“But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt
17. Stephen passeth over unto the deliverance of the people, before which “Cujus praeludium,” as a prelude to which. went that innumerable issue which had increased beyond the ordinary manner in no long space of time. Therefore, he setteth down this as a singular gift of God, that the people was increased, to the end we may know that that came not to pass according...
Stephen here goes on to relate, I. The wonderful increase of the people of Israel in Egypt; it was by a wonder of providence that in a little time they advanced from a family into a nation. 1. It was when the time of the promise drew nigh - the time when they were to be formed into a people.
Commenting on Acts 7:17-29
But when the time of the promise drew nigh,.... That is, the time of the four hundred years; when God promised to deliver the seed of Abraham out of their affliction and servitude, and bring them into the land of Canaan to inherit it: which God had sworn to Abraham; in Gen 15:13 for though there is no express mention made of an oath, yet...