Author: Charlie Garrett

Hannah tired from reading all those maps.

Sunday, 17 April 2022

Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. Acts 7:11

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verses referred to Joseph’s being sold off to Egypt, but also God’s care of him while there, eventually exalting him to being governor over the land and all of Pharaoh’s house. The thing that most precipitated this was Joseph’s ability to properly interpret the dreams of Pharaoh that anticipated a coming famine. In his wise interpretation of the dreams, and of his excellent counsel concerning what to do about the coming famine, Pharaoh had said –

“‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. ⁴⁰ You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.’ ⁴¹ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’” Genesis 41:39-41

With that context remembered, Stephen now continues by saying, “Now a famine and great trouble came.” Just as Joseph had spoken, so it came to pass. That is recorded in Genesis 41 as well –

^“Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, ⁵⁴ and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. ⁵⁵ So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread.” Genesis 41:53-55

The famine covered all lands, including Egypt, but Egypt had prepared for the coming famine by having supplies stored up. The term “all lands” specifically includes where Israel was, as is stated by Stephen, saying, “over all the land of Egypt and Canaan.” That is seen in the opening words of Genesis 42 –

“When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, ‘Why do you look at one another?’ ² And he said, ‘Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.’” Genesis 42:1, 2

Stephen properly explains this sentiment with the words, “and our fathers found no sustenance.” Here is a noun found only this one time in the Bible, chortasma. It signifies food, sustenance, or provision. It is derived from the verb chortazó which means to feed, satisfy, fatten, and so on.

The famine covered all lands, including the land where Israel was. The famine was revealed to be coming in advance by a dream from God. Joseph was able to interpret the dream when no other person could. Enough advance notice was given to ensure that Egypt would have abundant provision, even enough to sell to other nations. And this abundant provision led Israel to go to Egypt to be saved from perishing in the famine.

The sequence of events clearly indicates that God’s guiding hand was behind what occurred, leading to a specific end purpose.

Life application: Though the entire section of Stephen’s speech concerning Egypt is not yet complete, it is already apparent that God’s hand of care for the events taking place is clearly evident. There is a famine of such magnitude that it is described as covering all lands. The number of people affected by it would be in the millions.

And yet, the entire focus of the story is on one family. And despite this being the case, the family and its history – ultimately numbering in the millions later in the Bible – is highlighted for one main purpose as well, which is the coming of the Messiah.

As this is so, it demonstrates that God’s ultimate purpose for everything recorded in Scripture is this Messiah, Jesus Christ. And Jesus came to highlight the many attributes of God, thus bringing glory to God through His Messiah.

Let us remember this. The Bible is not about Israel, even if Israel is a highlighted aspect of it. The Bible is not about man, even though man may be the purpose of why Jesus was sent. The Bible, above all else, is about God’s coming in human form in order to demonstrate His magnificence, His perfection, His glory, and His care for the people who come to Him by faith.

May we never change the ultimate focus of the word to anything less than God, who has revealed Himself through the Person and work of Jesus Christ. When we keep the focus on God, everything else will find its proper place as we search out the mysteries of this precious and sacred word.

How magnificent is the story You have laid before us in the pages of Scripture, O God! It is a story of love and tender care for Your people. May we be willing to expend ourselves to get this word out to those who so desperately need to hear what it says. Help us to be bold in our proclamation of Jesus! Amen.

The long Texas highway really tuckered out Hannah.

Saturday, 16 April 2022

and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Acts 7:10

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse referred to the patriarchs becoming jealous and then selling Joseph into Egypt. It then noted, “But God was with him.” That continues now with, “and delivered him out of all of his troubles.” If one follows the life of Joseph, from being cast into the pit by his brothers, being sold to the traders, and being taken down to Egypt, clear and precise parallels to the work of Christ come forth. They can be seen in the corresponding Superior Word sermons.

The tribes of Israel, represented by the leaders of Israel, crucified Christ and He was buried. But God delivered Him from the pit as well. Again, while Joseph was in Egypt, circumstances brought him to the state of being incarcerated for something he had not done. The story (found in Genesis 39-41) again parallels the events of Christ’s life. Each detail was selected to anticipate the Person and work of Christ.

