Acts 7:12

12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit.

Acts 7:12 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 7:12

But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt
Not then growing, or gathering in there, or that was of that year's produce; for the famine was strong in the land of Egypt, as well as in Canaan; but was what had been laid up, and preserved in the seven years of plenty, by the order and care of Joseph; which by some means or another, Jacob had heard of; see ( Genesis 42:1 Genesis 42:2 ) the Jews suggest ^F21, that it was by divine revelation:

he sent out our fathers first;
the first time, or the first year of the famine; or he sent them first, he laid his commands on them, or they had not gone; these were the ten sons of Jacob, and brethren of Joseph, who were sent the first time, for Benjamin stayed with his father: see ( Genesis 42:3 Genesis 42:13 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F21 Bereshit Rabba, sect. 91. fol. 78. 1, 2.

Acts 7:12 In-Context

10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.

11 Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food.

12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit.

13 On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh.

14 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five in all;