Acts (Written)

Rising Star.

Wednesday, 20 April 2022

Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. Acts 7:14

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 noted that, in the second meeting between Joseph and his brothers, he was made known to them. Further, it said, “and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh.” With that come words that are at first perplexing based on a reading of the Hebrew Scriptures. That begins with, “Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob.”

This part of the verse is without complication. It is found recorded in Genesis 45 –

“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Say to your brothers, “Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. ¹⁸ Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. ¹⁹ Now you are commanded—do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come. ²⁰ Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.”’” Genesis 45:17-20

With that, and according to the word of Pharaoh, Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan to gather the family and bring them to reside in Egypt. From there, Stephen continues, saying, “and all his relatives to him.”

This was included in the words of Pharaoh. Not only was Jacob called to come, but everyone directly related to him as well was welcomed. With this detail given, Stephen then speaks forth words that complicate the narrative, “seventy-five people.”

The Bible often gives specific details, and they are provided for a reason. In the Hebrew text, the account says –

“All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. ²⁷ And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were seventy.” Genesis 46:26, 27

There is a five-person discrepancy between the two. However, this is not an impossible-to-solve dilemma. First, the Greek reads, “in souls seventy-five.” The preposition “in” expresses a sum total of all who are included in the family. In the Greek translation of Genesis 46:27, it reads, “And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in the land of Egypt, were nine souls; all the souls of the house of Jacob who came with Joseph into Egypt, were seventy-five souls.” Of this, Albert Barnes notes –

“This number is made out by adding these nine souls to the 66 mentioned in Genesis 46:26. The difference between the Septuagint and Moses is, that the former mentions five descendants of Joseph who are not recorded by the latter. The ‘names’ of the sons of Ephraim and Manasseh are recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:14-21. Their names were Ashriel, Machir, Zelophehad, Peresh, sons of Manasseh; and Shuthelah, son of Ephraim. Why the Septuagint inserted these, it may not be easy to see. But such was evidently the fact; and the fact accords accurately with the historic record, though Moses did not insert their names. The solution of difficulties in regard to chronology is always difficult; and what might be entirely apparent to a Jew in the time of Stephen, may be wholly inexplicable to us.”

Stephen, being a Grecian Jew, would have used the Septuagint, thus following that reckoning. This is often the main text cited by Jesus and the apostles elsewhere as well. Despite deviating from the Hebrew Text, the Septuagint was translated by scholars who had suitable information at hand to make a determination at the time of their translation to note what was not yet fully recorded at the time of Moses. The original rendering may have been included as a margin note that does not exist in subsequent copies, or there may be some other reason for the diversion.

No matter what, there is a reliable source for Stephen’s words, and it goes unchallenged as he continues his discourse. As such, it was considered an accepted statement at the time he stood before the council. By using the term “in souls seventy-five,” it certainly allows for the inclusion of those grandsons of Jacob mentioned above in Barnes’ commentary.

The number five is the number of grace. It may be, and this is mere supposition, that the additional five being included in the latter genealogical record is a note of grace that their birth in Egypt, having never even been to the land of Canaan, does not dismiss them from the rights of membership into the family.

Life application: Throughout Scripture, there are issues that are often quite complicated. The easy path is to dismiss such things as scribal errors, later insertions, or outright misstatements. However, that does not necessarily have to be so. We have to consider what is going on in the word from a global perspective. It is true that, at the time of Moses, seventy souls were recorded. But the adoption of Manasseh and Ephraim by Jacob, would bring their sons directly into the immediate family of Jacob, as accepted grandsons.

To just jump ahead and call out, “Error!” without checking the details may show a lack of contemplation on our part. Even the clear text is often extremely complicated. How much more when we come to things that are not so clear. In the end, the record of Stephen’s words is in accord with Scripture that precedes the coming of Christ, and what he says goes unchallenged by the highest religious council in Israel. As such, what he says must be considered acceptable – both to that council at the time and to us in our studies today.

