Page 84 - acts_study_book1

Descendents of Jewish slaves make up the “synagogue of the libertines.” Their ancestors had
been slaves under Rome who had been released. They are one of the groups who join together
to dispute Stephen. Cilicia is one of the groups mentioned, and from this group, Saul of Tarsus
(7:58). He might have even been one of the men arguing with Stephen.

Act 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

And they were not able (ischus: endowed with enough) to resist the wisdom (word) and the
spirit (anointing) by which he spake.

Stephen’s wisdom is from studying the word, and his anointing comes from prayer. If Saul is

one of the men arguing with Stephen, we can see his humiliation. New Christians should have
been too ignorant to know any of the word, and certainly too ignorant to humiliate a Pharisee
in a public debate.

6:10 wisdom, Sophia (sof-ee-ah); Practical wisdom, prudence, skill, comprehensive
insight, Christian enlightenment, a right application of knowledge, insight into the true
nature of things. Wisdom in the Bible is often coupled with knowledge (Romans 11:33; 1
Corinthians 12:8; Colossians 2:3). In anticipation of our needing guidance, direction, and

knowing, God tells us to ask for wisdom, assuring us of a liberal reception (James 1:5).

FALSE WITNESS

Act 6:11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words

against Moses, and against God.

Then they suborned (bribed) men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words
against Moses, and against God.

Because the Pharisees cannot debate Stephen, they resort to illegal proceedings. Even the
accusation is illegal because it is hearsay and not acceptable in court. But this does not matter
to the Pharisees. They will falsely accuse Stephen just as they had Jesus.

6:11 blasphemous, blasphemos (blas-fay-moss); Compare “blasphemy.” From blapto,
“to injure,” and pheme, “speech”; hence, slanderous, abusive speech.

Act 6:12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him,

and caught him, and brought him to the council,

Act 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous
words against this holy place, and the law:

They mentioned the temple first, and the Word second.