Character Study · Intermediate
Character Study: Joseph
A character and biographical study method, worked through the life of Joseph
A character study follows one person through every passage that mentions them, asking what God did in and through their life. We will walk through Joseph (Genesis 37–50) so you can use the same steps for anyone in Scripture.
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Step 1
Gather Every Passage
- Use a concordance to list every passage that names the person — for Joseph, Genesis 30–50 plus later mentions.
- Read them in order before drawing conclusions.
- Note his name, family, and setting: the favored son of Jacob and Rachel.
Cross References
Step 2
Build a Timeline
- Mark the turning points: the dreams, sold by his brothers, Potiphar's house, prison, Pharaoh's court.
- Record his age where the text gives it — 17 when sold, 30 before Pharaoh.
- Note what God is said to do at each stage: “the Lord was with Joseph.”
Cross References
Step 3
Observe Character and Choices
- List strengths (integrity with Potiphar's wife, faithfulness in prison) and weaknesses (youthful boasting about his dreams).
- Watch how he responds to suffering and to power.
- Note how relationships change — especially his reconciliation with his brothers.
Cross References
Step 4
See God's Larger Story
- Ask how this life fits God's covenant promises to Abraham.
- Joseph's summary — “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” — is the key to the story.
- Look for ways the life points forward to Christ, who was also rejected and then exalted to save many.
Cross References
Step 5
Apply the Lessons
- Write one trait you want to imitate and one warning to heed.
- Name a hard season in your own life and ask where God may be at work in it.
- Choose one person you need to forgive, as Joseph forgave his brothers.