Acts 7:12

12 When, however, Jacob heard that there was wheat to be had, he sent our forefathers into Egypt; that was the first time.

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 and delivered him from all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him governor over Egypt and all the royal household.

11 But there came a famine throughout the whole of Egypt and Canaan--and great distress--so that our forefathers could find no food.

12 When, however, Jacob heard that there was wheat to be had, he sent our forefathers into Egypt; that was the first time.

13 On their second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Pharaoh was informed of Joseph's parentage.

14 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his family, numbering seventy-five persons, to come to him,