Joseph was brought out of that prison and, as Stephen says, God “gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.” That is found in Genesis 41 as Joseph reveals the meaning of the dreams of Pharaoh. The conclusion of that particular section is found in Genesis 41:37-39 –

“So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. ³⁸ And Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’
³⁹ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.’”

With this historical account stated, the verse finishes with, “and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.”

That is also found in the next verses of Genesis 41 –

“‘You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.’ ⁴¹ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’
⁴² Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. ⁴³ And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, ‘Bow the knee!’ So he set him over all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁴ Pharaoh also said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.’ ⁴⁵ And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:40-45

Again, the details clearly point to the exaltation of Christ who is now seated at the right hand of God. Each point was detailed from the life of Joseph to mirror what occurred with Christ. Stephen is not merely telling history to amuse the council that he is standing before. Rather, he is bringing his own charges against them right from Scripture. He is revealing to them, if they are willing to pay heed, that the words of Solomon are true –

“That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

And again –

“That which has been already: It,
And which is to be, already has been;
And the God seeks that which is pursued.” Ecclesiastes 3:15 (CG)

Stephen’s words are spoken with care and purpose. He is speaking by the Spirit who is providing exacting words to convict Israel or to indict Israel. What he conveys has obvious intent, and so it is up to these leaders to accept or reject the history lesson and the warnings.

Life application: The stories of Genesis and throughout the rest of the Old Testament are given to reveal what God would do in Christ. Many are so specific that once the details are examined, and then compared with what we know about Jesus, it is incredible that anyone could say, “I don’t accept that this is actually referring to Him.”

Someday, Israel will face inevitable destruction. Something will wake them up to the fact that they missed the significance of Jesus’ first advent. They will acknowledge their guilt, and they will call out to Him. This is clearly presented in Scripture, and it will come to pass. The blinders will be removed and the glory of what has been recorded will finally shine forth.

For those of us who have accepted Jesus, are we even aware of these Old Testament types and shadows? They are a treasure trove of wonder, and they are given to alert us to the many details of Jesus’ ministry, His exaltation, and His current authority. Let us be sure to consider these things. In knowing the details, our own faith in Him will surely be strengthened. Let us not ignore the Old Testament but read it with open eyes and hearts. There you will find JESUS!

Heavenly Father, give us the desire to set aside time each day for Your word.  How can our time be properly prioritized when what You have revealed to us there is not included in our day? Give us wisdom in this. Thank You for Your wonderful word. Amen.

The bane of modern society and the destroyer of the environment… Texas wind farm.

Friday, 15 April 2022

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him Acts 7:9

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Stephen’s speech, detailing the history of the Jewish people, quickly moved from Abraham to Isaac, to Jacob, and then to the twelve patriarchs. With them noted, he will move on again. Before looking at his words, the overall context of Stephen’s speech should be evaluated.

The God of glory appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia where he was called to another land. After the death of his father, and as is recorded in Genesis, he was called to move again. While in Canaan, but while Canaan was still under the rule of other people groups, Abraham was promised the land as a possession for his descendants. It was at this same time that Abraham was given the covenant with circumcision as a sign.

During all of this time, there was no temple and no law. And some of the time was outside of Canaan, the land of promise. Despite this, there has been a faithful obedience to the Lord. Now the narrative continues with the words, “And the patriarchs.”

This is referring to those just mentioned in the previous verse, meaning the twelve sons of Israel. The word patriarch was first seen in Acts 2:29 when referring to David. It is a word that signifies the head or founder of a family.

Of these twelve patriarchs, it now refers to all but one of them, saying they were “becoming envious.” The first overarching premise of Stephen’s speech was just noted. It is that the workings of God had occurred, and continued to often occur, outside of the land of promise, apart from the Law of Moses, and apart from any physical temple. As will be seen, even when those things come into the narrative, there is a rebelling against the Lord by the people of Israel.

