Acts 6:10

Acts 6:10 describes the powerful and undeniable impact of Stephen's ministry in the early church, particularly his ability to articulate the Gospel with divine authority.

Context of Acts 6:10

This verse is set against the backdrop of a growing challenge within the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem. As the number of disciples multiplied, a dispute arose between the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews and the Hebraic (Aramaic-speaking) Jews concerning the daily distribution to widows (Acts 6:1). To resolve this, the apostles, recognizing the importance of their primary ministry of prayer and the word, instructed the believers to select seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this practical need (Acts 6:3). Stephen was one of these chosen men, described as "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 6:5). Beyond his administrative duties, Stephen was also performing "great wonders and miracles among the people" (Acts 6:8) and engaging in fervent public debate. This verse specifically refers to his encounter with members of various synagogues (Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asians) who initiated a dispute with him (Acts 6:9).

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Empowerment: The verse highlights that Stephen's effectiveness was not due to his own intellectual prowess or rhetorical skill alone, but to a supernatural enablement. His words carried authority because they were infused with God's Spirit.
• Irresistible Truth: The opponents "were not able to resist" Stephen's arguments, indicating that the truth he spoke, empowered by the Holy Spirit, was logically unassailable and profoundly convicting. This echoes Jesus' promise to His disciples that He would give them "a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist" (Luke 21:15).
• The Nature of Spiritual Wisdom: Stephen's wisdom was not merely human knowledge but a spiritual insight, enabling him to understand and articulate divine truths in a way that human wisdom could not counter. This is a wisdom "from above" (James 3:17).
• Opposition to the Gospel: Despite the undeniable power and truth of Stephen's words, his opponents, unable to refute him, resorted to false accusations and violence (as seen in subsequent verses leading to his martyrdom in Acts chapter 7). This illustrates that even when truth is powerfully presented, hardened hearts may choose resistance over repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake" draws attention to two crucial elements:

• "Wisdom" (Greek: sophia - σοφία): This refers not merely to intellectual acumen or cleverness, but to divine insight and understanding, particularly in spiritual matters. It implies a profound grasp of God's truth.
• "Spirit" (Greek: pneuma - πνεύμα): In this context, "the spirit" unequivocally refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. Stephen was speaking under the direct inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit, making his words carry divine weight and power. This distinguishes his discourse from ordinary human speech, much like Paul later described his preaching as "not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Corinthians 2:4).

Practical Application

Acts 6:10 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

• Rely on the Holy Spirit: When sharing the Gospel or defending the faith, our effectiveness comes not from our own cleverness but from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We should pray for boldness and spiritual wisdom.
• Truth is Powerful: God's truth, when spoken in the Spirit, possesses an inherent power that can convict and persuade, even those who initially oppose it.
• Expect Opposition: Just as Stephen faced resistance despite his undeniable wisdom, believers should not be surprised when their Spirit-empowered witness is met with hostility rather than acceptance. This is often a sign that the truth has struck a nerve.