and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
God delivered Joseph not by chance but by design: He gave him favor with Pharaoh, and the wisdom that won that favor, so that Joseph as ruler could preserve his whole family. Every aptness and skill in a man is God's gift, and God alone gives good success to His own ends. Though Pharaoh appointed him, it was the hand of God alone that lifted Joseph to this honor.
AI summary
The high priest speaks with a show of fairness, yet his tone is haughty and his prejudgment plain: if Stephen has spoken such words, he shall be condemned as a blasphemer. But Stephen's answer proves him a man mighty in Scripture, filled with the Holy Ghost not to reveal new secrets, but to bring the Old Testament writings to remembrance and convict his gainsayers.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 7:1-16
When Scripture says Joseph had favor and wisdom in Pharaoh's sight, it means Pharaoh esteemed him highly because he saw wisdom in him, and both that favor and that wisdom came from the Lord. Not magic arts, not Joseph's own cleverness, but God's gift made him precious to the king and fit to govern all Egypt and Pharaoh's household.
AI summary