Background:
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt. There, he was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Joseph quickly gained favor in Potiphar's household due to his diligence and the LORD's blessing upon him.

Biblical Account:
The account of Joseph's temptation by Potiphar's wife is found in Genesis 39. Joseph, having been entrusted with all of Potiphar's household affairs, was "well-built and handsome" (Genesis 39:6). Potiphar's wife took notice of Joseph and attempted to seduce him, saying, "Come, lie with me" (Genesis 39:7).

Joseph's Response:
Joseph's response to the advances of Potiphar's wife is a testament to his integrity and faithfulness to God. He refused her, stating, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). Joseph recognized that yielding to temptation would not only betray Potiphar's trust but also be a grave sin against God.

Persistence of Temptation:
Despite Joseph's refusal, Potiphar's wife persisted day after day. Joseph, however, "refused to go to bed with her or even be with her" (Genesis 39:10). His steadfastness in the face of repeated temptation highlights his commitment to righteousness and his reliance on God's strength.

False Accusation and Imprisonment:
One day, when Joseph entered the house to attend to his duties, Potiphar's wife caught him by his cloak and again tried to seduce him. Joseph fled, leaving his cloak in her hand. In her anger and humiliation, she falsely accused Joseph of attempting to assault her. Potiphar, upon hearing his wife's fabricated account, was enraged and had Joseph imprisoned (Genesis 39:11-20).

Theological Implications:
Joseph's experience with Potiphar's wife serves as a powerful example of resisting temptation and maintaining personal integrity. His unwavering commitment to God's standards, even in the face of severe consequences, underscores the importance of faithfulness and moral courage. Joseph's account also illustrates the reality of suffering for righteousness' sake, as he faced unjust punishment despite his innocence.

Lessons for Believers:
Joseph's temptation and his response provide several lessons for believers. First, it emphasizes the necessity of recognizing sin as an offense against God. Second, it highlights the importance of fleeing from temptation, as Joseph did, rather than entertaining it. Lastly, it reassures believers that God is present even in trials, as He continued to be with Joseph, granting him favor even in prison (Genesis 39:21).

Conclusion:
Joseph's encounter with Potiphar's wife is a profound narrative of integrity, faith, and divine providence. His account encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, trusting in His ultimate justice and faithfulness.