The physician Luke wrote how, “Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people”, and after being interrogated by the people in the synagogue, “all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Then said the high priest, Are these things so?”, and Stephen began to defend his faith by referring to how God, “spoke on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, ...”, and in chapter seven and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke shared how Stephen continued his speech by referring to how God, “delivered him out of all his afflictions” where we read:
And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
The verse begins, “And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt;” Luke began with the words, “and delivered him” which means “and released, pluck out and rescued Joseph” “out of all his afflictions” or “from each, every, the whole and everyone of Joseph's pressures, tribulations, distresses and straits”, “and gave him favor” which means “and bestowed, granted, furnished and supplied Joseph with grace or that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm and loveliness” “and wisdom” or “and broad and full of intelligence which is used of the knowledge of very diverse matters” “in the sight of Pharaoh” which means “before and in the presence of Pharaoh which means his nakedness and was the common title of the native kings of Egypt” “king of Egypt” or “leader, prince, commander and lord of the land belonging to Egypt which means double straits and was a country occupying the northeast angle of Africa”. Luke shared how “Stephen” referred to God “rescuing” Joseph from his “tribulations” and giving him “grace and knowledge in diverse matters”.
The verse continues, “and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.” Luke added the words, “and he made him governor” which means “and Pharaoh placed, set and appointed Joseph as the leader, commander and authority” “over Egypt” or “across and before Egypt which means double straits and is a country occupying the northeast angle of Africa” “and all his house” which means “and each, every, the whole and everyone within Pharaoh's palace, dwelling place, residence and abode”. Luke shared how “Stephen” said “Pharaoh” appointed “Joseph” to be the “commander and authority” over all the country of “Egypt” as well as his own household.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we see how “Stephen” continued to recall the history of the patriarchs of Israel. “Joseph” was well known by the “Sanhedrin” to whom “Stephen” was speaking, and as he spoke about God releasing “Joseph” from his “difficulties” and being appointed as the “governor” over “Egypt”, the men listening to him must have concurred with “Stephen's” words. All these details lead to the birth of the Messiah Jesus, and as “Stephen” continues his review of their history, he is leading them to how Jesus came to be the “Savior and Lord” of the world. God's plan of “salvation” of mankind was unfolding, and His desire to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus was being revealed. Those who are wise will yield themselves to Jesus who will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life with God.
Next time Luke shares how Stephen said, “there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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