Acts 6:8-14

One of the Seven, Stephen, Accused of Blasphemy

The record of great miracles being wrought by Stephen is the first such by anyone other than an apostle. It should be noted that such was not accomplished without a laying on of the apostles' hands. The miracles attracted the attention of the members of a synagogue which was comprised of people from among the Freedmen, or freed slaves. These came from various cities outside of Palestine. Since Cilicia, where Tarsus is located, is specifically mentioned, it may be that Paul attended this synagogue. Some confronted Stephen and began to debate with him concerning his teaching. They could not, however, refute the wisdom of Stephen's arguments, since it came from the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:8-10).

So, they bribed certain men to accuse Stephen of blasphemy, specifically, speaking against God's words as delivered by Moses. The aroused multitude, along with the elders and scribes, captured him and took him before the council. The false witnesses went so far as to say that Stephen said Jesus would destroy the temple. In actuality, our Lord had said the religious leaders of his day would destroy the temple of his body, which would then be raised up in three days. Too, the change in God's covenant was foretold by the Almighty through his prophets (Acts 6:11-14; Jeremiah 31:31-34).