. Joseph's comprehensive authority signifies trust and respect, showing how God can grant His servants influence and responsibility. It also foreshadows the role of Christ, who is given authority over all creation, and serves as a model for Christian leadership characterized by integrity and service.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
A Hebrew patriarch, sold into slavery by his brothers, who rose to power in Egypt due to God's favor and wisdom.

2. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt who recognized Joseph's wisdom and appointed him as a ruler over Egypt.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph was taken as a slave and later became a powerful leader.

4. Stephen
The speaker in Acts 7, who is recounting the history of Israel to the Sanhedrin.

5. Sanhedrin
The Jewish council before whom Stephen is defending his faith and recounting Israel's history.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Providence
Joseph's account is a testament to God's control over circumstances, turning what was meant for evil into good.

The Role of Wisdom in Leadership
Joseph's wisdom, granted by God, was crucial in his rise to power and effective governance. Seek God's wisdom in your own leadership roles.

Favor with God and Man
Joseph found favor with both God and Pharaoh. As believers, we should strive to live in a way that pleases God and earns respect from others.

Endurance Through Trials
Joseph's journey was fraught with challenges, yet he remained faithful. Trust in God's timing and purpose through your own trials.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Joseph's life demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging us to trust in His promises today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's account in Acts 7:10 illustrate God's sovereignty and providence in difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily lives, as Joseph did?

3. How can Joseph's experience of finding favor with God and man inspire us in our interactions with others?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's endurance through trials that can be applied to our own life challenges?

5. How does Joseph's account encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness and promises, and what are some specific promises you are holding onto today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41
This chapter provides the detailed account of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, highlighting his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and subsequent appointment as a ruler.

Psalm 105:17-22
This passage recounts Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership, emphasizing God's providence and faithfulness.

James 1:5
This verse speaks about God giving wisdom generously to those who ask, paralleling the wisdom given to Joseph.

Romans 8:28
This verse underscores the theme of God working all things for good, as seen in Joseph's life.
Stephen's Address: Lessons of the Patriarchal TimeE. Johnson Acts 7:1-17
St. Stephen's DefenceG. T. Sokes, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's Address in the SanhedrimR.A. Redford Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's Answers to the Charge of Blasphemy Against GodG. V. Lechler, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenceDean Alford.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenceD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's TestimonyW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
The Defence of StephenJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 7:1-53
The Earliest Appearance of God to AbrahamBp. Jacobsen.Acts 7:1-53
The High Priest and His QuestionBp. Jacobson.Acts 7:1-53
The Recital of a Nation's Spiritual PedigreeP.C. Barker Acts 7:1-53
Stephen's DefenseR. Tuck Acts 7:2-53
Israel and Egypt: Divine ProvidenceW. Clarkson Acts 7:8-19
Envy Personally HurtfulCawdray.Acts 7:9-15
Envy Self-DestructiveD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 7:9-15
Envy: Advantage of Benevolence OverColton.Acts 7:9-15
Envy: its EvilsCawdray.Acts 7:9-15
Envy: its GoodJ. Beaumont.Acts 7:9-15
Envy: its GroundsActs 7:9-15
Envy: its UniversalityLord Clarendon.Acts 7:9-15
Examples of EnvyJ. A. James.Acts 7:9-15
Joseph a Type of ChristF. Joseph.Acts 7:9-15
Joseph a Type of ChristPreacher's MonthlyActs 7:9-15
Joseph's Afflictions and AdvancementBiblical MuseumActs 7:9-15
Joseph's ExaltationT. Guthrie, D. D.Acts 7:9-15
The Patriarchs and Their Younger BrotherJ. W. Burn.Acts 7:9-15
The Second TimeC. H. Spurgeon., Dean Plumptre.Acts 7:9-15
People
Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, Sychem
Places
Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, Shechem
Topics
Afflictions, Appointed, Approval, Chief, Deliver, Delivered, Egypt, Enabled, Favor, Favour, Free, Gain, Goodwill, Governor, Granted, Household, Joseph, Palace, Pharaoh, Rescued, Royal, Ruler, Sight, Stood, Tribulations, Troubles, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 7:10

     5509   rulers
     6738   rescue
     8228   discernment, examples
     8367   wisdom, importance of
     8437   giving, of talents

