Book of Acts - Chapter 7 - Verse 17
Meaning
One possible interpretation of the verse 'But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,' is that it illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the growth and prosperity of his descendants. The verse highlights how the Israelites, who were descendants of Abraham, experienced a period of significant growth while residing in Egypt. Despite facing hardships and oppression, the Israelites continued to multiply and increase in number, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and how He works behind the scenes to bring about His plans and promises in His perfect timing. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and provision even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Theological Overview
The verse "But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt," highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people. The phrase "the time of the promise" signifies the appointed time when God's promise to Abraham would come to pass. This demonstrates God's sovereignty and perfect timing in orchestrating events according to His will. The mention of the people growing and multiplying in Egypt points to the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham the father of a great nation. Through this verse, we can see God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word and His ability to bring about His purposes despite difficult circumstances. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises and His faithfulness to bring them to fruition in His perfect timing.