What does Acts 6:11 mean?

Explanation

Acts 6:11 depicts a pivotal moment in the early Christian community where the integrity of one of its members, Stephen, is being attacked through fraudulent claims.

The verse states that certain individuals were persuaded (or bribed) to falsely accuse Stephen of speaking blasphemous words against both Moses and God.

The literal interpretation is that there are people, likely influenced by the religious leadership of the time, who are deliberately bearing false witness against Stephen, asserting that he has spoken against the foundational pillars of Jewish faith, which are the laws given by Moses and the very concept of God.

On a deeper level, this verse showcases the conflict between the nascent Christian movement that Stephen represents and the religious establishment holding to traditional Jewish beliefs.

Historical Context

This event occurs in the period of early Christianity when the message of Jesus was beginning to spread.

At this time, there was tension between the new followers of Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities.

These new followers, like Stephen, were viewed as a threat to the established order and traditional Jewish teachings.

Christianity was seen not only as a schismatic group but potentially a blasphemous one, challenging the teachings of Moses which formed the core of Jewish identity and religious practice. This was happening in Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish religious life.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse points to the inevitable clash between the transformative message of the Gospel and established religious structures.

It also touches upon the Christian theme of suffering for righteousness' sake and being persecuted for one's faith in Jesus Christ, as Jesus himself predicted would happen to his followers.

Some theologians also see this moment as a prefiguration of the challenges the Church would face in maintaining the integrity of its message in the face of external attacks.

Practical Applications

Acts 6:11 can have several practical applications for individuals today. It can serve as a caution against bearing false witness and engaging in character assassination as means of opposing others.

Moreover, this verse encourages personal integrity and reminds believers to stand firm in their convictions, even if they are falsely accused or misunderstood because of their beliefs.

It also prompts believers to discern the motives behind accusations and to look for truth amidst conflicting testimonies.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:16: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."
• Matthew 5:11: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."
• John 15:20: "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."

Language Study

In Acts 6:11, the key term to focus on is "suborned," which comes from the Greek word "hustereo," meaning to hire or bribe someone to commit an illicit act.

"Blasphemous" derives from the Greek word "blasphemia," which signifies speaking in a disrespectful way that denigrates or challenges the authority of God and sacred things. This is a serious accusation in a society where the religious law lays the foundation for societal norms and order.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, speaking against the gods or sacred law could also be considered blasphemous.

For example, in ancient Egypt, acts of blasphemy could incur harsh punishments, as the Pharaoh was considered divine.

Comparatively, in Greek mythology, challenging the gods often resulted in dire consequences for mortals.

In this context, Stephen's situation reflects a broader cultural understanding of blasphemy as a serious offense across different societies and religions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, there are no direct correlations to the event described in Acts 6:11.

However, modern psychological studies on group behavior and the mechanisms of social influence, such as conformity and obedience to authority, may provide insight into why individuals might engage in false accusations or succumb to the pressure of a dominant group, as those who accused Stephen appeared to do.

Commentaries

Commentators have long noted that the allegations against Stephen in Acts 6:11 were likely a distortion of his actual teachings, possibly alluding to the Christian claim that Jesus fulfills and transcends the Mosaic Law, rather than denigrates it.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that the false witnesses were part of a plot by the enemy to hinder the growth of the church through the suppression of its members.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the strategic targeting of Moses and God in the accusations, as these would resonate most alarmingly with the Jewish audience and authorities.

These interpretations underline the perceived threat that early Christianity posed to the established religious order and the lengths to which opponents would go to suppress it.