What does Acts 6:13 mean?

Explanation

In Acts 6:13, we find a scene where false witnesses have been brought forward to make accusations against Stephen, one of the deacons chosen by the early Christian community.

The verse mentions that these witnesses allege Stephen of speaking "blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law." The "holy place" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish religious life, and "the law" is a reference to the Mosaic Law, the body of legislation given to Moses according to the Jewish faith.

This verse reflects the severe conflict between the nascent Christian movement and the established religious authorities of the time.

The accusation of blasphemy is particularly serious because, under Jewish law, it is an offense punishable by death.

The false witnesses are essentially claiming that Stephen is showing disrespect for God by speaking against God's dwelling place (the Temple) and God's instructions (the Law).

Historical Context

At the time Acts was written, Christianity was still regarded as a sect of Judaism, and the early followers of Jesus were primarily Jewish.

The apostles and other believers were proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, which created tension with religious leaders who did not accept this claim.

Stephen was known for his strong preaching, and his message, like that of other Christians, challenged the authority and practices of the Jewish religious leaders, particularly concerning the Temple's centrality.

This challenge to the status quo would have been deeply threatening to the power and social structure of the time, contributing to the motive for bringing up false testimony against Stephen.

Theological Insights

Many theological perspectives can be drawn from this verse:

• From a Christian viewpoint, the verse highlights the suffering and persecution that followers of Jesus might face for their faith.
• It may also touch upon the idea of transition between the Old Covenant, centered on the Temple and the Mosaic Law, to the New Covenant, focused on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• A more critical theological perspective might consider how religious institutions can sometimes resist or suppress new movements of thought that challenge their authority.

Practical Applications

The verse in Acts 6:13 can teach about the importance of honesty and the dangers of bearing false witness.

It also brings to light the reality that following one's faith or convictions may lead to false accusations and conflict, and thus calls for courage and integrity in the face of opposition.

Cross-References

• Matthew 26:59-61 - "Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none.

At the last came two false witnesses,"

• Exodus 20:16 - "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."
• Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's own defense before the Sanhedrin, where he accuses his accusers of always resisting the Holy Spirit.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Acts 6:13 for this verse include:

• "ψευδομάρτυρες" (pseudomartyres), meaning "false witnesses." This word combines "ψευδής" (pseudēs), false, and "μάρτυς" (martys), witness or martyr.
• "βλασφημεῖν" (blasphemein), meaning "to speak blasphemy." It comes from a root meaning to speak harm, especially in the sense of speaking irreverently about God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, speaking against the gods or sacred institutions was considered a grave offense, often resulting in severe punishment.

In pagan contexts, for example, Socrates was accused of impiety against the pantheon of Athens.

The idea of blasphemy is thus not unique to Judaism or Christianity but is a common religious theme.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly address any scientific issues, but the broader discussion around the historicity of the events in Acts might intersect with archaeological studies that attempt to corroborate the existence and practices of early Christian communities and their relationship with existing Jewish institutions.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have studied this verse:

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Bruce notes the parallel between the accusations against Stephen and the false accusations leveled against Jesus during his trial.

• John Stott mentions that the legal proceedings against Stephen were a combination of slander and misrepresentation, typical of religious persecution.
• Craig Keener discusses the thematic emphasis on false witnessing in Acts and the recurring pattern of the innocent suffering at the hands of unjust accusers, which also reflects the experience of Jesus.

Keener considers the narrative as positioning the early Christians as faithful to the Law and the Prophets in contrast to their accusers.