Acts 7:9-10

     5523   servants, good

Acts 7:10-11

     4823   famine, physical

Library
Stephen's vision
'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ]
'...the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.'--ACTS vii. 58. '...Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.' --PHILEMON 9. A far greater difference than that which was measured by years separated the young Saul from the aged Paul. By years, indeed, the difference was, perhaps, not so great as the words might suggest, for Jewish usage extended the term of youth farther than we do, and began age sooner. No doubt, too, Paul's life had aged him fast,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant
'And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And, when he had said this, he fell asleep.'--ACTS vii. 59, 60. This is the only narrative in the New Testament of a Christian martyrdom or death. As a rule, Scripture is supremely indifferent to what becomes of the people with whom it is for a time concerned. As long as the man is the organ of the divine Spirit he is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Prayer of Stephen.
(Fifth Sunday after Trinity, 1832.) TEXT: ACTS vii. 60. "And Stephen kneeled down and cried with, a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." FREE and unrestricted as we are in our church as to our choice of subjects for meditation from the treasuries of the divine Word, many of you may still perhaps wonder why I have selected this passage. For you are aware that I have often lately taken occasion to express the opinion that the state of things
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

Our Lord Appears after his Ascension.
^F I. Cor. XV. 8. ^f 8 and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also. [Since Paul reckons this among the bodily appearances of our Lord, we have included it in our work; but it borders upon those spiritual appearances which belong rather to apostolic history and may be classed with the vision of Stephen (Acts vii. 55) and John (Rev. i. 9-17), to which it was near kin. Accounts of the appearance will be found in the ninth, twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapters of Acts. For
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?...
My dear friend, You reply to the conclusion of my Letter: "What have we to do with routiniers? Quid mihi cum homunculis putata putide reputantibus? Let nothings count for nothing, and the dead bury the dead! Who but such ever understood the tenet in this sense?" In what sense then, I rejoin, do others understand it? If, with exception of the passages already excepted, namely, the recorded words of God--concerning which no Christian can have doubt or scruple,--the tenet in this sense be inapplicable
Samuel Taylor Coleridge—Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit etc

St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. . . . Then they stirred up the people. . . . and caught him, and set up false witnesses against him. Verzage nicht du Haüflein klein [52]Altenburg Gustavus Adolphus' Battle-song. 1631. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Fear not, O little flock, the foe Who madly seeks your overthrow, Dread not his rage and power: What though your courage sometimes faints, His seeming triumph o'er God's saints Lasts but
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy?
Objection 1: It would seem that in Christ there was not the gift of prophecy. For prophecy implies a certain obscure and imperfect knowledge, according to Num. 12:6: "If there be among you a prophet of the Lord, I will appear to him in a vision, or I will speak to him in a dream." But Christ had full and unveiled knowledge, much more than Moses, of whom it is subjoined that "plainly and not by riddles and figures doth he see God" (Num. 6:8). Therefore we ought not to admit prophecy in Christ. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion?
Objection 1: It would seem that none should enter religion but those who are practiced in the observance of the commandments. For our Lord gave the counsel of perfection to the young man who said that he had kept the commandments "from his youth." Now all religious orders originate from Christ. Therefore it would seem that none should be allowed to enter religion but those who are practiced in the observance of the commandments. Objection 2: Further, Gregory says (Hom. xv in Ezech., and Moral. xxii):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels?
Objection 1: It seems that the Old Law was not given through the angels, but immediately by God. For an angel means a "messenger"; so that the word "angel" denotes ministry, not lordship, according to Ps. 102:20,21: "Bless the Lord, all ye His Angels . . . you ministers of His." But the Old Law is related to have been given by the Lord: for it is written (Ex. 20:1): "And the Lord spoke . . . these words," and further on: "I am the Lord Thy God." Moreover the same expression is often repeated in Exodus,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's birth should not have been manifested by means of the angels. For angels are spiritual substances, according to Ps. 103:4: "Who maketh His [Vulg.: 'makest Thy'] angels, spirits." But Christ's birth was in the flesh, and not in His spiritual substance. Therefore it should not have been manifested by means of angels. Objection 2: Further, the righteous are more akin to the angels than to any other, according to Ps. 33:8: "The angel of the Lord shall encamp round
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father?
Objection 1: It would seem unfitting that Christ should sit at the right hand of God the Father. For right and left are differences of bodily position. But nothing corporeal can be applied to God, since "God is a spirit," as we read in Jn. 4:24. Therefore it seems that Christ does not sit at the right hand of the Father. Objection 2: Further, if anyone sits at another's right hand, then the latter is seated on his left. Consequently, if Christ sits at the right hand of the Father, it follows that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped?
Objection 1: It would seem that judgment is not rendered perverse by being usurped. For justice is rectitude in matters of action. Now truth is not impaired, no matter who tells it, but it may suffer from the person who ought to accept it. Therefore again justice loses nothing, no matter who declares what is just, and this is what is meant by judgment. Objection 2: Further, it belongs to judgment to punish sins. Now it is related to the praise of some that they punished sins without having authority
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood...
In process of tithe, that is to say, in the tenth generation after the Flood, Abraham appeared, [120] seeking for the God who by the blessing of his ancestor was due and proper to him. [121] And when, urged by the eagerness of his spirit, he went all about the world, searching where God is, and failed to find out; God took pity on him who alone was silently seeking Him; and He appeared unto Abraham, making Himself known by the Word, as by a beam of light. For He spake with him from heaven, and said
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream...
And Jacob, when he went into Mesopotamia, saw Him in a dream, standing upon the ladder , that is the tree which was set up from earth to heaven; [172] for thereby they that believe on Him go up to the heavens. For His sufferings are our ascension on high. And all such visions point to the Son of God, speaking with men and being in their midst. For it was not the Father of all, who is not seen by the world, the Maker of all who has said: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent.
1. The whole system of religion delivered by the hand of Moses, in many ways pointed to Christ. This exemplified in the case of sacrifices, ablutions, and an endless series of ceremonies. This proved, 1. By the declared purpose of God; 2. By the nature of the ceremonies themselves; 3. From the nature of God; 4. From the grace offered to the Jews; 5. From the consecration of the priests. 2. Proof continued. 6. From a consideration of the kingdom erected in the family of David. 7. From the end of the
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined...
As God in his word enjoins common prayer, so public temples are the places destined for the performance of them, and hence those who refuse to join with the people of God in this observance have no ground for the pretext, that they enter their chamber in order that they may obey the command of the Lord. For he who promises to grant whatsoever two or three assembled in his name shall ask (Matth. 18:20), declares, that he by no means despises the prayers which are publicly offered up, provided there
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

