v. 5-8 It is interesting that the dreams were themselves a means to their own fulfillment. Of course, Joseph had to convey the dreams (either because he was insecure or because he was foolish or both), but he would not have told the dreams to his brothers if he had never had them. His telling the dreams to them led them a greater disdain for him and thus, moved them closer to doing what they already wanted to do…get rid of him. But it was their desire to get rid of him that fulfilled the dreams themselves.

The Lord knew all of this before it took place and ordained things accordingly. He knows what our response will be to a thousand different circumstances or situations. And because of His love, He makes sure that nothing occurs that will drive us to utter despair. But He also ordains certain things that end up bringing a great deal more difficulty than would be desired. Yet in the end, it is for the good of those who believe. This is certainly evident in the story of Joseph.

v. 18-24 The wickedness of the brothers is obvious. It must be remembered that they were not boys, but men, grown men with their own families plotting to kill one whom they were supposed to look out for (dreams or not). Their envy and jealousy is no doubt one of the fruits of polygamy. Though such desires are found within every heart, polygamy gives a great environment to the easy rise of them.

v. 29 Eldest brother Reuben was looking out for Joseph, but apparently, he was also a part of the cover-up. Note: One sin inevitably leads to another if it is not repented of. After selling Joseph off into slavery, they then lied to Jacob. The heart grows harder with every unrepented sin. So also, the heart grows softer with every sin that is repented of.

First, in verses 23-27, we see Jesus’ dominion over the natural world. Then, in verses 28-34, we see Jesus’ dominion over the supernatural world.

It is interesting to note the questions of the demons: “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come to torment us before the time?”

They understood who Jesus was while also understanding that there would come a day in which He would torment them. If demons understand this (as they should), then they are apparently out to wreak as much destruction as they can before the time. It would seem like they have enough sense (particularly after the cross) to recognize that they cannot ultimately win, for they are already defeated. Yet they are enslaved to doing evil, as much evil as the Lord will allow. Until the day when they are completely wiped out. O what a happy day!

v. 20-22 Immediately after being confronted by the risen Christ, Saul (Paul) walks into their synagogues to proclaim, “He is the Son of God.” Naturally, the Jews were taken off guard, because they knew Saul had come not to preach to them, but to imprison those who were preaching! Verse 22 also tells us that Saul “increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.”

It must have been amazing for Saul. No doubt he knew his Scriptures well, maybe had even memorized them. But it wasn’t until he saw Jesus Christ for who He really is that he really understood the Scriptures he had studied so well. So it is for us all. If we get the wrong answers about Jesus, we get the wrong answers about the Bible. Jesus is the center, the key, the One thing that unlocks all other things in Scripture. Apart from a sound understanding of Christ’s Person and work, we are bound to be full of misunderstanding. But if we understand who He is and what He has done and will do, a thousand doors open up to us. Then and only then can we increased all the more in strength and confound those who do not believe in both word and deed. We should never tire of studying Scripture in light of what Jesus has done and will do.

v. 29 Before seeing Christ, Saul was the one pursuing the lives of others. Immediately after believing in Christ, Saul was the one being pursued. Jesus had said to Ananias that He would should Saul how much he must suffer for His name. The suffering and difficulty for Saul began immediately after his conversion. Yet Saul took it right on. As convinced as he was about persecuting believers before, he was equally convinced about the reality of Jesus Christ and the importance of making Him known, suffering or not.

When others are converted through us, are they well prepared to suffer? If not, they ought to be…at least at some point soon.

v. 31 It seems that Saul was quite the catalyst for the persecution of believers, because we are told in this verse that after his conversion and escape from the hands of the Jews, the church in Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. In any movement, there are certain leaders that organize resistance (good or ill). Saul was the church’s prime persecutor and presumably, the one who organized much of the persecution. So it is with any movement. One man naturally arises with great zeal and organization and contacts to bring change (for good or ill).