Acts 7:14 – “After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen continues his retelling of Israel’s history, focusing on Joseph’s reconciliation with his family. After revealing himself to his brothers, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and the entire family to come live in Egypt.

The phrase “seventy-five in all” refers to the number of Jacob’s descendants who moved to Egypt. This is based on the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), which includes Joseph’s children and grandchildren in the count. The Hebrew text in Genesis 46:27 lists seventy people, not seventy-five, but the difference comes from how each tradition counted Joseph’s descendants. The core message remains the same: God was bringing Jacob’s family into Egypt, where they would grow into a great nation.

Stephen’s point in telling this story was to show how God was in control, guiding His people through history, even in difficult circumstances. What had started as a betrayal (Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery) had now turned into a moment of redemption—Joseph was now providing for his entire family, just as God had planned.

Historical Context

• The famine had devastated Canaan, making it impossible for Jacob’s family to survive without help from Egypt.
• Egypt had stored grain because of Joseph’s wisdom, making it the only place where food was available (Genesis 41:48-49).
• Jacob was initially hesitant to leave Canaan, but God reassured him in a vision that this was His plan (Genesis 46:2-4).
• This move fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13), where God had told him that his descendants would live in a foreign land before being delivered.

Stephen was reminding the Jewish leaders that God’s plan had always included times of difficulty, movement, and even exile—but He was always working for their good.

Theological Implications

1. God Works Through Hardships for Good. Joseph’s story reminds us that even the most painful betrayals can be used by God to accomplish something greater (Genesis 50:20).
2. God is Always in Control. Moving to Egypt was not random—it was part of God’s larger plan to turn Jacob’s family into the nation of Israel.
3. God’s Plans Are Bigger Than One Generation. Jacob’s move to Egypt was just one step in a much bigger story. God’s promises often take time to unfold.
4. God Provides for His People. Even in famine, God had already made a way for Jacob’s family to survive. He is always a step ahead, providing what is needed.

Stephen was making the case that just as Israel once had to trust God’s leading through Joseph, they now had to trust God’s leading through Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse marks a turning point in Israel’s history:

• Before Egypt: Jacob’s family was small and struggling.
• After Egypt: They would become a nation of millions by the time of Moses.

This is a common pattern in Scripture—God often moves His people into difficult places before bringing about great blessings.

The theme of exile and return is also important:

• Abraham left his homeland for God’s promise.
• Jacob left Canaan for Egypt.
• Moses would later lead the people back to the Promised Land.
• Jesus calls people to leave behind their old lives and follow Him.

Stephen was reminding the Jewish leaders that God’s work is not about being comfortable in one place—it’s about following Him wherever He leads.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 45:9-11 – Joseph tells his brothers to bring Jacob and their whole family to Egypt.
• Genesis 46:2-4 – God reassures Jacob that moving to Egypt is part of His plan.
• Genesis 46:27 – The Hebrew text lists seventy descendants moving to Egypt.
• Exodus 1:5-7 – The Israelites multiply greatly while in Egypt, fulfilling God’s plan.
• Genesis 50:20 – Joseph explains how God used his suffering for a greater purpose.
• Romans 8:28 – God works all things for the good of those who love Him.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches us that God is always leading His people, even when life takes unexpected turns.

• God sometimes moves us into unfamiliar places for His greater purpose. Jacob had to leave his homeland, but it was part of God’s plan.
• God can turn pain into blessing. What started as betrayal (Joseph’s brothers selling him) became the way God saved their family.
• Trust God’s timing. It took years for Joseph’s suffering to make sense, but in the end, God’s plan was perfect.

For us today, this means we should trust that God is in control, even when life doesn’t make sense.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in this verse through:

1. Provision: God didn’t let Jacob’s family starve—He had already provided through Joseph.
2. Reconciliation: Despite their sin, Joseph welcomed his brothers with grace, just as God welcomes us.
3. Faithfulness: Even though Israel would later suffer in Egypt, God was keeping His promise to make them a great nation.

This shows that God’s love is bigger than our failures—He is always working to redeem, restore, and provide.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Joseph’s story points directly to Jesus in several ways:

1. Joseph suffered betrayal but became the savior of his people. → Jesus was betrayed but became the Savior of the world. (John 3:16)
2. Joseph forgave his brothers. → Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. (Luke 23:34)
3. Joseph provided food to those in need. → Jesus is the Bread of Life. (John 6:35)
4. Joseph invited his family to live with him in a place of blessing. → Jesus invites us to live with Him forever. (John 14:2-3)

Stephen was showing that Jesus, like Joseph, had been rejected—but He is the true Savior who provides life for those who trust in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever faced a situation that seemed painful but later turned out to be part of God’s plan?
2. How does Joseph’s story encourage you to trust God’s timing?
3. Joseph forgave his brothers. Are there people in your life that you need to forgive?
4. How does knowing that God is in control of history help you face uncertainty in your own life?
5. Joseph invited his family to live with him in Egypt. How does this remind you of Jesus’ invitation to eternal life?

This verse reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes. Even when life is hard, even when things don’t go as planned, He is leading us toward His greater purpose. Just as Joseph’s story was really about God’s bigger plan, our lives are part of something greater, too. The key is to trust Him, follow His leading, and recognize that Jesus is the true Savior who welcomes us into His kingdom.