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Acts 7:12

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 7:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time.
Acts 7:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And the patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt: and God was with him,
10and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
11Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time.
13And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph`s race became manifest unto Pharaoh.
14And Joseph sent, and called to him Jacob his father, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
15And Jacob went down into Egypt; and he died, himself and our fathers;
← Acts 7:11Acts 7:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, etc.] 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 <014201>Genesis 42:1,2) the Jews suggest f283, 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…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Was corn in Egypt - The word “corn” here rather denotes “wheat.” See the notes on Matthew 12:1. Our fathers - His ten sons; all his sons except Joseph and Benjamin, Genesis 42:0: Stephen here “refers” only to the history, without entering into details. By this general reference he sufficiently showed that he believed what Moses had spoken, and did not intend to show him disrespect. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sent our fathers first - Without Benjamin. Acts 7:14”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Gen. 42:1-24, Gen 43:2 Acts 7:13”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification