Hidden Heroes: Zaphenath-paneah, In the World but Not of the World

by David Chadwick

Today’s hidden hero has a most unusual name, but it’s because it’s the Egyptian name of someone you probably know very well. Do you remember a biblical character named Zaphenath-paneah? Well, if you haven’t yet made the connection, this was the Egyptian name given to Joseph, someone you probably remember very well.

Why would I list his Egyptian name as the hidden hero? Mostly, because it is the name listed in the Bible in Genesis 41:45. Joseph carried so much favor in Egyptian culture and willingly carried a name that would allow him to be easily known and understood within that people group.

As Joseph moved from servant to Potiphar, to a leader among prisoners, to the Prime Minister of Egypt, he learned a very important biblical principle: to be in the world, but not of the world. This was a teaching point for his followers in Jesus’s high priestly prayer in John 17:15.

Jesus told his followers to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world. He knew that salt and light must be IN the world to work. But in this, we must never be conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). Christians should be influencing, impacting, and changing the world, not vice versa.

If the world is falling into a moral abyss, perhaps the salt is at fault! Perhaps there is no light in the night! Maybe the Church has forgotten just how strong we are in the Lord.

Joseph always maintained a faith in the one true God, even in the hardest of circumstances. He never failed God. He resisted the advances and seduction of Potiphar’s wife. He never despaired in prison. He stood firm in the face of Egyptian power that wanted to lure him into the worship of Egyptian gods.

Zaphenath-paneah, also known as Joseph, was a force to be reckoned with for the kingdom of God! He was a great example to all believers in Jesus of how to be faithful to the Lord in all circumstances and to wait, watch, and pray in humility and let God be the one to lift someone up to a place of honor.

The faithfulness of Zaphenath-paneah was most evident and over time, he gained more and more influence in the world! This is why he is one of my hidden heroes!