Acts 6:9-12

AT THE SYNAGOGUE OF THE LIBERTINES. Acts 6:9 to Acts 12:9

Acts 6:9

But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 6:10

And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.

Acts 6:11

Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

Acts 6:12

And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council,

a. Those who opposed. Acts 6:9

Acts 6:9 To whom did Stephen preach? To those of Jerusalem to be sure, but can we be any more specific than that? In looking into these verses we can secure at least a little suggestion of the persons to whom Stephen addressed his message. As we have mentioned, Stephen was doubtless a Grecian Jew. With whom would it be more logical to imagine Stephen laboring than with those of his own background? This thought finds support when we are told that those of the Grecian provinces of Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia disputed with Stephen. The ones who opposed Stephen's work were evidently all members of one synagogue called The Synagogue of the Libertines. It is to be concluded from the use of the word Libertines that these Grecian Jews were at one time slaves but now were Libertines or Freedmen. They either purchased or earned their freedom.

b. The evil means used by those who refused. Acts 6:10-12.

Acts 6:10-12 These disputants although they strongly opposed the position of their countrymen, could not withstand the logical conclusion to which he led them. Rather than yield their hearts to the Lordship of Jesus, they stiffened their necks. Not only were they stubborn but also dishonest. Deceit is the first step in defending a position maintained only because of stubbornness. Men can be found almost anywhere who will do almost anything for a price. In this case money was paid to twist the truth. By this twisting Stephen was to be implicated in blasphemy. These suborned men were very zealous in their efforts. They spread the word throughout the city that this man had spoken against both God and Moses. Since the minds of the populace were filled with the thought of God through the message and miracles of the apostles, this was a serious charge.

It was not long until this malicious lie had done its work. Word reached the Sanhedrin that there was a great stir among the people; that a certain man was accused of blasphemy. This was a charge to be investigated. Especially so since the one accused was a member of the movement the Sanhedrin hated.

The elders and scribes came upon Stephen as they had upon the apostles and brought him into the council. This charge was punishable by death. It was the one for which Jesus was tried. (Matthew 26:65; Mark 14:58).

210.

To whom did Stephen preach? Prove your answer.

211.

What is the meaning of the term Synagogue of the Libertines? How is it used here?

212.

What was the response of the Libertines?

213.

What is the first step in supporting a position maintained only through stubbornness? How is it shown here?

214.

What was the work of these suborned men? How did they carry it out?

215.

Why did this false accusation receive such a ready response?

216.

Why would the Sanhedrin be especially interested in the charge against Stephen?

217.

What do you know about the importance of the charge?