Stephen's Defense - Joseph

This is the second message on Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7). This section takes up the second of four individuals (Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David) that Stephen uses to illustrate God's program in bringing in the gospel of Christ through the nation of Israel. God program deals with His promises and covenants with respect to Israel concerning the land of Canaan, the law delivered at Sinai, and the tabernacle\Temple as the place of God's presence. Each of these pillars of Jewish faith find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Joseph illustrates the tendency of the Jews to oppose God's servants. The Patriarchs hated Joseph, plotted to kill him, but God was with Him. God's sovereign providence protected, guided, and provided for His people through Joseph in spite of their hostility. Here, Stephen gives us a clear pattern to compare the father's treatment of Joseph to the Jews treatment of Jesus. Joseph is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. His identity was purposefully hidden from the Patriarchs on their first encounter with Joseph, but his identity was revealed on the second visit. Their reconciliation to Joseph brought them under his protection and provision. Their desire to be buried in Canaan also revealed their faith in a better country (Hebrews 11:13-16).