Atos 6

Atos 6

Spurgeon - it seems that the gospel is all summed up in that word “faith.” Charles Swindoll sums up some principles for growing in Acts 6:1-7 - Rapid growth doesn’t excuse unmet needs. Now, that’s a lesson for today’s leadership to remember. These men in leadership listened to a legitimate complaint and then did something about it. They didn’t defend themselves against the accusation of favoritism. They didn’t ignore the problem as something beneath their level of concern. They didn’t dismiss or minimize the need, and they certainly didn’t discredit the people complaining. They listened to the criticism and then saw it as an opportunity to address an unmet need.... Concerned involvement doesn’t require losing priorities. The apostles found a way to meet the congregation’s needs and solve the problem without sacrificing their top priorities. That’s a tough balance to maintain! It takes creative thinking, willingness to flex, courage to delegate, and the wisdom to risk failure. Welcome to Leadership 101. (Acts-Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary) John Piper's summary of his sermon entitled Serving Widows, Preaching the Word, and Winning Priests... The way Luke celebrates the triumph of the church over this threat is by showing its effect in Acts 6:7: "And the word of God [that had not been forsaken or diminished] increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith." What Luke is celebrating is that the triumph over this in-house problem resulted in a new breakthrough in evangelistic power. Now, even priests, who had been so hostile (Acts 4:1), are responding to the Word of God and obeying the faith. The church had been tested. She had passed the test by caring for the widows and guarding the Word. And God honored this triumph with new power and fruitfulness. The Word of God, Luke says, grew like a living thing—because the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It's the power of God unto salvation. We have a great message. There are places in the world where it is growing with tremendous power. I mentioned Cuba. Similar stories could be told today about the USSR and China and Indonesia and parts of Latin America. Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. KJV Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. And Stephen, full of grace and power, Acts 6:3,5,10,15; 7:55; Eph 4:11; 1 Ti 3:13 was performing great wonders and signs among the people Acts 2:17,18; 4:29,30; 8:6 Acts 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A TABLE WAITER PERFORMING SIGNS AND WONDERS And Stephen, full of grace and power (KJV has "full of faith and power") - Stephen is repeatedly described as a "filled" man - full of the Spirit in Acts 6:3 and full of faith and of the Holy Spirit in Acts 6:5. Stephen's "supernatural" manifestations would have been especially irritating to the anti-supernatural Sadducees! Horton on grace and power observes that Stephen was "both the recipient and the channel of God's unmerited favor." (Ibid) S Lewis Johnson calls Stephen "The Paul before Paul" (I suppose he means not only in time, but literally before him when he was stoned!). The comparison recalls to mind Paul's words on successful ministry But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. (1 Cor 15:10+) David Thompson has a slightly different emphasis on Stephen being full of grace - He was at a very unusual filled level in his grasp of grace. He completely embraced the Grace of God as opposed to works and law, which will become evident in his message (Acts 7). This is ultimately the reason Satan wants Stephen stopped. He had a grasp of grace in a religious world of works. When a man is full of the Spirit, full of wisdom, and full of faith, he will grasp grace and communicate the grace message....He came to understand the value of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He saw the difference between law and grace. He saw the difference between worship in the Temple and worship in the church. He was a tremendous Grace Age Bible scholar and he will be killed because of it....WHEN YOU ARE A FAITHFUL AND POWERFUL PERSON OF GOD WHO ACCURATELY COMMUNICATES GOD’S TRUTH CONCERNING GOD’S GRACE, SOME RELIGIOUS PEOPLE WILL BE JEALOUS OF YOU AND HATE YOU AND MAY SEEK TO DESTROY YOU. Now Satan of course is in this attack. He wants to stop the communication of the Grace of God. He thinks if he can silence Stephen, he can cause others to shy away from proclaiming the same doctrine. But his plan will not work. The Grace Age is moving forward in full force and it is about to reach out to the entire world. (Sermon) Full (abounding) (4134) see discussion above on pleres Horton on full of grace - The phrase "full of grace" is found in only one other passage in the New Testament (John 1:14+), and there it describes Jesus. The Holy Spirit could use Stephen because he reflected the character of Jesus. (Acts: A Logion Press Commentary) Grace (favor) (5485)(charis from from chairo = to rejoice) is a word which defies a simple definition but at its core conveys the sense of favor while the specific nuances of charis depend on the context in which it is used. Someone has written that the word grace is probably the greatest word in the Scriptures, even greater even than “love,” because grace is love in action, and