"And He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.  The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt, yet God was with him,and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.  Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food.  But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time.  One the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family was disclosed to Pharaoh.  Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy five persons in all."

As Stephen continues to remind the Jewish people and high priests about their combined history, he begins to shape the tale of redemption.

This story is Stephen's way of letting everyone know that he still believes in a God that is concerned for us.  A God who loves us enough to take care of us.

Stephen is reminding the Jewish people of their past.  How God has shown up over and over again to bring rescue.  This is what God did with Joseph:  A man who was despised and rejected turned out to be the one who saves all those who rejected from famine.

A perfect picture of Jesus Christ.

The Jewish people knew their history, they simply needed to know where their history led.

One Man carries our sins away.