Acts 7:17

17 `And according as the time of the promise was drawing nigh, which God did swear to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt,

Acts 7:17 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 7:17

But when the time of the promise drew nigh
That is, the time of the four hundred years; when God promised to deliver the seed of Abraham out of their affliction and servitude, and bring them into the land of Canaan to inherit it:

which God had sworn to Abraham;
in ( Genesis 15:13 Genesis 15:14 ) for though there is no express mention made of an oath, yet there is a most solemn affirmation, which is equivalent to one; the Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version read,

which God promised unto Abraham; the people grew and multiplied in
Egypt;
see ( Exodus 1:7 ) insomuch, that though their number were but threescore and ten when they went down to Egypt, and though various methods were taken to destroy them, and lessen their numbers, yet in little more than two hundred years, their number was increased to six hundred thousand, and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men, besides old men, women, and children, and besides two and twenty thousand Levites, ( Numbers 1:46 ) ( 3:39 ) . And it seems, that they multiplied the more towards the time when the promise of deliverance drew nigh to be accomplished, and even when they were the most afflicted, ( Exodus 1:12 Exodus 1:20 ) .

Acts 7:17 In-Context

15 and Jacob went down to Egypt, and died, himself and our fathers,

16 and they were carried over into Sychem, and were laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price in money from the sons of Emmor, of Sychem.

17 `And according as the time of the promise was drawing nigh, which God did swear to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt,

18 till another king rose, who had not known Joseph;

19 this one, having dealt subtilely with our kindred, did evil to our fathers, causing to expose their babes, that they might not live;