A Glorious vision.
THE Epistle to the Hebrews, this profound and blessed portion of the Holy Scriptures, unfolds a most wonderful vision of the Person, the Glory and the great Redemption work of our adorable Lord. The portion of the Epistle which is the richest in this respect is the Second Chapter. Here is a vista for the eyes of faith which is sublime. Our Lord in His Person, in His humiliation and exaltation, in His suffering and glory, stands out in a way which makes the believing heart rejoice with joy unspeakable
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ...
13. It follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost." This Trinity, one God, one nature, one substance, one power; highest equality, no division, no diversity, perpetual dearness of love. [1795] Would ye know the Holy Ghost, that He is God? Be baptized, and ye will be His temple. The Apostle says, "Know ye not that your bodies are the temple within you of the Holy Ghost, Whom ye have of God?" [1796] A temple is for God: thus also Solomon, king and prophet, was bidden to build a temple for God. If
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

From Egypt to Sinai.
Ex. Chs. 1-19 Israel in Egypt. The length of time the Hebrews remained In Egypt is a perplexing question. Exodus 6:16-20 makes Moses the fourth generation from Levi (See Gen. 15:16; Num. 26:57-59). This would make it about 150 years. Gen. 15:13 predicts 400 years. Ex. 12:40 says they were there 430 years and Paul (Gal. 3:17) says 430 years from Abraham to Sinai. These apparently conflicting dates may be explained because of different methods of counting generations, probably based on long lives of
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

The Son of Man
"The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." MARK 2:10 (R.V.) WHEN asserting His power to forgive sins, Jesus, for the first time in our Gospel, called Himself the Son of man. It is a remarkable phrase. The profound reverence which He from the first inspired, restrained all other lips from using it, save only when the first martyr felt such a rush of sympathy from above poured into his soul, that the thought of Christ's humanity was more moving than that of His deity. So too it is then alone
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Links
Acts 7:10 NIV
Acts 7:10 NLT
Acts 7:10 ESV
Acts 7:10 NASB
Acts 7:10 KJV

Acts 7:10 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Acts 7:9
Top of Page
Top of Page