Be confident of the word! It is given to us as a story of loving redemption, and it stands as a witness against those who shun it, as well as a witness of faithfulness to those who hold fast to it.

Heavenly Father, the Bible stands as a witness both for and against those who interact with it. Help us to be faithful in our consideration of it. Likewise, help us to cherish it always. May it be a witness for us on the day when we stand before You that we faithfully held to its words. Thank You, O God, for this precious word of life. Amen.

Map blanket…

Tuesday, 19 April 2022

And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. Acts 7:13

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 spoke of Jacob hearing of grain in Egypt, and so he sent out his sons (the fathers) in order to obtain grain. Now, immediately after that, Stephen says, “And the second time.”

Stephen has skipped over a great deal of the Genesis story in order to come to this thought. He never mentions many important details of the first visit or what transpired after it. His words allow his audience to mentally insert everything that they already knew from their recorded history. He speaks only of the details of this second visit where “Joseph was made known to his brothers.”

Because of his selection of such a small portion of the words of what occurred in Genesis, Stephen is surely asking the council to consider what he is focusing on, which is the fact that the brothers, who represent the tribes of Israel, did not recognize their own brother – their own kin – when they stood before him. Only on their second visit was who he was revealed to them.

Stephen is on trial for his witness concerning Jesus, who he claims is the Messiah of Israel. The leaders of Israel, who represent the people of Israel, did not realize who they had been in the presence of. Now, He is gone, the implication is that He will only be truly revealed to them on His second advent.

This pictorial story in Genesis is not without a prophetic confirmation in their own Scriptures. Zechariah prophesies of exactly this –

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” Zechariah 12:10

The Lord came and they pierced Him. For them to “look” on Him means that He has appeared to them again. It speaks of His second advent. Israel has just not yet realized the implication of either the pictures in Genesis or the prophecy in Zechariah. They rejected the words of Stephen and the apostles, and they are blinded to the truth of who Jesus is at this time. Next, Stephen says, “and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh.”

Joseph was placed over all of Pharaoh’s house. As Jesus is claimed to be the Messiah by Stephen and the others, and as Stephen is equating Joseph to Jesus, the implication is perfectly clear. Stephen, by inspiration of the Spirit, is saying that those standing before him are not “known” to God. They have forsaken Him, and He has forsaken them. They represent the people, and thus the nation itself is rejected by Him until the time of Christ’s second advent.

Life application: To understand what is going on in the world today as far as the redemptive narrative, meaning God’s focus on the people of the world in relation to their redemption, it becomes much clearer when the stories of the Pentateuch are properly understood. In following them, and in understanding the details there, the entire history of Israel opens up and becomes clear.

And what becomes evident is that during Israel’s time between the two advents of Christ, God has not simply stopped the redemptive process. Rather, He has allowed it to continue unabated through another group of people. In the Song of Moses, it says –

“They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God;
They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols.
But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation;
I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.” Deuteronomy 32:21

Paul then cites that passage from Deuteronomy in Romans 10 to show that Moses is referring to Israel’s rejection of the Lord, and of the Lord’s turning to the Gentiles during Israel’s time of being rejected by the Lord –

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ ¹⁷ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
¹⁸ But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed:
‘Their sound has gone out to all the earth,
And their words to the ends of the world.’
¹⁹ But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says:
‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation,
I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’
²⁰ But Isaiah is very bold and says:
‘I was found by those who did not seek Me;
I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.’
²¹ But to Israel he says:
‘All day long I have stretched out My hands
To a disobedient and contrary people.’” Romans 10:16-21

Paul, a Jew and a Pharisee fully trained in the Hebrew Scriptures – and who then came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ – was able to see exactly what God was doing and to see that God had already shown Israel, in their own Scriptures, what would come to pass.

