Acts 7:14

“Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.”

Context:This verse is a part of Stephen’s speech before the Jewish council. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, was defending his faith and recounting the history of Israel to the religious leaders.

Background:In this particular portion of Stephen’s speech, he is speaking about Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but God was with him, and he eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt.

Jacob’s Family Reunion:The verse mentions that Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his kindred, numbering “threescore and fifteen souls” (meaning seventy-five souls). This event refers to the reunion of Jacob and his entire family in Egypt during a severe famine.

The Fulfillment of God’s Promise:This family reunion holds significance because it fulfills God’s promise to Abraham. In Genesis 15:13-14, God had revealed to Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own, serving as slaves and afflicted for four hundred years. However, God also promised to judge the nation they served and bring them out with great substance. The reunion of Jacob’s family in Egypt marks the beginning of the fulfilment of this promise.

God’s Sovereignty:Despite the hardships faced by Joseph and his family, God orchestrated events in such a way that they were preserved and eventually prospered in Egypt. Joseph, who was once sold into slavery, became instrumental in the preservation of his family and the fulfilment of God’s promise.