6:10 6:10

Acts 6:11

6:12 6:12

Bible Versions

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God.
Then {G5119} they suborned {G5260} men {G435}, which said {G3004},{G3754} We have heard {G191} him {G846} speak {G2980} blasphemous {G989} words {G4487} against {G1519} Moses {G3475}, and {G2532} against God {G2316}.
So they secretly persuaded some men to allege, “We heard him speak blasphemously against Moshe and against God.”
Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”
Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

Context

Acts 6:11 occurs during a pivotal moment in the early Christian church. Following the appointment of seven deacons to manage practical needs, Stephen, one of these chosen men, is described as being "full of faith and power," performing great wonders and miracles among the people. His powerful preaching and Spirit-filled wisdom challenged established religious leaders. When those from various synagogues disputed with Stephen, they "were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake" (Acts 6:10). Unable to defeat him in open debate, they resorted to underhanded tactics, leading to the false accusations described in this verse.

Key Themes

  • False Accusations and Persecution

    This verse highlights the deliberate act of "suborning" men, meaning to bribe or secretly induce them to bear false witness. This tactic echoes the false accusations brought against Jesus Himself and foreshadows the ongoing persecution faced by early believers. The charges of speaking "blasphemous words against Moses, and against God" were extremely serious under Jewish law, carrying the penalty of death.

  • Opposition to Divine Truth

    The inability of Stephen's opponents to counter his Spirit-inspired arguments led them to resort to deceit and malice. This illustrates how the truth of the Gospel, when powerfully proclaimed, often meets with fierce resistance from those whose traditions or authority are challenged. It underscores the spiritual conflict inherent in spreading the Christian message.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Suborned": The Greek word here is hypoballō (ὑποβάλλω), which literally means "to throw or put under." In this context, it signifies secretly instigating, prompting, or bribing someone to do something illegal or unethical, specifically to give false testimony. It emphasizes the premeditated and deceitful nature of the plot against Stephen.
  • "Blasphemous": The Greek term is blasphēmos (βλάσφημος), referring to slanderous, abusive, or impious speech. When directed "against Moses," it implied disrespect for the Law and the sacred traditions given through him. When directed "against God," it was the ultimate insult, punishable by death. Stephen's teachings, which likely emphasized Christ's fulfillment of the Law and the transitional nature of the Temple, were twisted to fit these grave charges.

Related Scriptures

The pattern of false witness against God's servants is a recurring theme in Scripture. Beyond Jesus' own experience (Mark 14:56-58), we see it in the Old Testament with Naboth's false accusation in 1 Kings 21:10. This verse sets the stage for Stephen's powerful defense and his ultimate martyrdom in Acts chapter 7, making him the first Christian martyr. The early church understood that persecution was to be expected for followers of Christ, just as Jesus warned His disciples.

Practical Application

Acts 6:11 serves as a stark reminder that proclaiming the truth of the Gospel can provoke strong opposition, including false accusations and slander. Believers today may face similar challenges when their faith or lifestyle contradicts worldly values or established norms. This verse encourages us to:

  • Stand Firm in Truth: Despite unjust attacks, Stephen remained steadfast in his testimony. We are called to uphold truth, even when it is unpopular or leads to discomfort.
  • Expect Opposition: Jesus promised His followers that they would be persecuted for His name's sake (Matthew 10:22). This verse prepares us for such eventualities.
  • Trust in God's Vindication: Though Stephen faced human malice, God honored his faithfulness, ultimately receiving him into glory. Our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from human courts or opinions.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 26:59

    Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

  • Matthew 26:60

    But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, [yet] found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

  • 1 Kings 21:10

    And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And [then] carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

  • 1 Kings 21:13

    And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

  • Acts 15:21

    For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

  • Acts 6:13

    And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

  • 1 Timothy 1:13

    Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.
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