Acts 6:10

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Complete Jewish Bible:

but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by which he spoke.

Berean Standard Bible:

but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

American Standard Version:

And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} they were^{G2480} not^{G3756} able^{G2480} to resist^{G436} the wisdom^{G4678} and^{G2532} the spirit^{G4151} by which^{G3739} he spake^{G2980}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Acts 6:10

Acts 6:10 is a verse set within the context of the early Christian Church's growth and the challenges it faced. This verse specifically refers to Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to address the complaints of widows being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The themes present in this verse include the divine empowerment of early Christian leaders, the confrontation between the burgeoning Christian faith and established Jewish authorities, and the power of persuasive, spirit-filled speech.

In the historical context, the early Church was primarily Jewish and centered in Jerusalem. The apostles were dedicated to preaching and prayer, and as the community grew, they delegated administrative duties to others, like Stephen, who were known to be "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3). Stephen's wisdom and spirit-filled preaching were so compelling that his opponents, who were from various synagogues, could not effectively argue against him. This inability to resist his wisdom and spirit points to a divine enablement that gave authority and conviction to Stephen's words, which was a common theme in the Acts narrative, where the Holy Spirit empowered believers to bear witness to their faith with boldness and effectiveness.

The verse also foreshadows the escalating conflict that would lead to Stephen's martyrdom, as those who opposed him resorted to false accusations and ultimately his execution, making him the first Christian martyr. This event marked a significant turning point in the early Church, leading to widespread persecution and the scattering of believers, which inadvertently helped spread Christianity beyond Jerusalem. Acts 6:10 thus captures a moment of both triumph and tension, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel message and the resistance it encountered in its early stages of proclamation.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2480
   There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἰσχύω
   Transliteration: ischýō
   Pronunciation: is-khoo'-o
   Description: from ἰσχύς; to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively):--be able, avail, can do(-not), could, be good, might, prevail, be of strength, be whole, + much work.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3756
   There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐ
   Transliteration: ou
   Pronunciation: ookh
   Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
   
4. Strong's Number: G436
   There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀνθίστημι
   Transliteration: anthístēmi
   Pronunciation: anth-is'-tay-mee
   Description: from ἀντί and ἵστημι; to stand against, i.e. oppose:--resist, withstand.
   
5. Strong's Number: G4678
   There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σοφία
   Transliteration: sophía
   Pronunciation: sof-ee'-ah
   Description: from σοφός; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual):--wisdom.
   
6. Strong's Number: G4151
   There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πνεῦμα
   Transliteration: pneûma
   Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
   Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3739
   There are 1215 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὅς
   Transliteration: hós
   Pronunciation: ho
   Description: probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article ὁ); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also οὗ.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2980
   There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λαλέω
   Transliteration: laléō
   Pronunciation: lal-eh'-o
   Description: a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. Compare λέγω.