therefore includes it. Stephen was a man who manifested "love in action!" Paul Apple - Grace - a special manifestation of the divine presence, activity, power, glory, and favor of God It is hardly too much to say that God has in no word uttered Himself and all that was in His heart more distinctly than in this word grace (charis)! Longenecker on grace - It could indicate God’s favor to Stephen, or the spiritual charm or winsomeness of Stephen; that is, the power which flows from God. Adrian Rogers says the best definition of grace that he has ever heard is that God's grace is "both the desire and the ability to do the will of God." It is striking that almost the same words occur in Php 2:13NLT-note "For (term of explanation - explains how it is possible to Work out our salvation - Php 2:12-note) God is working in you, giving you the DESIRE and the POWER to do what pleases Him." When you have a godly desire, that desire is from God, because no good thing can come out of our old vile heart! And only God the Spirit in us can give the supernatural power necessary to accomplish that godly desire! So we could paraphrase Php 2:13, in simple words, by saying that God's Spirit is continually giving us the grace (desire and power) to do what pleases Him! This practical definition of grace ought to free many of us who are "trying to clean ourselves up!" It can't be done! We need His grace to give us the desire to "clean up" and the power to "clean up!" Are you resisting His grace? You can either receive it or resist it! The first way leaves us filled, while the second way leaves us empty, dry, and spiritually barren. O beloved, tell God you desperately need and want Him to pour out His grace on the situation you find yourself entwined. Power (Miracles) (1411)(dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. Dunamis is translated "miracles" 17x (out of 116x) in the NASB. Stephen reminds us of the courageous Old Testament prophets like Micah who declared On the other hand I am filled with power– With the Spirit of the LORD– And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin. (Micah 3:8+). Was performing (imperfect tense - one after another) great wonders and signs among the people - While many consider Acts 6 to be a description of "deacons," it is clear that Stephen was performing works considerably different than what one would expect to see with a deacon. And the same could be said of Phillip for he is an evangelist in Acts 8. Stephen is the first non-apostle described as doing miraculous works. Wonders would arouse close observation and signs would point to the supernatural. Wonders (5059)(teras) are similar to signs but appeals more to the senses, being recognized as a phenomenon that needs to be explained. Something strange, exceptional, causing the beholder to marvel. Teras refers to “something strange", a phenomena which compels one's attention and causes one to "look again" or causes the beholder to marvel. Teras is always in the plural and always translated “wonders.” Signs (4592)(semeion from sema = sign) are those things that serve as a pointer to aid perception or insight. In the NT a sign speaks of a token which has behind it a particular message to be conveyed. Semeion describes a miracle whose purpose in this context is to authenticate the claims of Stephen performing the miracle. Brian Bell - STEPHEN! went "from serving tables to doing miracles. In the parable of Talents, in Mt.25:21, Jesus said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Being faithful in the little things, in the small things, the Lord honors! D.L.Moody, “There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord; but few of us are willing to do little things.” (ARE YOU BEING FAITHFUL TO WHAT YOU KNOW BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT JESUS HAS CALLED YOU TO DO FOR HIM, FOR HIS GLORY?) David Thompson agrees writing 'There is a very important principle to glean here and that is if you are faithful in little ministries, God will entrust you with larger ministries. If you will be faithful in small things, God will use you for big things." (Sermon) Acts 6:8, Acts 7:54-60 The Courage Of Conviction By Haddon W. Robinson Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. —Acts 6:8 Shortly before the American Civil War, a young lawyer from Vermont settled in Adams County, Pennsylvania. There he witnessed fugitive slaves escaping from bondage, so he devoted himself with all his powers to free those who were in slavery. When the war broke out, Thaddeus Stephens was a powerful influence in the US government. But at his death years later, he was virtually alone. Written on his tombstone in an obscure cemetery are these words: “Finding that other cemeteries were restricted as to race by charter rights, I have chosen to lie in this humble spot, in order that I may testify, even in my death, to those principles which I have advocated through a long life.” In Acts 6 and 7, we read about a man of God named Stephen. He was full of faith, power, and conviction. He was brought before the Jewish ruling council on trumped-up charges and allowed to make a statement. It turned into a powerful indictment of the religious leaders. They despised him and his message, so they dragged him out of Jerusalem and stoned him. Stephen fell to his knees