For now, the envy of the patriarchs has been noted. Of these men, their jealousy was displayed in their actions being specifically directed against their own brother, saying that they “sold Joseph into Egypt.”

This introduces the second overarching premise of Stephen’s speech. Starting in Genesis 37, and apart from some relevant side stories, Joseph became the main focus of the redemptive narrative for an extended period. And yet, there was a jealousy that was displayed toward him and an active working against him by his brothers. As they are noted as patriarchs, they stand as representative of the people of Israel who descend from them. There is a working against God’s chosen order, leaders, prophets, and law. This theme will continue right down to the time of Jesus.

Some try to find a contradiction in the narrative here by saying that Joseph was not sold into Egypt, but to Midianite traders, as is recorded in Genesis 37 –

“Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.” Genesis 37:28

That is a shallow argument at best. The traders were heading to Egypt as a part of their trading. But more, the words of Stephen reflect the words of Joseph himself as are recorded in Genesis 45 –

“And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Please come near to me.’ So they came near. Then he said: ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. ⁵ But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.’” Genesis 45:4, 5

Joseph noted that God had sent him before the brothers. That is noted by Stephen to close out this verse, saying, “But God was with him.” This is noted of the one who was rejected by his brothers, and it is noted of him having God with him, even outside of the land of promise. While the brothers anticipated that they had cast off any chance of Joseph ruling over them (for it was by his dreams that this became known – Genesis 37:1-11), God was working through their rejection of him to accomplish a great salvation.

At this time, Stephen does not draw out any actual connection to Jesus, but even the dullest of dimwits could not help but notice the parallel if they were willing to open their eyes. As for the council, it says nothing at the time of their state of mind. Stephen is carefully and methodically laying out his defense of Jesus while the council sits and takes each connection without a word.

Life application: Jesus said to the woman at the well in John 4 –

“Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. ²² You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. ²³ But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:21-24

It is hard to imagine that people who say they are following Jesus forget that He said these words. Stephen is telling the people of Israel that there is a redemptive process and a faith that goes beyond a place, a land, and a set means of religious rites. Jesus had already said as much to a non-Jew in a place that was considered “out” of the proper religious life of those accepted by God. And more, of the people of this location, it later says –

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ ⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. ⁴¹ And many more believed because of His own word.
⁴² Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.’” John 4:39-42

This comes the chapter after Jesus’ words of John 3 –

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:14-17

Likewise, His words to the woman at the well come in the chapter before His words to the leaders in Jerusalem –

“And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. ³⁸ But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. ³⁹ You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. ⁴⁰ But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” John 5:37-40

Immediately after that, Jesus continued saying “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me” (John 5:46).

Jesus is the end of what Moses spoke of. In Him is the final, full, and forever-after revelation of all of the prophetic writings. And yet, innumerable Christians fall back on Moses, in part or in whole, in order to attempt to merit status before God. Jesus warns us, Stephen admonishes us, and all of the rest of the New Testament directs us to pay heed. It is in Jesus alone, belief in Him, that we find our salvation.

Glorious and wonderful God, You sent us Jesus! Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Very Texas.

Thursday, 14 April 2022

Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs. Acts 7:8

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Stephen has just detailed the history of Abraham, from his call out of Mesopotamia, even until the time of the covenant set forth in Genesis 15 that came with the promise that the Lord would bring Abraham’s descendants out of bondage to serve Him in the land of Canaan. It is with this history in mind that Stephen now says, “Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision.”

