Acts 7:12

12 But Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt. So he sent his sons 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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Acts 7:12 In-Context

10 He saved Joseph from all his troubles. God made Joseph wise. He helped him to become the friend of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made Joseph ruler over Egypt and his whole palace.

11 "There was not enough food for all Egypt and Canaan. This brought great suffering. Jacob and his sons couldn't find food.

12 But Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt. So he sent his sons on their first visit.

13 On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was. Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family.

14 "After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family. The total number of people was 75.