and prayed for his killers. The way he died spoke as eloquently as his sermon. Convictions forged in pain and loss Provide the strength that's needed For those sold out to serving Christ, Those who His call have heeded. —Sper It is better by far to die for something than to live for nothing. Acts 6:9 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. KJV Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. But some men Acts 13:45; 17:17,18 the Synagogue of the Freedmen Acts 22:19; 26:11; Mt 10:17; 23:34; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12 Cyrenians Acts 2:10; 11:20; 13:1; Mt 27:32 Alexandrians Acts 18:24; 27:6 Cilicia Acts 15:23,41; 21:39; 22:3; 23:34; 27:5; Gal 1:21 Asia Acts 2:9; 16:6; 19:10,26; 21:27 Rose up and argued with Stephen 1 Cor 1:20 Acts 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries OPPOSITION TO STEPHEN ARISES But - This is a strategic term of contrast. This term often marks a "change of direction," which is certainly the case in this context. In fact this change of direction marks the beginning of the end for Stephen who is martyred in Acts 7. But as subsequent chapters demonstrate it marks the beginning on the explosion of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Tertullian said "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church," but beginning in this passage we see that the blood of Stephen was the seed sparking the spread of the Gospel. Some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia - Some men are identified as Hellenistic Jews, but we do not know how many ganged up on Stephen. An interesting thought is that Saul (later Paul) who was from Cilicia may have debated unsuccessfully (unable to cope - Acts 6:10) against Stephen (we'll find out in Heaven)! Luke does not say, but there is no reason to suggest these Hellenistic Jews were disciples of Jesus Christ. They are more examples of dark emissaries of the evil one sent on a seek and destroy mission against God's messenger of Gospel light. Beloved, if you are preaching or teaching the Word in the power of the Spirit and fortified by prayer to the Father, you can be sure "forces from the dark side" will sent to attack Christ's ministry through you! That is why in some of Paul's last orders to Timothy he issued four "staccato-like" commands... But you, be sober ("be self-controlled" NET)(nepho in present imperative = continually - only possible by being continually filled the Spirit!) in all things, endure hardship (kakopatheo in aorist imperative = Just Do It! It is urgent!), do (poieo in aorist imperative) the work of an evangelist, fulfill (plerophoreo in aorist imperative) your ministry (diakonia). (2 Ti 4:5+). The word synagogue is singular so some commentators think this phrase refers to only one synagogue while others think it describes several distinct synagogues. There could have been more than one because one rabbinic tradition states that there were up to 480 synagogues in Jerusalem. That number seems to be very high, but does at least suggest there were multiple synagogues scattered throughout Jerusalem. In any event, it looks like this attach is "by committee" of Hellenized Jews from a number of Roman provinces. Synagogue (4864)(sunagoge from sunágo = lead together, assemble or bring together) refers to a group of people “going with one another” (sunago) literally describes a bringing together or congregating in one place. Eventually, sunagoge came to mean the place where they congregated together. The word was used to designate the buildings other than the central Jewish temple where the Jews congregated for worship. Historically, the Synagogues originated in the Babylonian captivity after the 586 BC destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar and served as places of worship and instruction. NET Note on synagogue - A synagogue was a place for Jewish prayer and worship, with recognized leadership (cf. Luke 8:41). Though the origin of the synagogue is not entirely clear, it seems to have arisen in the postexilic community during the intertestamental period. A town could establish a synagogue if there were at least ten men. In normative Judaism of the NT period, the OT scripture was read and discussed in the synagogue by the men who were present (see the Mishnah, m. Megillah 3–4; m. Berakhot 2). Robertson on Synagogue of the Freedmen - The Libertines (Latin libertinus, a freedman or the son of a freedman) were Jews, once slaves of Rome (perhaps descendants of the Jews taken to Rome as captives by Pompey), now set free and settled in Jerusalem and numerous enough to have a synagogue of their own. Freedmen (3032)(libertinos) only here in NT and describes Jews who had been been taken prisoner by Pompey (circa 63 BC), were carried to Rome and made slaves but afterward freed and like many Jews in the diaspora they returned to Jerusalem where they established a synagogue. In Jerusalem, Cyrenians - Jews from Cyrene (ISBE) (Map) (NT - Mt 27:32, Mk 15:21, Lk 23:26, Acts 2:10, 11:20, 13:1). Alexandrians - Jews from Alexandria (ISBE) (Map - see bottom of map)(Roman Amphitheater) Cilicia - Jews from Cilicia (ISBE) (Map) This location is intriguing as it was the birthplace of Saul of Tarsus as we learn in his testimony before a rabid Jewish mob... “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today. 