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 continued to defend his faith by referring to how God, “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 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. Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance”, and in chapter seven and verse twelve of the book of Acts Luke shared how Stephen said, “when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first” where we read:
But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
The verse begins, “But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, ...” Luke began with the words, “but when Jacob heard” which means “however, nevertheless, notwithstanding and moreover at the time and moment Jacob whose name means heel catcher or supplanter was endowed with the faculty for hearing, perceiving, discovering and discerning” “that there was corn in Egypt” or “that there existed wheat or grain in the land of Egypt which means double straits and was a country occupying the northeast angle of Africa” he performed the following act. Luke shared how Stephen told the “Sanhedrin” how “Jacob” discovered there was “wheat” in the country of “Egypt” and did the following.
The verse continues, “... he sent out our fathers first.” Luke added the words, “he sent out” which means “Jacob dispatched and assigned” “our fathers first” or “at the beginning dispatched the male ancestors or progenitors of the people of Israel”. Luke shared how Stephen referred to the way “Jacob” dispatched his sons, the forefathers of Israel, to go to “Egypt” the first time.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Stephen” continued to share the history of the lineage of Israel as he recalled the way “Jacob” sent his sons, who were the forefathers of Israel, to “Egypt” for the first attempt to obtain food for their family. (See Genesis 42 for more information) “Stephen” referred to the lineage and activities of Israel to reveal God's intention to send His Son Jesus to be the “Savior and Lord” of the world. God loves people, and each event lead to Jesus dying for the sins of the world, and when He rose from the dead three days later, He assured everlasting life for everyone who believes and trusts in Him. Let all who read these words yield themselves to Jesus who arrived through many circumstances to save people so they may live with Him forever.
Next time Luke shares how Stephen referred to, “the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren”, 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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