Acts 7:17 – “As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen continues his speech before the Sanhedrin, explaining how God was working to fulfill His promise to Abraham. God had told Abraham that his descendants would live in a foreign land and suffer before being delivered (Genesis 15:13-14). Now, the time was getting closer for that promise to come true.

By this point in history, the Israelites had multiplied greatly in Egypt. When Jacob’s family first arrived in Egypt, they were only about seventy-five people (Acts 7:14). But over the course of hundreds of years, they became a huge population—so large that the Egyptians saw them as a threat (Exodus 1:8-10).

Stephen is making an important point: God always keeps His promises, but His timing is not always immediate. The Israelites had been waiting for centuries, but now the moment of deliverance was near.

Stephen is also setting up his next point: just as God raised up Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt, He had now raised up Jesus to bring salvation—but once again, the people were rejecting God’s chosen servant.

Historical Context

• The Israelites had lived in Egypt for about 400 years. The early years were peaceful, especially while Joseph was alive. But after a new Pharaoh came to power, things changed (Exodus 1:8-14).
• The population of Israel exploded. God had blessed them, and they became so numerous that the Egyptians feared them (Exodus 1:7-10).
• The Israelites were enslaved. The Egyptians, worried about their growing numbers, forced them into slavery and treated them harshly (Exodus 1:11-14).
• God’s promise to Abraham was about to be fulfilled. God had told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved but later delivered (Genesis 15:13-14), and now that time was approaching.

Stephen’s audience—the Jewish leaders—knew this story well. But Stephen was leading them toward a bigger realization: Just as God raised up Moses to rescue Israel, He had now sent Jesus to bring the ultimate deliverance.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Timing Is Perfect, Even When It Feels Slow. The Israelites had been in Egypt for centuries, but God had not forgotten them. His promises always come true at the right time (Galatians 4:4).
2. God’s Blessing Can Still Bring Opposition. Even though God was blessing Israel with growth, that blessing made Egypt fearful, leading to persecution. Sometimes, following God will bring opposition from the world (John 16:33).
3. God Prepares His People for Deliverance. Even before Moses appeared, God was working behind the scenes to set the stage for their rescue. In the same way, He had been preparing for Jesus to bring salvation to the world.
4. People Often Miss God’s Timing. The Israelites likely wondered why God hadn’t acted sooner. Many Jews in Stephen’s day failed to see that Jesus was their deliverer. We must trust that God knows exactly when to act.

Stephen was making it clear that Israel had been in this situation before—waiting for God’s promise while suffering under oppression. But now, something greater was happening through Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse highlights a key theme of waiting and fulfillment:

• A promise was made to Abraham.
• Time passed, and it seemed like nothing was happening.
• Suddenly, things began to change, and the promise was about to be fulfilled.

This is a pattern throughout Scripture:

• Abraham waited for Isaac.
• Israel waited for deliverance from Egypt.
• God’s people waited for the Messiah.
• Now, the world waits for Jesus’ return.

Stephen was reminding his audience that God always keeps His word—but His timing is not always what people expect.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:13-14 – God tells Abraham that his descendants will be enslaved but later delivered.
• Exodus 1:7-10 – The Israelites grow in number, and the Egyptians become fearful.
• Exodus 1:11-14 – The Israelites are enslaved and oppressed.
• Psalm 105:24-25 – God made His people fruitful in Egypt, but the Egyptians turned against them.
• Galatians 4:4 – God sent Jesus at the right time, just as He had planned.
• 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s timing may seem slow, but He always fulfills His promises.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God is always working, even when we can’t see it.

• God’s promises don’t always happen overnight. The Israelites had to wait for centuries, but God had not forgotten them. If you are waiting on God, trust His timing.
• God’s blessings can come with opposition. Just as Israel’s growth led to persecution, being faithful to God can sometimes bring resistance from the world. But God is still in control.
• God is always preparing for something greater. Before Moses appeared, God was already working. Before Jesus came, God had already been preparing the way. Even now, God is preparing for Jesus’ return.

For us today, this means we can trust God’s promises, even if they seem delayed.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His faithfulness to His promises:

1. God had not forgotten His people. Even after centuries in Egypt, His promise was still true.
2. God was preparing the way for deliverance. Even in hardship, He was working behind the scenes.
3. God’s timing is always for the best. If God had acted too soon, the Israelites might not have been ready. His plan was perfect.

This shows that God’s love is not just about immediate answers—it is about perfect timing.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The story of Israel’s time in Egypt foreshadows Jesus’ mission in several ways:

1. God promised deliverance, and at the right time, He sent a rescuer. → Jesus came at the right time to bring salvation. (Galatians 4:4)
2. The Israelites suffered under Pharaoh’s rule before Moses appeared. → People suffer under sin before they find freedom in Christ. (Romans 6:6-7)
3. The Israelites had to wait, but God was faithful to His word. → We may have to wait, but Jesus will return and fulfill every promise. (John 14:3)

Stephen was showing that Jesus is the greater Moses—He has come to lead people out of slavery to sin and into the true Promised Land of eternal life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt like God’s timing was too slow? How does this verse encourage you to trust Him?
2. The Israelites grew in number, but their blessing led to opposition. Have you ever experienced hardship because of your faith?
3. How can you remind yourself to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems delayed?
4. Just as God raised up Moses at the right time, He sent Jesus at the right time. How does this strengthen your faith in Jesus?
5. What promises of God are you holding onto today? How does this verse encourage you to keep trusting?

This verse reminds us that God’s plans are always unfolding, even when we don’t see them. Just as He kept His promise to Israel, He will keep every promise to us. Even when things seem slow, God is right on time.