4 “I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, 5 as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. (Acts 22:3-5) Some have speculated that Saul knew Stephen from this synagogue but that cannot be substantiated. Of course we do know Saul (later name Paul) was watching as Stephen was being stoned and thus presumably heard his Spirit filled sermon (the longest recorded in Acts) in Acts 7 (Acts 7:58, 8:1) Asia - Jews from Asia (Holman Bible Dictionary, ISBE) (Map) NET Note on Asia - "Asia"; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia. The words "the province of" are supplied (in NET Translation) to indicate to the modern reader that this does not refer to the continent of Asia. Chuck Swindoll said, “Dynamic people rarely evoke neutral responses. They are either loved or hated” (Acts, Vol. 1, p. 58). Rose up and argued with Stephen - The picture of rose up and argued is they "stood up" which congers up the scene of a debate, presumably in the setting of the synagogue. While Luke gives us enough information that we can identify these antagonists as Hellenistic Jews (all cities mentioned are where Jews had been dispersed), the question arises were they also believers? And given the context they were almost certainly not believers in Jesus. So Satan could not divide the church with murmuring so he stirs up some of his emissaries to carry out an assassination! Little did he know that the subsequent persecution that ensued would fan the flames of the Gospel throughout the entire Roman Empire! Argued(4802)(suzeteo from sun = together + zeteo = to seek, inquire) means to carry on a discussion, to inquire together and evolved to a negative meaning - to dispute, debate or argue (Mk 1:27, etc). Of Pharisees arguing with Jesus (Mk 8:11), of Scribes arguing with Jesus' disciples (Mk 9:14), of Jews arguing with Stephen (Acts 6:9), of Paul (Saul at the time) arguing with the Hellenistic Jews (Acts 9:29). Stephen the First Martyr J. R. Miller, 1909 Acts 6:1-8, 7:54 to 8:2 Stephen is one of the most interesting characters in the New Testament. His story is short--but intense. His work belongs to a few days, and he makes but one speech--but his influence belongs to all after time! He was the first deacon and the first Christian martyr. Stephen's fiery eloquence touched many hearts--but it also aroused the members of the Jewish synagogues, who set themselves against him. We must not be surprised if our efforts to do good, awaken opposition. The more we try to honor Christ and build up His kingdom, the more opposition we shall encounter. So long as we keep quiet about people's sins and connive at their wrongdoings, they may not seriously oppose us. But when we assault the evil we see in them and openly condemn it--we shall certainly stir up enmity and antagonism and bring upon ourselves opposition and possibly persecution. Stephen's opponents were no match for him in argument. "They were unable to stand up against the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he spoke." It was not Stephen with whom they had to contend; there was an unseen One beside him all the while who helped him. The Spirit in Stephen whom his proponents could not resist--was the Holy Spirit. Stephen was an inspired man when he stood before his opponents and declared to them the words of God. He was filled with God, as were the apostles on the day of Pentecost. If we go out in Christ's name to speak for Him, there will always be One with us whom no man can withstand. If only we remembered this, it would make us brave, resistless, in speaking the truth. False witnesses were brought to testify against Stephen, to try to convict him, as the rulers had tried to convict Jesus. False witnesses are continually testifying against Christianity, in the effort to prove that it is not a divine religion. The world is full of books which seek to cast doubts upon divine revelation. In all life, too, there is a disposition to bear false witness. Reputations are made and unmade, in certain drawing rooms. In the council before which Stephen was standing, there was intense bitterness. The faces of the men grew dark with rage, as they looked upon him and heard his words, which they could not answer. They were little like honorable judges sitting in a court of justice. Their hearts were full of rage and fury. In contrast with all this, Stephen himself was calm quiet. The peace of God was in his heart. He was sustained and strengthened by the trust, which nothing could disturb. The record says, "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel." What is the face of an angel like? We cannot tell--but we know that those who live in God's presence, in the light of God's love, must have shining faces. No doubt Stephen's face shone. The secret of the shining was in his heart. The peace of God was there, and even amid the excitements about him, with enraged enemies glowering upon him, he had no fear--but was kept in perfect quiet. An angel's face must be gentle and loving, for angels never know the feeling of anger or bitterness of hate--and we know that Stephen's heart was full of love. There was no unforgiveness in Stephen--he had learned from his Master the lesson of patience under injustice or wrong--to make dark lines upon his countenance. An angel's face must have