How does Acts 6:11 connect to the commandment against bearing false witness? Acts 6:11—The Scene in Jerusalem “Then they prompted some men to say, ‘We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.’ ” • Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5), is targeted by a coalition of synagogue members. • Unable to refute his Spirit-given wisdom (Acts 6:10), they resort to manufacturing testimony. The Ninth Commandment Recalled “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16) • Literally forbids speaking untruth in judicial settings. • Establishes God’s demand for truth in every human interaction (cf. Leviticus 19:11). Point-by-Point Connection • Invented Charges → Direct violation of “false witness.” • Harm Intended → Stephen faces death; the commandment protects life and reputation (cf. Deuteronomy 19:16-20). • Legal Setting → The Sanhedrin functions as the highest court; the commandment’s original context is courtroom integrity. • Covenant Community → Both passages occur within God’s people, underscoring that sin can emerge even among the religious. Patterns in Scripture • Jesus undergoes identical treatment (Matthew 26:59-60). • The psalmist laments, “A liar shall not remain in my presence” (Psalm 101:7). • Proverbs lists “a false witness who breathes out lies” among the seven abominations (Proverbs 6:16-19). • God’s consistent stance: lying lips are detestable, truth-telling is righteous (Proverbs 12:22). The Spiritual Anatomy of False Witness • Rooted in hatred and jealousy (James 3:14-16). • Aligns with Satan, “the father of lies” (John 8:44). • Works to suppress the gospel, yet God overrules for His glory (Acts 7; Genesis 50:20). Living the Truth Today • Guard tongues: speak “only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:25-29). • Uphold justice: refuse to distort facts for personal or group advantage (Exodus 23:1-2). • Defend the accused: give voice to the voiceless when slander arises (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Trust God’s vindication: Stephen sees “the glory of God” even as witnesses lie (Acts 7:55-56). Summary Acts 6:11 is a vivid narrative illustration of Exodus 20:16. The conspirators’ fabricated testimony against Stephen breaks the Ninth Commandment point-blank, showing how lies corrupt justice and oppose God’s truth. Believers are called to the opposite: truthful speech, righteous judgment, and unwavering integrity in every word spoken. |
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