How does Acts 7:9 connect to Genesis 37:28 regarding Joseph's brothers' actions? Scripture at a Glance • Genesis 37:28: “When the Midianite merchants passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph to Egypt.” • Acts 7:9: “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.” Plotline Harmony • Same actors – “his brothers” in Genesis; “the patriarchs” in Acts. • Same crime – selling Joseph into Egypt. • Same motive – jealousy (Genesis 37:4, 11; Acts 7:9). • Same destination – Egypt. • Same divine oversight – God never absent (“But God was with him”). Sinful Jealousy Exposed • Jealousy birthed hatred (Genesis 37:4). • Hatred produced violence—first the pit (37:24), then the sale (37:28). • Stephen highlights the sin centuries later, underscoring its seriousness before God. God’s Sovereign Hand Evident • “But God was with him” (Acts 7:9) interprets Genesis 39:2 – “The LORD was with Joseph.” • Man’s evil intent becomes God’s saving plan (Genesis 50:20; Psalm 105:16-19). • The same event that looked like defeat positioned Joseph to preserve Israel. Stephen’s Purpose in Acts 7 • Reminds Israel of its history of rejecting God-sent deliverers (Joseph, then Moses, finally Christ). • Validates Genesis as literal history, not legend. • Shows continuity in God’s redemptive plan from patriarchs to Messiah. Takeaways for Today • Human jealousy still destroys, but God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. • Scripture interprets Scripture; Acts 7 confirms Genesis 37’s details. • Trust God’s presence even when circumstances feel like a “pit” or “sale into Egypt,” because the same faithful Lord walks with His people now (Hebrews 13:5). |
    |