Joseph's Secret Discipleship and Obedience in Scripture
Joseph's Secret Discipleship and Obedience in Scripture
The biblical figure of Joseph is a prime example of secret discipleship and obedience to God's will. The biblical account of Joseph's life, found in the book of Genesis, showcases his unwavering commitment to God's plan despite facing numerous challenges [1].
Joseph's story begins with his being sold into slavery by his brothers, yet he continued to trust in God's providence. In Potiphar's house, Joseph's integrity and faithfulness earned him a position of trust, demonstrating that his obedience to God was not compromised by his circumstances [3]. When faced with the temptation of Potiphar's wife, Joseph resisted, choosing to remain faithful to both God and his master [5].
One of the key aspects of Joseph's secret discipleship is his ability to interpret God's will and act accordingly, even when it meant facing uncertainty. For instance, when interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph credited God with the interpretation, demonstrating his reliance on divine guidance [1].
The biblical account also highlights Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers, who had wronged him. In Genesis 50:17, Joseph is told to forgive his brothers' transgressions, and he weeps upon hearing their plea. This act of forgiveness showcases Joseph's obedience to God's command to love and forgive others [2].
In the New Testament, the concept of secret discipleship is also explored. In Revelation 19:10, the apostle John falls to worship an angel, but is rebuked and told to worship God alone. This passage highlights the importance of maintaining the proper focus of worship and avoiding the worship of created beings [4].
The early Church Fathers and Reformers also reflected on Joseph's story. Calvin notes that Joseph's actions, though sometimes unconventional, were guided by a desire to follow God's will. Calvin cautions, however, that Joseph's actions should not be taken as a precedent for similar behavior, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's general commandments [6].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Joseph — (increase). + The elder of the two sons of Jacob by Rachel. He was born in Padan-aram (Mesopotamia), probably about B.C. 1746. He is first mentioned when a youth, seventeen years old. Joseph brought the evil report of his brethren to his father, and they hated him because his father loved him more than he did them, and had shown his preference by making a dress which appears to have been a long tunic with sleeves, worn by youths and maidens of the richer class. (Genesis 37:2) He dreamed a dream foreshadowing his future power, which increased the hatred of his”
- Genesis “‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. -- Genesis 50:17”
- Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 4, section 1: . Concerning The Signal Chastity Of Joseph. 1. Now Potiphar, an Egyptian, who was chief cook to king Pharaoh, bought Joseph of the merchants, who sold him to him. He had him in the greatest honor, and taught him the learning that became a free man, and gave him leave to make use of a diet better than was allotted to slaves. He intrusted also the care of his house to him. So he enjoyed these advantages, yet did not he leave that virtue which he had before, upon such a change of his condition; but he demonstrated that wisdom was ab”
- Revelation “I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.” -- Revelation 19:10”
- Genesis (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Genesis 39 (introduction): At this chapter we return to the story of Joseph. We have him here, I. A servant, a slave in Potiphar's house (Gen 39:1), and yet there greatly honoured and favoured, I. By the providence of God, which made him, in effect, a master (Gen 39:2-6). 2. By the grace of God, which made him more than a conqueror over a strong temptation to uncleanness (Gen 39:7-12). II. We have him here a sufferer, falsely accused (Gen 39:13-18), imprisoned (Gen 39:19, Gen 39:20), and yet his imprisonment made both honourable and comfortable by the tokens of God's special p”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 19.8: that the faithful may sometimes piously do things which cannot lawfully be drawn into a precedent. Of this, however, in considering the acts of the holy fathers, we must always beware; lest they should lead us away from that law which the Lord prescribes to all in common. By the general command of God, we must all cultivate sincerity. That Joseph feigned something different from the truth, affords no pretext to excuse us if we attempt anything of the same kind. For, though a liberty granted by privilege would be pardoned, yet if ”