marks of strength in it. Stephen was strong. Even with all the people against him, he had no fear. He was strong in God. The contrast between the members of the Sanhedrin and Stephen is most striking. His quietness and sweetness enraged them the more. "When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him." They became like infuriated wild beasts as they listened to Stephen's words. But while the rulers were so furious, Stephen was calm and full of peace. He had found refuge from the strife of tongues in the presence of God. The secret is given in the words, "full of the Holy Spirit." When God is in a man, filling him--there is no room in him for fear or anger, or for any earthly passion. Stephen "looked up steadfastly into heaven." That was well. If he had not looked up--he would not have seen the vision of glory, which he now beheld. If he had looked down, he would have seen danger and would have been afraid. He looked up and saw not the human rage and fury--but the sweet peace of heaven above him. Like Moses, "he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." We should train our eyes to look up-ward, heaven-ward, God-ward--for there are our blessings, our goal, our home, God Himself, and all fair and beautiful things. The members of the Sanhedrin lost all self-control, all dignity, and in their rage became an ungoverned mob. They cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and, rushing upon Stephen, dragged him out of the courtroom, through the gate, out of the city, and stoned him! Thus the eloquent voice was hushed, so that no more could it be heard on the earth. His life, cut off so suddenly, so violently, when only beginning its usefulness, seems a failure. But it was not a failure. Someone says that Stephen's mission in this world was to deliver only one speech of half an hour. But if his words had reached or impressed no other life, they fell upon the ears of Saul, the persecutor, and he never forgot them. Stephen died, and Saul was converted. Stephen's preaching was stopped--but Saul was called to take up his unfinished work. We owe Paul to Stephen's martyrdom. Stephen's dying prayers were like his Master's. He prayed first, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." To Stephen, dying was only breathing out his soul into the hands of Jesus Christ! He knew it was not death--but life, that was before him. His body was being mangled and broken--but his spirit, his real self, could not be harmed. Beyond the strange mystery of death--Jesus waits to receive the departing spirit. Death is only a gateway through which the soul passes, and then life and glory burst upon the vision of the emancipated spirit. Stephen's other prayer was also like his Master's. Jesus prayed for His murderers, "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do." Stephen, with the same spirit of forgiveness, pleaded for his murderers, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." It is the old lesson of love for enemies taught over again. Very beautiful is the picture of death which is given here: "He fell asleep." Sleep is death's new, sweet name! What a picture of peace the word suggests, right here in the heart and fury of the mob! In the midst of all the wild scene--Stephen fell asleep! We think of a tired child creeping into the mother's bosom and falling asleep. Sleep is not a terrible experience; it is nothing to be dreaded. We sleep when we are weary--and we awake refreshed. Sleep is not the cessation of life. We expect to awake, after we have slept. As we part for the night, we do not say, "Farewell," but "Goodnight," for we expect to meet again in the morning. This beautiful Scriptural designation of death tells us, therefore, of life beyond, of resurrection, of immortality. We shall awake from this sleep of death--and our life shall go on again. We shall awake refreshed, lying down weary--and rising strong; lying down sick, or old, or deformed, or worn-out--and rising well, young and radiant in heavenly beauty! The last scene in our passage shows us the burial of Stephen. It was quiet--but impressive. He was greatly beloved, and the sorrow over his death was sincere. His body was laid away in the grave--but they could not bury his influence. Martyrdom did not destroy his life. No doubt he did more by dying than he could have done if he had lived on for years, preaching Christ. Acts 6:10 But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. KJV Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. But they were unable to cope Acts 5:39; 7:51; Exodus 4:12; Isa 54:17; Jer 1:18,19; 15:20; Ezek 3:27; Mt 10:19,20; Luke 12:11,12; 21:15; John 7:46 with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking Job 32:8,18; Micah 3:8; Luke 1:17; 1 Cor 2:4 Acts 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CONNIVERS CAN'T COPE WITH OTHER WORLDLY WISDOM But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking - They did not have the (intellectual) strength to stand against Stephen! These natural men could not stand against a supernaturally empowered man (then or now!) Cope means they could not contend against or deal successfully with Stephen's wisdom from on high! Men filled with self were no match for a man filled with the Spirit! Jesus had prophetically promised His disciples “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”(Luke 12:11-12+) “So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. (Luke 21:14, 15+) Unable (ou = absolute negation + ischuo - to be strong enough to accomplish something) - Literally they did not have the power or resources to overpower Stephen's wisdom. The verb ischuo is in the imperfect tense which pictures the adversaries coming with arguments again and again, but each time Stephen being able to counter and repulse their attack, for Stephen was strong in the Lord and the strength of His might (ischus) (Eph 6:10+) and had "put on the full armor of God, so that (he was) able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Eph 6:11+). Yes, Stephen's antagonists were flesh and blood, but ultimately he was in a struggle (hand to hand combat so to speak) "against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.(Eph 6:12+) As Horton says "Stephen was not depending on his own wisdom but on the anointing and gifts of the Holy Spirit. No wonder all their arguments fell flat!" (Ibid) Cope with (436)(anthistemi from anti = against + histemi = to cause to stand) is literally to stand or set against. The picture of anthistemi is to arrange in battle against and opponent thus pictures a face to face confrontation. Here we see the dark forces of Satan in the form of these Hellenistic Jews are face to face with Stephen and are unable to stand their ground because of the fact that he is filled with the Holy Spirit and with divine wisdom. Luke uses this same word to describe "Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing (antihistemi) them (Barnabas and Saul before his name change), seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith." (Acts 13:8) So immediately on their first missionary journey Satan opposes their Gospel witness, just as he does to Stephen here in Acts 6. Wisdom (4678) see sophia - Note that there are only 4 uses of sophia in Acts and all are associated with Stephen - Acts 6:3; Acts 6:10; Acts 7:10; Acts 7:22. The Spirit with which he was speaking - What Spirit? Some think his own spirit (small s), but I prefer to the Holy Spirit. And why mention Him again as Stephen has repeatedly been described as empowered by the Spirit. He needed the boldness that the Spirit enabled. We have repeatedly seen that filling with the Spirit enables bold speech (Acts 4:31+, cf Acts 4:8). Speaking is imperfect tense picturing the Hellenist opponents again and again trying to pierce Stephen's spiritual armor, but again and again Stephen would deftly deflect their thrusts. ILLUSTRATION - D. L. Moody was to have an evangelistic campaign in England. An elderly pastor protested, “Why do we need this ‘Mr. Moody’? He’s uneducated, inexperienced, etc. Who does he think he is anyway? Does he think he has a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?” A younger, wiser pastor rose and responded, “No, but the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on Mr. Moody.” Stephen was also a man on whom the Holy Ghost had a monopoly. Acts 6:11 Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." KJV Acts 6:11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. Then they secretly induced men to say Acts 23:12-15; 24:1-13; 25:3,7; 1 Ki 21:10,13; Mt 26:59,60; 28:12-15; John 16:3; Ro 3:8 We have heard him speak blasphemous words Acts 6:13; 18:6; 26:11; Lev 24:16; 1 Ki 21:10-13; John 10:33-36; 1 Ti 1:13 against Moses and against God Acts 7:37-39; 15:21; 21:20-22,28; John 1:17; 5:45-47; 9:29; Heb 3:2-5 Acts 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DEFEATED ADVERSARIES BRIBE FALSE WITNESSES Then (tote) - This conjunction marks succession instead of what should have been a retreat by the antagonist so that they might mull over what Stephen said and even come to faith. But they were intractable, stiff-necked and determined to stop Stephen. In this context, since these Hellenistic Jews could not cope with a Spirit filled Hellenistic Jew, they choose to cheat, by coercing men to calumniate against Stephen. If you can't beat 'em then lie! The unbelievers treated Stephen the way the Sanhedrin treated Jesus. They arrested him on trumped-up charges & hired false witnesses. (Brian Bell) Inciting false witness was a tactic the devious Jews tried with Jesus Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” (Matt. 26:59-61) They secretly induced men to say - "Secretly instigated." (NET) "Persuaded" (NLT) "Procured" (NJB), "Bribed" (GWN) They put lying words into the mouths of these mealy mouthed scum! Secretly induced (5260)(hupoballo from hupo = under + ballo = throw) means to throw under and "to put under like a carpet, to bring men under one's control by suggestion or by money. One recalls the plight of Caiaphas in the trial of Jesus when he sought false witnesses." (Robertson) The idea is to introduce underhandedly. It is used only here and means pictures the opponents making a secret agreement, to suborn. Louw-Nida says "to hire a person to act in a particular way, often involving dishonest activities—‘to hire, to bribe, to induce." To suborn means to incite to commit a crime or an evil deed, to procure (false testimony or perjury), or to induce to commit perjury or give false testimony, taking a false oath and committing perjury. Are we surprised? Satan is the father of lies! (Jn 8:44).