“And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.”
'Then another king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt - Stephen references Exodus 1:8, the accession of a new pharaoh who 'knew not Joseph' (ouk ēidei Iōsēph). This marks a break in covenant continuity; the favor Joseph enjoyed is forfeited under a new regime. The phrase 'to whom Joseph meant nothing' emphasizes the loss of protective relationship.
Church Fathers on Acts 7:8
See, what a number of years the Promise has been given, and the manner of the Promise, and nowhere sacrifice, nowhere circumcision! He here shows, how God Himself suffered them to be afflicted, not that He had anything to lay to their charge. And they shall bring them into bondage, etc. But nevertheless, they did not these things with impunity. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage I will judge, said God. For, "Seest thou?" So Edd.}}--> to show that they are not to…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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