There is no article before “circumcision,” and it should be left out. Circumcision is not the covenant. Rather, it refers to the covenant that had just been explained by Stephen. It is the sign of the covenant, as is explained in Genesis 17:1-8. After that, it then says –

“And God said to Abraham: ‘As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. ¹⁰ This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; ¹¹ and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.’” Genesis 17:9-11

A sign is something that points to something else. Being misunderstood, a Jew will point to their circumcision and say, “See, this makes me righteous.” But that is incorrect. Paul explains this in Romans 2 –

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; ²⁹ but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Romans 2:28, 29

Many cultures circumcise, and it does not make them righteous. As such, this sign does not make Abraham’s descendants righteous, but it is a sign of what the covenant speaks of. Two translations that convey this properly, even if they are somewhat of a paraphrase, are –

“Then God gave to Abraham the ceremony of circumcision as a sign of the covenant. So Abraham circumcised Isaac a week after he was born; Isaac circumcised his son Jacob, and Jacob circumcised his twelve sons, the famous ancestors of our race.” GNT

“And God gave Abraham a covenant [a formal agreement to be strictly observed] of [which] circumcision [was the sign]; and so [under these circumstances] Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac [became the father] of Jacob, and Jacob [became the father] of the twelve patriarchs.” Amplified

With this understood, Stephen continues with, “and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day.” This is in obedience to the word of the Lord as later explained in Genesis 17 –

“He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. ¹³ He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. ¹⁴ And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.” Genesis 17:12-14

Circumcision (on the eighth day) is a necessary condition of the covenant, but it is not the covenant itself. Paul further explains this in Romans 4 –

“Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. ¹⁰ How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. ¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, ¹² and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.” Romans 4:9-12

Abraham was obedient to the covenant, and he circumcised Isaac on the eighth day. After this, Stephen next states, “and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.” These words are given to define the line through whom the conditions of the covenant apply. All of this is spoken by Stephen to argue against the accusations levied against him.

One of those charges was that Jesus would “change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” The law of Moses records the requirement for circumcising on the eighth day in Leviticus 12:3. However, Stephen appears to have understood that if the law was now annulled in Christ, it means that circumcision was not a requirement for being a part of the New Covenant.

This then lays the groundwork for Paul’s argument for justification by faith. Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised, as stated above in Romans 4. As this is so, then, as Paul notes, the law coming four hundred and thirty years later, “cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect” (Galatians 3:17).

Because of this, the sign of circumcision must have a different purpose for God to have given it to Abraham. And it does. As a sign points to something else, and that thing – in this case – is based on the righteousness of Abraham, one must understand where that righteousness came from, which was the faith he had while still uncircumcised (Romans 4:11). It was faith in the promise of God stated in Genesis 15:4, 5.

Thus, a sign was given to confirm that it was faith in the promises of God that would be the mark of being declared righteous. The sign, then, points to Christ Jesus. The rite of circumcision, which is the sign, is the cutting of the male sex organ. As sin is inherited, there must be a way that it is transmitted. That is understood to be through the uniting of a man and a woman. When a child is conceived, that child inherits Adam’s sin.

Cutting the male organ is the sign. It represents cutting the transmission of sin. And sin is that which makes a person unrighteous. When Christ came, He was born of a virgin and of God. Thus, no sin was transmitted to Him. As this was so, the “sign” of circumcision was fulfilled. The sign pointed to the coming Messiah – Jesus.

Thus, the words of Romans 4 (above) are realized. It is by faith in God’s promise, as fulfilled in Christ Jesus, that righteousness is granted – the righteousness of God in Christ. As such, and though the dull leaders of Israel did not grasp this, Stephen was clearly indicating that the words he spoke concerning “changing the customs” may have been misunderstood, but they were not blasphemous. Rather, they were in accord with the redemptive plans of God in Christ.

Life application: A little thought concerning what God is doing in the stream of redemptive history clears up many misconceptions about really important theological issues. In this one instance, when carefully considered, several points of doctrine – some of which will lead to heresy if incorrect – can be determined:

• The law is annulled in Christ.
• The sign of circumcision is fulfilled in Christ.
• Salvation is, by default, eternal.
• Faith, and nothing else, is what saves a person.

These, and certainly many other points, can be deduced from what is presented above. Be sure to not only read the Bible, but think on it, study it, read commentaries on it. Don’t be so headstrong that you would reject something you initially disagree with until you have thought through what is said. If we are wrong, we should be willing to admit it and adjust our thinking in order to properly align our doctrine with what the Bible actually teaches.

