and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Acts 7:10

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The previous verse referred to the patriarchs becoming jealous and then selling Joseph into Egypt. It then noted, “But God was with him.” That continues now with, “and delivered him out of all of his troubles.” If one follows the life of Joseph, from being cast into the pit by his brothers, being sold to the traders, and being taken down to Egypt, clear and precise parallels to the work of Christ come forth. They can be seen in the corresponding Superior Word sermons.

The tribes of Israel, represented by the leaders of Israel, crucified Christ and He was buried. But God delivered Him from the pit as well. Again, while Joseph was in Egypt, circumstances brought him to the state of being incarcerated for something he had not done. The story (found in Genesis 39-41) again parallels the events of Christ’s life. Each detail was selected to anticipate the Person and work of Christ.

Joseph was brought out of that prison and, as Stephen says, God “gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.” That is found in Genesis 41 as Joseph reveals the meaning of the dreams of Pharaoh. The conclusion of that particular section is found in Genesis 41:37-39 –

“So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.’”

With this historical account stated, the verse finishes with, “and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.”

That is also found in the next verses of Genesis 41 –

“‘You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.’ 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’
42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43 And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, ‘Bow the knee!’ So he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Pharaoh also said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.’ 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:40-45

Again, the details clearly point to the exaltation of Christ who is now seated at the right hand of God. Each point was detailed from the life of Joseph to mirror what occurred with Christ. Stephen is not merely telling history to amuse the council that he is standing before. Rather, he is bringing his own charges against them right from Scripture. He is revealing to them, if they are willing to pay heed, that the words of Solomon are true –

“That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

And again –

“That which has been already: It,
And which is to be, already has been;
And the God seeks that which is pursued.” Ecclesiastes 3:15 (CG)

Stephen’s words are spoken with care and purpose. He is speaking by the Spirit who is providing exacting words to convict Israel or to indict Israel. What he conveys has obvious intent, and so it is up to these leaders to accept or reject the history lesson and the warnings.

Life application: The stories of Genesis and throughout the rest of the Old Testament are given to reveal what God would do in Christ. Many are so specific that once the details are examined, and then compared with what we know about Jesus, it is incredible that anyone could say, “I don’t accept that this is actually referring to Him.”

Someday, Israel will face inevitable destruction. Something will wake them up to the fact that they missed the significance of Jesus’ first advent. They will acknowledge their guilt, and they will call out to Him. This is clearly presented in Scripture, and it will come to pass. The blinders will be removed and the glory of what has been recorded will finally shine forth.

For those of us who have accepted Jesus, are we even aware of these Old Testament types and shadows? They are a treasure trove of wonder, and they are given to alert us to the many details of Jesus’ ministry, His exaltation, and His current authority. Let us be sure to consider these things. In knowing the details, our own faith in Him will surely be strengthened. Let us not ignore the Old Testament but read it with open eyes and hearts. There you will find JESUS!

Heavenly Father, give us the desire to set aside time each day for Your word. How can our time be properly prioritized when what You have revealed to us there is not included in our day? Give us wisdom in this. Thank You for Your wonderful word. Amen.