Acts 7:9 – “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen shifts his speech to the story of Joseph, one of the most well-known figures in Israel’s history. Joseph was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and his brothers—the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel—became jealous of him. Their jealousy led them to sell him into slavery, sending him to Egypt.

But Stephen doesn’t stop at Joseph’s suffering. He immediately adds a key truth: “But God was with him.” Even though Joseph was betrayed by his own family, sold into slavery, and later falsely accused and imprisoned, God never abandoned him. Instead, God used Joseph’s hardships to raise him up as a ruler in Egypt and eventually save his own brothers from famine.

Stephen’s reason for bringing up Joseph’s story was clear: Israel had a history of rejecting God’s chosen leaders. Joseph was first rejected by his own brothers but later became their savior during the famine. Stephen was preparing to make the same point about Jesus—just like Joseph, He had been rejected, but He was actually the one sent to save them.

Historical Context

The story of Joseph is found in Genesis 37-50. Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son, which caused his brothers to resent him. Their jealousy was fueled by two things:

1. Joseph’s special treatment – Jacob gave him a richly ornamented robe (Genesis 37:3-4), symbolizing his father’s favor.
2. Joseph’s prophetic dreams – He had dreams that suggested his brothers would one day bow down to him (Genesis 37:5-11), which made them even angrier.

Out of envy, they sold him to slave traders, who took him to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). In Egypt, Joseph faced years of suffering, including being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. But God was with him and eventually elevated him to a position of great power, making him second-in-command to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:41-44).

Joseph’s rise to power allowed him to rescue his brothers during a famine, showing that even though they had meant him harm, God used their evil for good (Genesis 50:20).

Stephen’s point was this: Joseph’s story was a pattern of how Israel often rejected those whom God had chosen to deliver them.

Theological Implications

1. Jealousy Leads to Sin. Joseph’s brothers let their jealousy drive them to commit a terrible act against him. Similarly, the religious leaders were jealous of Jesus and plotted to kill Him (Matthew 27:18).
2. God’s Plan Cannot Be Stopped by Human Evil. Even though Joseph’s brothers sinned against him, God used their actions to bring about a greater purpose. In the same way, Jesus’ death—though carried out by evil men—was actually part of God’s plan for salvation (Acts 2:23).
3. God Never Abandons His People. Joseph went through suffering, but God was with him every step of the way. This reminds us that even in trials, God is working behind the scenes for His greater plan (Romans 8:28).
4. Israel Has a History of Rejecting God’s Chosen Deliverers. The pattern of rejection in Israel’s history would continue with Moses (Acts 7:35-39) and ultimately with Jesus.

Literary Analysis

Acts 7:9 is a turning point in Stephen’s speech. Up until now, he has been talking about God’s promises to Abraham and the patriarchs. Now, he shifts to show how Israel began rejecting the very people God raised up to help them.

This verse also sets up a contrast:

• Joseph was rejected, but God was with him.
• Jesus was rejected, but God raised Him up.

Stephen is laying a foundation for his argument that Israel had rejected their true Savior, just as Joseph’s brothers had rejected him.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 37:3-4 – Joseph’s brothers hated him because of their father’s favoritism.
• Genesis 37:19-28 – Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery.
• Genesis 39:2-3 – Even in slavery, God was with Joseph.
• Genesis 41:41-44 – Joseph is raised to power in Egypt.
• Genesis 50:20 – Joseph tells his brothers that what they intended for evil, God used for good.
• Matthew 27:18 – The religious leaders were jealous of Jesus and wanted Him killed.
• Acts 2:23 – Jesus’ crucifixion was part of God’s plan, even though it was carried out by evil men.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches us that God is always working, even in our suffering.

• God’s presence is with us in difficult times. Just as He was with Joseph in slavery and prison, He is with us in our struggles (Hebrews 13:5).
• Jealousy and envy lead to destruction. Joseph’s brothers allowed their jealousy to control them, which led to sin and pain. We must guard our hearts against jealousy (James 3:16).
• God can use even evil for His good purposes. What Joseph’s brothers meant for harm, God used to save many lives. In the same way, Jesus’ death—though meant for evil—became the way of salvation.

For believers today, this means that even when life seems unfair or painful, God is still in control and can bring good out of even the hardest situations.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He never abandons His people, even when they go through suffering.

• He was with Joseph in Egypt, even in prison.
• He was with Israel in slavery, preparing their deliverance.
• He is with us in our struggles, guiding us toward His purpose.

God’s love also means that He redeems even our worst moments. He can take something broken—like Joseph’s betrayal—and turn it into something beautiful.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Joseph’s story foreshadows Jesus’ life in many ways:

1. Joseph was rejected by his own brothers. (Genesis 37:4) → Jesus was rejected by His own people. (John 1:11)
2. Joseph was sold for silver. (Genesis 37:28) → Jesus was betrayed for silver. (Matthew 26:14-16)
3. Joseph suffered unjustly but later saved his people. (Genesis 50:20) → Jesus suffered unjustly but brought salvation to the world. (1 Peter 3:18)
4. Joseph forgave his brothers. (Genesis 50:21) → Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. (Luke 23:34)

Stephen was showing that Jesus, like Joseph, had been rejected, but He was actually the Savior they needed.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever faced rejection or betrayal? How does Joseph’s story encourage you?
2. How does knowing that “God was with Joseph” help you trust God in difficult seasons?
3. Have you ever struggled with jealousy or envy? How can you guard against these attitudes?
4. What does Joseph’s story teach you about how God can use suffering for His greater plan?
5. How does Joseph’s life point forward to Jesus?

This verse reminds us that God’s presence is constant, even in suffering. Like Joseph, we may go through trials, but we can trust that God is in control and working all things for good. Ultimately, Jesus is the greater Joseph—the one who was rejected but became the true Savior of the world.