Do these things and you will be one who stands approved when you come before the Lord.

Gracious and most merciful God, You have given us such a simple message of salvation – believe in what Your word says You have done in order to be saved. And yet, there is so much tied up in this message that we can spend the rest of our lives learning more about it. How wonderful it is to do so! Thank You for this precious word. Amen.

Cotton and oil. Where am I? Texas?

Wednesday, 13 April 2022

‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ Acts 7:7

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse referred to the dwelling of Israel in a foreign land, being brought into bondage, and the time frame – four hundred years – in which this would occur. With that stated, Stephen now continues quoting the Lord, saying, “And the nation to whom they will be in bondage.”

This is referring to Egypt. Approximately half of the period referred to will be in Egypt. And for a period of that time while in Egypt, they were brought into bondage –

“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. ⁹ And he said to his people, ‘Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; ¹⁰ come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.’ ¹¹ Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. ¹² But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. ¹³ So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. ¹⁴ And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor.” Exodus 1:8-14

As can be seen, the bondage was not the entire span of four hundred years. Only a part of the time was spent in Egypt. Further, only a part of the time in Egypt was a time of bondage. With the reference understood, Stephen’s words continue, quoting God, and saying of this nation, “I will judge,’ said God.”

That is explicitly stated in Genesis 15 –

“Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. ¹³ Then He said to Abram: ‘Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. ¹⁴ And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. ¹⁵ Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. ¹⁶ But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.’” Genesis 15:12-16

So far, as long as the proper reference is understood, the words of Stephen have followed the narrative logically and without any real difficulty. But, as with the previous verse, there is debate about the next words. Stephen finishes verse 7 saying, “and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.”

It is not uncommon for scholars to change the reference here from Abraham and Canaan to Moses and Mount Sinai. This is because Stephen’s words closely match the words of Exodus when Moses spoke with the Lord on Sinai –

“So He said, ‘I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’” Exodus 3:12

This is problematic, however, because the reference immediately returns to Abraham in Stephen’s next words of verse 7:8. As such, this is not speaking of Moses and Mount Sinai at all. Rather, it is still referring to the conversation between the Lord and Abraham. That is found later in Genesis 15 –

“And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. ¹⁸ On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying:
‘To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates— ¹⁹ the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, ²⁰ the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, ²¹ the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.’” Genesis 15:17-21

By the Lord giving the land to Abraham’s descendants after they are brought out of Egypt, it implies that they will serve the Lord in Canaan (“this place”), rather than on Sinai (“this mountain”). Stephen’s terminology varies from both Genesis 15 and Exodus 3. As such, determining which is the proper reference must be done apart from direct quotes. In this case, the reference being Abraham has not changed, and Stephen’s words – though not a direct quote – are implied in (and fully supported by) the text.

Life application: There are difficulties in Scripture that are easy to simply pass over with the most expedient explanation. We hear it, it sounds ok, and so we move on. But this only confuses the narrative. Thus, it is better to consider that the first, and easiest, explanation may not be the correct one. Unless the issue is clear and without any controversy, we should consider all of the options we can think of, or refer to.

By doing this, we will keep things in their proper context. As noted above, Abraham was the reference in the text, and Abraham will continue to be the reference in the text. Thus, contemplating the difficulty in the intervening words, and considering them from Stephen’s perspective, will eventually lead to what was on his mind.

On the other hand, there was a difficulty in the previous verse where both Canaan and Egypt were being referred to, while certain words only applied to Egypt. Then, in this verse, only Egypt is the reference. As such, it is expedient to just say, “everything is referring to Egypt.” However, in doing this, the timeline of the actual Genesis narrative is then completely botched up.

Real care needs to be taken concerning this precious word. Let us be willing to spend the time to make sure that what we are presenting is actually properly aligned with what God has already presented.

Glorious God, Your word is big, difficult at times, and filled with things that take a lot of mental exertion to figure out. But it is worth the effort. At the end of the day, may we say, “I have done my very best to properly and rightly divide this sacred treasure.” To Your glory! Amen.