Acts 7:16 – “Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen continues his speech to the Sanhedrin, summarizing the history of the patriarchs. He states that the bodies of Jacob and his ancestors were brought back from Egypt and buried in Shechem, in a tomb that Abraham had purchased.

There is a small historical detail here that sometimes raises questions. Genesis 50:13 states that Jacob was buried in the cave of Machpelah, which was bought by Abraham from Ephron the Hittite (Genesis 23:16-20). However, Joshua 24:32 tells us that Joseph’s bones were buried in Shechem, in a tomb bought by Jacob from the sons of Hamor (Genesis 33:18-19).

So, what does this mean? There are a few possibilities:

1. Stephen may be summarizing events rather than stating them in exact order. Jacob was buried in Machpelah, while Joseph and possibly some of his brothers were buried in Shechem.
2. Stephen may be referring to a later transfer of remains. It’s possible that some of the patriarchs’ bones were later moved to Shechem, making it their final resting place.
3. The focus is not on exact locations, but on God’s faithfulness. The main point is that even though they died in Egypt, they were not forgotten. Their burial in the Promised Land symbolized God’s promise to bring His people home.

Stephen’s audience would have understood this: The burial of the patriarchs in Canaan was a powerful reminder that God’s promises were still alive, even after death.

Historical Context

• Jacob and his sons lived their final years in Egypt because of the famine (Genesis 46:1-7).
• Jacob made Joseph promise to bury him in Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 49:29-30).
• Joseph, before he died, asked that his bones be carried out of Egypt when Israel left (Genesis 50:24-25).
• Joshua 24:32 confirms that Joseph’s bones were later buried in Shechem.
• Shechem was an important city in Israel’s history. It was where God first appeared to Abraham in Canaan (Genesis 12:6-7) and where Joshua renewed Israel’s covenant with God (Joshua 24:1).

Stephen was reminding the Jewish leaders that God had been faithful in bringing His people back to the land He had promised them.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Promises Extend Beyond This Life. Even though Jacob and Joseph died in Egypt, their faith was in God’s promise to return their descendants to Canaan.
2. Burial in the Promised Land Symbolized Hope. The fact that their bodies were taken back showed that they believed God’s word would be fulfilled.
3. God’s Work Is Bigger Than One Generation. The patriarchs did not live to see the full promise, but their faith pointed forward to what God was doing.
4. The Land Was a Gift, Not an Achievement. Abraham had to buy a burial site because the land had not yet been given to Israel. This reminds us that God’s promises are received in His timing, not ours.

Stephen was emphasizing that God had been guiding His people throughout history, and His work was not limited to the temple or traditions the Sanhedrin valued so much.

Literary Analysis

This verse ties into Stephen’s overall argument in several ways:

• It reminds Israel of their history of movement. They were never meant to settle permanently in Egypt—God was leading them toward His promises.
• It shows faith in God’s promises. Even in death, the patriarchs trusted that their people would return to the land God had given them.
• It hints at a greater fulfillment. Just as God brought their bones back to the Promised Land, God would one day bring ultimate fulfillment through Jesus, who is the true way to eternal life.

Stephen was showing that God had always been leading His people forward—and now, He was leading them through Jesus.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 23:16-20 – Abraham buys the cave of Machpelah as a burial site.
• Genesis 49:29-30 – Jacob asks to be buried in Canaan.
• Genesis 50:24-25 – Joseph asks that his bones be taken back to the Promised Land.
• Exodus 13:19 – Moses carries Joseph’s bones out of Egypt.
• Joshua 24:32 – Joseph’s bones are buried in Shechem.
• Hebrews 11:22 – Joseph’s request to be buried in Canaan is praised as an act of faith.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches us that God’s promises are certain, even if they take time to be fulfilled.

• We can trust that God’s plan is bigger than our lifetime. Jacob and Joseph died without seeing Israel return to Canaan, but they still believed in God’s promise.
• God’s faithfulness is not limited to a single place. The Jewish leaders focused on the temple in Jerusalem, but Stephen was showing them that God had always been working outside of their traditions.
• Even death does not cancel God’s promises. The patriarchs’ burials in Canaan were a testimony that God’s promises extend beyond this life.

For us, this means that God’s faithfulness does not end with our lifetime—He is working in ways beyond what we can see.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He remembers and fulfills His promises, even after death.

1. God honored the faith of Jacob and Joseph. Even though they died in Egypt, He ensured that they were brought home.
2. God provided a place for His people. Abraham had to buy land, but God eventually gave all of Canaan to Israel.
3. God’s love extends beyond the present moment. His plan is always moving toward something greater.

This reminds us that God’s love is eternal—His promises never fail.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The burial of Jacob and Joseph points forward to Jesus in several ways:

1. The patriarchs died in faith, waiting for a future fulfillment. → Jesus died and was resurrected, bringing the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. (Luke 24:46)
2. Their burial in Canaan symbolized hope. → Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate sign of hope for all who trust in Him. (John 11:25-26)
3. They were brought back to the land of promise. → Jesus brings His followers into the ultimate promised land—eternal life. (John 14:2-3)

Stephen was showing that just as God was faithful to the patriarchs, He is now fulfilling His greatest promise through Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the story of Jacob and Joseph’s burial encourage you to trust in God’s promises, even when you don’t see immediate results?
2. What does this verse teach about God’s faithfulness over generations?
3. How does the fact that God’s promises continue beyond death affect how you view eternity?
4. The Jewish leaders thought God’s presence was tied to the temple, but Stephen showed them He was always working outside of it. Are there areas where you’ve limited your view of how God works?
5. How does Joseph’s story point forward to the greater hope found in Jesus?

This verse reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not bound by time, location, or even death. Just as He was faithful to bring His people back to the Promised Land, He is faithful to bring His followers into eternal life through Jesus Christ.