Joseph: A Foreshadowing of Jesus

Acts 7:11–16 (NASB95) 

11“Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. 12“But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time.13“On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was disclosed to Pharaoh. 14“Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all. 15“And Jacob went down to Egypt and there he and our fathers died. 16“From there they were removed to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. 

Stephen continues to use his understanding of the Old Testament to build on his argument to the religious leaders. Stephen highlights the irony of Jacob’s sons seeking refuge in Egypt, unaware that Joseph, whom they had rejected, held the key to their survival. This mirrors Jesus’ rejection by His own people, who failed to recognize Him as the promised Messiah. Like Joseph, Jesus was betrayed and unjustly condemned, yet God’s sovereign plan worked through their actions to bring about salvation. Joseph’s revelation to his brothers (7:13) prefigures Jesus’ resurrection and eventual recognition by His followers. Though prompted by hardship, the patriarchs’ journey to Egypt ultimately fulfills God’s promise to Abraham, highlighting God’s faithfulness amidst human failure. 

This typology parallels Joseph and Jesus. Both were rejected by their people and faced unjust suffering, yet were ultimately exalted by God. Joseph’s provision for his family during the famine foreshadows Jesus’ provision of spiritual nourishment for all who believe. Joseph's wisdom and favor before Pharaoh mirror Jesus’ divine authority and power. Joseph and Jesus reconciled with those who had wronged them, offering forgiveness and a path to restoration. By highlighting these parallels, Stephen subtly presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the ultimate deliverer of His people. 

Blessings, 

Ryan Goodnight