Acts 7:13 – “On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen continues telling the story of Joseph and his brothers, focusing on the moment when Joseph reveals his true identity to them. The first time they came to Egypt, they did not recognize him. But on their second visit, Joseph made himself known.

This was a deeply emotional and life-changing moment. The very brothers who had betrayed Joseph and sold him into slavery were now standing before him, unknowingly dependent on him for survival. But instead of seeking revenge, Joseph forgave them and welcomed them back into his life.

Stephen includes this detail to make a powerful point: Just as Joseph’s brothers didn’t recognize him at first, Israel had not recognized Jesus as their true Savior. But just as Joseph later revealed himself, Jesus will one day be fully recognized as the true Messiah—even by those who rejected Him.

Historical Context

• Joseph’s brothers first visited Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 42:1-8). They stood before Joseph, but they didn’t recognize him because he was dressed and spoke like an Egyptian.
• Joseph tested his brothers before revealing himself. He wanted to see if they had changed (Genesis 42-44).
• On their second visit, Joseph revealed who he was (Genesis 45:1-3). This shocked his brothers, who were terrified because of what they had done to him.
• Joseph sent for his father Jacob, and Pharaoh welcomed Joseph’s entire family into Egypt, giving them the best land to live in (Genesis 45:16-20).

Stephen was reminding the Jewish leaders that this pattern of delayed recognition was part of their own history. Just as Joseph’s brothers recognized him too late, Israel had rejected Jesus and was only now being confronted with the truth.

Theological Implications

1. People Often Fail to Recognize God’s Chosen One at First. Joseph’s brothers didn’t recognize him at first, and Israel didn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
2. God’s Plan Moves Forward, Even When People Resist It. Even though Joseph’s brothers sinned against him, God used their actions to bring about something good. The same is true of Jesus’ crucifixion (Acts 2:23).
3. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Are Central to God’s Work. Joseph had the power to punish his brothers, but instead, he chose forgiveness—a picture of how Jesus offers grace to those who once rejected Him.
4. Jesus Will One Day Be Fully Recognized. Just as Joseph’s brothers eventually saw the truth, one day, every knee will bow to Jesus and recognize Him as Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).

Stephen was pointing out that Israel had a history of rejecting God’s chosen servants, and they were now repeating that mistake with Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse follows the pattern of hidden identity followed by revelation:

• First Visit: Joseph’s brothers see him but don’t recognize him.
• Second Visit: Joseph reveals himself, and everything changes.

This pattern is also seen in Jesus’ story:

• First Coming: Jesus was not recognized as the Messiah by most people (John 1:10-11).
• Second Coming: When Jesus returns, He will be fully revealed as Lord (Revelation 1:7).

Stephen was using Joseph’s story to foreshadow how Israel’s rejection of Jesus was not the end—one day, He will be fully recognized.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 42:7-8 – Joseph’s brothers do not recognize him on their first visit.
• Genesis 45:1-3 – Joseph reveals himself to his brothers on their second visit.
• Genesis 50:20 – Joseph tells his brothers that God used their evil for good.
• John 1:10-11 – Jesus came to His own, but they did not recognize Him.
• Acts 2:23-24 – Jesus was rejected and crucified, but it was all part of God’s plan.
• Philippians 2:9-11 – One day, every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches us several important lessons:

• God’s timing is perfect. Joseph’s brothers didn’t recognize him at first, but God revealed the truth at the right time. Sometimes, we don’t understand God’s plan immediately, but He will reveal it in His time.
• Jesus will one day be recognized by all. Many people today reject or ignore Jesus, just like Joseph’s brothers did. But one day, every person will see Him for who He truly is.
• Forgiveness is part of God’s plan. Joseph had every reason to hold a grudge, but he chose grace over revenge. In the same way, Jesus offers grace to those who once rejected Him.
• Don’t wait until it’s too late to recognize Jesus. Joseph’s brothers were fortunate to have a second chance. Not everyone will have a second chance to accept Jesus.

This verse challenges us to recognize Jesus now, rather than waiting until it’s too late.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in this story through:

• Patience: God gave Joseph’s brothers a second chance, just as He gives us time to recognize Jesus.
• Grace: Joseph forgave his brothers instead of punishing them. God offers forgiveness through Jesus, no matter what we’ve done.
• Redemption: God took the worst betrayal and turned it into a blessing. This is the same way He worked through Jesus’ crucifixion.

God’s love is always about restoring relationships, whether it’s Joseph and his brothers or Jesus and those who once rejected Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Joseph’s story is one of the clearest foreshadowings of Jesus in the Bible:

1. Joseph’s brothers rejected him → Jesus was rejected by His own people (John 1:11).
2. Joseph was not recognized on the first visit → Jesus was not recognized as the Messiah in His first coming.
3. Joseph revealed himself on the second visit → Jesus will be fully revealed when He returns (Revelation 1:7).
4. Joseph forgave his brothers → Jesus forgave those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34).

Stephen was showing that Jesus is the greater Joseph—the one who was rejected but will one day be fully revealed as Savior and King.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever had a moment where you realized God was working in your life, even when you didn’t see it at first?
2. How does Joseph’s story help you understand how Jesus was rejected but later recognized?
3. Are there areas in your life where you have failed to recognize God’s presence?
4. Joseph’s brothers had a second chance to see the truth. How can you encourage others to recognize Jesus before it’s too late?
5. How does Joseph’s choice to forgive reflect Jesus’ love for us?

This verse reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we don’t recognize Him. Just as Joseph’s brothers finally saw him for who he was, one day, all people will see Jesus for who He is. The key question is: Will we recognize Him now or wait until it’s too late?