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,

'STIRRED UP THE PEOPLE'-'roused the feelings of the people' (Knox). They had done the same thing in reference to Jesus (Matthew 27:20).

Points to Note:

Up to this point, the church has been very popular with the masses (Acts 5:13). But now persecution is coming from those within the synagogue. And the Pharisees (who controlled the synagogue- John 9:22) had influence and pull in the community.

In addition, the opponents now frame the debate in. way that makes the church look like. threat. 'Any threat to the temple--real or imagined--was. threat to their livelihood as well as to their religious interests.' (Bruce p. 134)

No longer is the issue the resurrection (which even the Jewish people disputed among themselves). Rather the people are persuaded that this new movement threatens the national honor and heritage of their own nation--even its most prized possessions, i.e. the Law and the Temple.

'AND THE ELDERS, AND THE SCRIBES..BROUGHT HIM INTO THE COUNCIL'-Thus both Pharisees and Sadducees unite in this opposition.