For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us." For we have heard him sayThe witnesses presented their accusation as firsthand testimony, yet Acts identifies them as false witnesses. Their charge likely twisted Stephen’s proclamation of the risen Christ and His fulfillment of God’s purposes. Similar distorted testimony had been used against Jesus before the Sanhedrin. Mat 26:59-61 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin… that Jesus of Nazareth Jesus’ association with Nazareth emphasized His known earthly background and was often used contemptuously by those who rejected His messianic authority. The crucified and risen Jesus, whom Stephen proclaimed, stood at the center of the dispute. Mrk 1:24 “What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”… will destroy this place The temple in Jerusalem represented the heart of Israel’s worship and national identity. Jesus had foretold its destruction because of Israel’s rejection of Him, a judgment fulfilled in AD 70. He did not merely threaten the temple; He revealed that access to God would no longer be centered in a building but in Himself. Jhn 2:19-21 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days”… and change the customs The accusation concerned the ordinances and practices connected with Moses’ law. Stephen did not reject God’s revelation through Moses, but he proclaimed that Christ had fulfilled the law and inaugurated the new covenant. The ceremonial order that pointed forward to the Messiah could not remain unchanged after the Messiah had come. Act 15:1 Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching… that Moses handed down to us.” Moses had faithfully delivered God’s covenant law to Israel, but Moses himself pointed beyond his own ministry to the coming Prophet like him. Rejecting Christ was not faithfulness to Moses, for the law and the prophets ultimately bore witness to Jesus. Jhn 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth…… Persons / Places / Events 1. StephenA man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, chosen as one of the seven deacons to serve the early church. He is the central figure in this passage, accused of blasphemy against Moses and God. 2. Jesus of Nazareth Referred to by Stephen's accusers as the one who will "destroy this place" and "change the customs." Jesus is central to the Christian faith as the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Law. 3. The Sanhedrin The Jewish council before whom Stephen is brought. They are the religious leaders who feel threatened by the teachings of Jesus and His followers. 4. Moses The great prophet and lawgiver of Israel, whose customs and laws are said to be threatened by the teachings of Jesus according to Stephen's accusers. 5. The Temple Referred to as "this place," it is the center of Jewish worship and the symbol of God's presence among His people. The accusation implies a threat to its significance. Teaching Points Misunderstanding of Jesus' TeachingsThe accusations against Stephen reflect a common misunderstanding of Jesus' message. Believers should seek to understand the spiritual truths of Jesus' teachings rather than a literal or superficial interpretation. Fulfillment of the Law Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Christians are called to live in the freedom of the new covenant, which is based on grace and truth through Jesus Christ. Courage in Witness Stephen's boldness in the face of false accusations is a model for believers. We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when misunderstood or persecuted. Transformation through Christ The customs and laws handed down by Moses find their true meaning and fulfillment in Christ. Believers are transformed by the renewing of their minds, living according to the Spirit rather than the letter of the law. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Stephen's situation in Acts 6:14 reflect the challenges Christians may face when their faith is misunderstood or misrepresented today?2. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the Law of Moses, and how should this understanding affect our daily walk with Christ? 3. How can we ensure that we are interpreting and applying Jesus' teachings correctly in our lives? 4. What can we learn from Stephen's example about standing firm in our faith amidst opposition or false accusations? 5. How does the concept of the new covenant in Christ change our perspective on religious customs and traditions? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 26:61This verse records a similar accusation against Jesus, where He is accused of saying He would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. This connection highlights the misunderstanding of Jesus' teachings about His death and resurrection. John 2:19-21 Jesus speaks of destroying the temple and raising it in three days, referring to His body. This connection clarifies the spiritual nature of Jesus' statement, contrasting with the literal interpretation by His accusers. Hebrews 8:13 This verse discusses the new covenant, which makes the old one obsolete. It connects to the idea of changing customs, as the new covenant in Christ fulfills and transcends the old Mosaic Law. People Alexandrians, Cilicians, Cyrenians, Grecians, Nicanor, Nicolas, Parmenas, Philip, Prochorus, Stephen, TimonPlaces Asia, Cilicia, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Syrian AntiochTopics Alter, Change, Changes, Customs, Delivered, Destroy, Destruction, Ground, Handed, Hearing, Nazaraean, Nazarean, Nazarene, Nazareth, Overthrow, Pull, Rules, Saying, TaughtDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 6:14 5936 riots 5202 accusation, false 5440 perjury Library October 4 MorningMoses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.--EXO. 34:29. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.--Lord, when saw we thee a hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?--In lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves.--Be clothed with humility. [Jesus] was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.--All that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on Stephen, … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path February 16. "We Will Give Ourselves Continually to Prayer" (Acts vi. 4). Filled with the Spirit Good Earnests of Great Success Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen. The Signs The Outbreak of the Arian Controversy. The Attitude of Eusebius. The Epistles of Paul. The Right to Run Things The Johannean Literature. Deacons and Deaconesses. Philip, the Evangelist Whether Christ Should have Led a Life of Poverty in this World? Whether to Baptize is Part of the Priestly Office, or Proper to that of Bishops? Whether the Fulness of Grace is Proper to Christ? The Holy Catholic Church. The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. Twenty-Fifth Day for More Conversions The Birth of England's Foreign Missions Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian Estate. Synagogues in the City; and Schools. Links Acts 6:14 NIVActs 6:14 NLT Acts 6:14 ESV Acts 6:14 NASB Acts 6:14 KJV Acts 6:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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