Letter 34

From: Ambrose, Bishop of Milan To: Horontianus Date: ~379 AD Context: A reflection on Joseph as a type of Christ — sold by his brothers, imprisoned unjustly, and ultimately raised to power for the salvation of his people. Ambrose to Horontianus — greetings in the Lord. Joseph is the most transparent figure of Christ in the Old Testament, and I wonder that more has not been written about the parallels. He was the beloved son, favored by his father (Genesis 37:3). He was hated by his brothers for that favor. He was sold for silver — twenty pieces in his case, thirty in our Lord's. He was cast into a pit, as Christ was laid in the tomb. He was raised from that pit to serve in the house of Potiphar, as Christ was raised from the tomb to serve at the right hand of the Father. He resisted the temptation of Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:7-12) — and was punished for his virtue. This is the way of the world: it cannot forgive those who refuse its seductions. The man who says no to power, or pleasure, or compromise becomes an accusation merely by existing, and the world removes accusations. In prison, Joseph interpreted dreams — revealing the future to those who could not see it. Christ, in his earthly ministry, revealed the Kingdom to those who had eyes to see. Both were prophets to the imprisoned. Finally, Joseph was raised to the second highest position in Egypt, and from that position he saved his brothers — the very ones who had betrayed him. "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). This is the gospel in miniature: what human sin destroys, divine providence redeems. The story of Joseph teaches us patience in suffering, fidelity under temptation, and trust in the God who writes straight with crooked lines. Farewell, brother.

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