What is the meaning of Acts 6:11? Then they prompted some men - The Sanhedrin’s opponents cannot refute Stephen’s Spirit-filled wisdom (Acts 6:10), so they resort to manipulation. - Similar tactics were used against Jesus: “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any” (Mark 14:55). - Proverbs 6:16-19 warns that God hates “a lying witness who gives false testimony,” underlining the moral bankruptcy of this scheme. to say, - The phrase exposes premeditation. These men are coached, not independent observers. - Deuteronomy 19:16-19 prescribes punishment for a “malicious witness,” showing their actions directly violate Mosaic Law—the very Law they claim to defend. - Their words will carry the veneer of sincerity, illustrating how deceit often masquerades as righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy - “We heard” pretends firsthand credibility, yet the charge is fabricated. - Blasphemy was a capital offense (Leviticus 24:16). By labeling Stephen a blasphemer, they seek to provoke fear and outrage, just as with Christ: “You have heard the blasphemy!” (Mark 14:64). - Revelation 12:10 describes Satan as “the accuser of our brothers,” reminding us that false accusation is a hallmark of spiritual opposition. against Moses - Moses represents the Law; attacking Moses implies attacking the covenant structure itself (John 9:28-29). - Stephen will later clarify that true reverence for Moses means recognizing Moses’ prophecy about Christ (Acts 7:37). - Ironically, accusing Stephen “against Moses” ignores Moses’ own example of pointing Israel to future revelation (Deuteronomy 18:15). and against God.” - Elevating the charge to an offense “against God” seeks maximum leverage for conviction. - In John 10:33, religious leaders similarly accuse Jesus: “You, a mere man, claim to be God.” - Psalm 69:9 shows zeal for God often invites misunderstanding and hostility: “Zeal for Your house has consumed me.” Stephen’s devotion is twisted into irreverence by those whose hearts are hardened. summary Acts 6:11 reveals a calculated effort by religious leaders to silence Stephen through coached false witnesses. Unable to counter the truth, they weaponize the gravest accusation—blasphemy against Moses and God—mirroring the plot against Jesus. The verse warns believers to expect opposition when standing firmly on God’s Word and highlights God’s justice against deceitful schemes, reassuring us that, like Stephen, we can remain steadfast, knowing the Lord vindicates His faithful servants. |
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