Acts 7:18 – “Then ‘a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen continues his speech before the Sanhedrin, recounting Israel’s history. He describes a key turning point: a new Pharaoh came to power in Egypt who did not know Joseph or care about what he had done for Egypt.

Joseph had once been second-in-command in Egypt and had saved the nation from famine (Genesis 41:39-41). Because of his leadership, Pharaoh welcomed Jacob’s family to settle in the land of Goshen (Genesis 47:5-6). For many years, the Israelites lived in Egypt in peace.

But time passed, and a new Pharaoh arose—one who had no connection to Joseph. This new ruler saw the growing Israelite population not as a blessing, but as a threat. As a result, he would go on to enslave them and oppress them (Exodus 1:8-14).

Stephen is setting up the next part of his speech: God was about to raise up Moses to deliver His people, just as He would later send Jesus to bring ultimate salvation.

Historical Context

• Egyptian dynasties changed over time. The Pharaoh during Joseph’s time was likely from a ruling class that was friendly to foreigners. But a later Pharaoh—possibly from a new dynasty—came to power and saw the Israelites as outsiders.
• The Israelites had grown into a huge population. By this point, they were so numerous that Pharaoh feared they might join Egypt’s enemies in war (Exodus 1:9-10).
• Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites to control them. The new king forced them into harsh labor, hoping to weaken them (Exodus 1:11-14).
• This change in Egypt’s leadership fulfilled God’s prophecy to Abraham. In Genesis 15:13-14, God had told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years before being delivered.

Stephen’s point was clear: God was still in control, even in this difficult situation. The oppression of Israel was part of God’s bigger plan to bring about their deliverance.

Theological Implications

1. Earthly rulers forget, but God remembers. Pharaoh forgot about Joseph, but God never forgot His people. The same is true today—human leaders come and go, but God remains faithful.
2. God’s people often face opposition. The Israelites went from being welcomed to being enslaved. Throughout history, God’s people have faced trials, but He has always been with them.
3. Hardship often comes before deliverance. Before the Israelites could be freed, they had to endure suffering. In the same way, Jesus suffered before bringing salvation to the world.
4. God is always working, even when we don’t see it. Even though Pharaoh was against Israel, God was already preparing Moses to be their deliverer.

Stephen was leading up to his bigger point: just as Israel was enslaved before God sent Moses, humanity is enslaved to sin before God sent Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse marks a dramatic shift in Israel’s story:

• Before: Joseph was a ruler in Egypt, and Israel was at peace.
• Now: A new king comes to power, and Israel is enslaved.

This pattern of blessing followed by suffering is seen throughout Scripture:

• Adam and Eve – Enjoyed Eden, but sin led to hardship.
• Joseph – Rose to power, but later Israelites were oppressed.
• Jesus – Brought salvation, but suffered first.

Stephen is making the case that God’s plan is always unfolding, even when circumstances seem difficult.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 41:39-41 – Pharaoh places Joseph in charge of Egypt.
• Genesis 47:5-6 – Pharaoh welcomes Jacob’s family into Egypt.
• Exodus 1:8-14 – The new Pharaoh oppresses Israel and enslaves them.
• Genesis 15:13-14 – God foretells that Abraham’s descendants will be enslaved but later delivered.
• John 15:18-20 – Jesus warns that His followers will also face opposition in the world.
• Romans 8:28 – Even in suffering, God is working for the good of those who love Him.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that times of suffering do not mean that God has abandoned us.

• Life is full of ups and downs. Israel had once been welcome in Egypt, but now they were enslaved. Christians today may experience times of blessing and times of hardship.
• God sees and remembers His people. Even though Pharaoh forgot Joseph, God did not forget Israel. No matter how bad things look, God is always faithful.
• Suffering often comes before deliverance. The Israelites endured slavery before they were set free. In our own lives, God often works through trials to bring about something greater.
• God is in control of history. Pharaoh thought he was in charge, but God was using him to fulfill His plan. No human leader is greater than God’s authority.

For believers today, this is a reminder to trust in God, even when things seem uncertain.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen even in the middle of oppression:

1. He never forgets His people. Even when Pharaoh turned against Israel, God was still watching over them.
2. He prepares deliverance before we even know we need it. Before Moses was even born, God had already planned Israel’s escape.
3. His love doesn’t always remove suffering immediately, but it leads to something greater. The Israelites endured hardship, but God was going to bring them out of Egypt.

This shows that God’s love is not just about comfort—it’s about leading His people to a greater future.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The oppression of Israel foreshadows the coming of Jesus:

1. A ruler arises who oppresses God’s people. → The religious leaders opposed Jesus and His followers (John 15:20).
2. God was preparing a deliverer—Moses. → God sent the ultimate Deliverer—Jesus.
3. Pharaoh thought he was in control. → The leaders who crucified Jesus thought they were in control, but God was working out His plan (Acts 2:23).
4. God’s people suffered before being set free. → Jesus suffered before bringing salvation (Isaiah 53:3-5).

Stephen was pointing out that Israel had faced this kind of situation before, and now they were rejecting the Deliverer God had sent—Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt forgotten or overlooked? How does this verse encourage you to trust that God sees you?
2. The Israelites faced hardship before deliverance. How has God used struggles in your life for something greater?
3. The new Pharaoh opposed God’s people. Have you ever experienced opposition for your faith? How did you respond?
4. How does knowing that God is in control of history help you trust Him in uncertain times?
5. How does this verse remind you that Jesus is the true Deliverer?

This verse reminds us that even when leaders and circumstances change, God remains faithful. Just as He did not forget Israel, He will not forget His people today. The story of Moses was leading to something greater—Jesus, the ultimate Deliverer, who brings true freedom to those who trust in Him.