Acts 7:13

And at the second [time] Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

And {G2532} at {G1722} the second {G1208} time Joseph {G2501} was made known {G319} to his {G846} brethren {G80}; and {G2532} Joseph's {G2501} kindred {G1085} was made {G1096} known {G5318} unto Pharaoh {G5328}.

The second time, Yosef revealed his identity to his brothers, and Yosef’s family became known to Pharaoh.

On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh.

And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s race became manifest unto Pharaoh.

Acts 7:13 is part of Stephen's lengthy defense speech before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel from Abraham to Moses, highlighting God's faithfulness despite the people's frequent rebellion. This particular verse focuses on a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, a patriarch whose story prefigures God's redemptive plan.

Context

Stephen is reminding his audience of their own history, specifically the foundational story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers (Acts 7:9). After years of hardship and divine favor, Joseph rose to power in Egypt as second only to Pharaoh. The land of Canaan, where Joseph's family lived, was struck by a severe famine, forcing his brothers to come to Egypt for grain.

The verse describes the second visit of Joseph's brothers to Egypt. During their first visit, Joseph recognized them but did not reveal his identity, testing their character and bringing Benjamin into the picture. This second encounter is where the dramatic revelation occurs, leading to a profound moment of reconciliation and the subsequent migration of Jacob's entire family to Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: This verse underscores God's meticulous oversight and guidance of events. Joseph's being "made known" to his brethren was not merely a chance encounter but the culmination of God's plan to preserve the family through whom the nation of Israel would descend (Genesis 45:5).
  • Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Joseph's revelation to his brothers, though initially terrifying for them, paved the way for reconciliation and the healing of deep family wounds. It highlights the power of forgiveness, even in the face of grave injustices.
  • Preparation for a Nation: The making known of Joseph and his kindred to Pharaoh was crucial for the family of Jacob to settle in the fertile land of Goshen. This period in Egypt allowed them to multiply significantly, becoming the large nation that would eventually be delivered from bondage by Moses (Exodus 1:7).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "made known" (Greek: egnōristhē, aorist passive of gnōrizō) emphasizes that Joseph's identity was revealed or recognized. It signifies a deliberate act of unveiling, not merely a discovery. Joseph himself took the initiative to reveal who he was, creating a moment of truth and confrontation that led to reconciliation.

Practical Application

Acts 7:13, within Stephen's narrative, reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, often working through challenging circumstances to achieve His purposes. Just as Joseph's suffering and eventual exaltation served a greater divine plan for his family and future nation, so too does God orchestrate events in our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that He can bring about reconciliation and blessing from unlikely situations. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of family and community.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 45:1

    ¶ Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

  • Genesis 45:18

    And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.

  • Genesis 46:31

    And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which [were] in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;

  • Genesis 47:10

    And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

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