The lesson for us is to look at the Old Testament Scriptures as either types and pictures of things to come or as prophecies that are to be taken literally. We are not to insert ourselves where we don’t belong (such as saying we are now Israel) when the word is not speaking to us. Israel is Israel and the nations are the nations. Keeping these distinctions separate is of paramount importance.

Read the passage from Romans again and note who Paul is speaking to (the Gentiles/the nations). Then note who is being referred to in each section (the nations or Israel). Paul clearly makes a distinction between the two because the Scriptures had already done so. The error of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the error of the Mormons, the error of replacement theology proponents, and so on, is the error of inserting themselves into verses that apply to Israel, not the Gentiles.

A problem arises, however, when groups actually claim to be the lost tribes of Israel. In doing that, they are no longer saying, “We are Gentiles who have now become ‘spiritual Israel.’” Instead, they are actually claiming to be the race of people who are Israel. If that is so, then another tact needs to be taken with them. As they claim to be Israel, and as Paul has clearly stated that Israel is blinded to this day (Romans 11:7, Romans 11:25, and 2 Corinthians 3:14), then that means they should not be listened to because, “Who wants to follow a blind guide?”

Either way, reject these people’s doctrine. Israel has yet to receive its Messiah, the Gentiles are currently carrying the spiritual banner and – someday – Jesus will be revealed to His long-lost brethren.

Lord, help us to have a right and proper understanding of what You are doing in the history of redemption. By knowing what is going on in the world in relation to Your word, we can more clearly understand the timeline of what lies ahead as well. Help us to be responsible with Your word and what it so carefully details. Amen.

Naaaah. I think I’ll keep driving.

Monday, 18 April 2022

But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. Acts 7:12

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 noted the famine that came all over the land of Egypt and Canaan leaving no sustenance for the fathers. With that, Stephen now says, “But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt.”

As noted in the previous verse of the Acts commentary, that is specifically recorded in Genesis 42 –

“When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, ‘Why do you look at one another?’” Genesis 42:1

The idea of them looking at one another conveys a sense of futility. There is nothing to harvest, there would be no grassy fields for the animals to graze on, and so on. Because of this, they just sat looking at one another, probably thinking, “Maybe one of them has an idea of what to do.” In such a destitute state, Jacob finally spoke up. As Stephen says, “he sent out our fathers first.”

Again, that is recorded in the next verse of Genesis 42 –

“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 42:2

In obedience to his word, the following is then recorded –

“So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. ⁴ But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, ‘Lest some calamity befall him.’ ⁵ And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.” Genesis 42:3-5

The rest of Genesis 42 continues the narrative of their first trip to Egypt. They stood before Joseph not knowing it was him. During their time in his presence, several events took place that caused trouble among the brothers leaving Jacob in a state of great agitation when they returned to him. Despite these things, the famine was long and drawn out, and it would necessitate another trip to Egypt at some point just to survive.

Life application: Stephen continues to choose highlights of Israel’s history, carefully selecting events that clearly point to Jesus as the Messiah and that what happened to Jacob and his sons (inclusive of Joseph) clearly mirrored events that happened or would happen to Israel at the coming of Jesus or in His anticipated return.

God has taken real people, real historical events, and carefully recorded words to provide typological hints of what would happen in the coming of the promised Messiah. Unless these stories are read from that perspective, they might be curious oddities, or they otherwise seem irrelevant or unconnected to anything else. But when they are taken in their proper light, they clearly reveal a great story of what is going on in the history of man’s redemption.

When reading the word, keep asking yourself, “How does this point to Jesus?” If you have enough of an understanding of the rest of the word, it is bound to come into focus. God has given us this word to see His working in and through Christ. Let us remember this as we read and consider it.

How wonderful and uplifting is Your word, O God! It always brings forth new and exciting things for us to consider, even if we have read it many times, new insights come forth just when we need them in our own lives. Thank You for giving us this word of wisdom and inspiration. Thank You for Your word, O God. Amen.

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.