What can we learn about God's timing from Acts 7:17? Setting the Scene Acts 7 records Stephen’s Spirit-filled retelling of Israel’s history before the Sanhedrin. In verse 17 he reaches the season just before God rescues Israel from Egypt. Key Verse: Acts 7:17 “As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied.” Observations about God’s Timing • God works by promise, not by chance. • “The time drew near” shows a fixed, divinely appointed moment. • Growth in Egypt (“increased and multiplied”) was part of the schedule, not a detour. • Delay is purposeful preparation; while Israel waited, God was enlarging the nation so the deliverance would display His power. • Timing is tied to covenant faithfulness: what He swore to Abraham centuries earlier (Genesis 15:13-16) He would fulfill precisely. Supporting Passages • Genesis 15:13-16 — the 400-year timetable spoken to Abram. • Exodus 12:40-41 — “At the end of 430 years, to the very day… the LORD’s divisions left Egypt.” • Galatians 4:4 — “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.” The same precision governs redemption in Christ. • 2 Peter 3:9 — apparent delay is mercy, not slackness. • Habakkuk 2:3 — “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” • Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “There is a time for every purpose under heaven.” Personal Application • Anchor expectations to God’s promises, not to personal calendars. • View seasons of waiting as seasons of growth; unseen multiplication may be occurring. • Trust that God’s rescue arrives “to the very day.” • Remember that divine timing displays both faithfulness and wisdom; He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). Summary Takeaways • God’s timing is exact, covenant-based, and preparatory. • What looks like delay is often divine development. • Because He honored His word to Abraham, we can rest assured He will honor every promise to us in Christ. |
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