Acts 6:11

KJV

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they secretly persuaded some men to allege, “We heard him speak blasphemously against Moshe and against God.”

Berean Standard Bible

Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”

American Standard Version

Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 6:11 marks a critical turning point in the early church's narrative, detailing the malicious tactics employed by Stephen's opponents. Unable to refute his Spirit-empowered wisdom in open debate, members of various synagogues resorted to secretly instigating false witnesses. These individuals were coerced to testify that they had heard Stephen utter blasphemous words, directly attacking the revered Law of Moses and, more gravely, God Himself. This calculated act of slander set the stage for Stephen's trial and martyrdom, highlighting the intense opposition faced by the nascent Christian movement as it proclaimed the transformative truth of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Acts, immediately following the Spirit-filled ministry of Stephen, one of the seven men chosen to serve the growing church. Acts 6:8 describes Stephen as "full of faith and power," performing "great wonders and miracles among the people." His public ministry, characterized by profound wisdom and the Spirit's power, drew the attention of Hellenistic Jews from various synagogues. As detailed in [Acts 6:9](/acts/6-9 "Acts 6:9 - Dispute with Stephen"), these men engaged Stephen in debate but "were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake" ([Acts 6:10](/acts/6-10 "Acts 6:10 - Stephen's Irresistible Wisdom")). Frustrated by their inability to overcome him intellectually or spiritually, they escalated their opposition, moving from debate to deceit, leading directly to the suborning of false witnesses described in Acts 6:11. This act foreshadows the escalating persecution that will define much of the book of Acts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The accusations against Stephen must be understood within the strict legal and religious framework of first-century Judaism. Blasphemy, particularly against God or Moses (representing the Law), was considered a capital offense, punishable by stoning according to Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Penalty for Blasphemy")). Moses was revered as the supreme lawgiver and prophet, and any perceived disrespect for his teachings or the Law was met with severe condemnation. The Temple in Jerusalem was the geographical and spiritual center of Jewish life, and any suggestion of its destruction or obsolescence would be seen as an attack on God's dwelling place and the divinely ordained sacrificial system. Stephen's teachings, which likely emphasized Christ's fulfillment of the Law and the temporary nature of the Temple in light of God's new covenant, were misinterpreted or deliberately twisted by his opponents to fit these grave charges, inciting the populace and the Sanhedrin against him.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 6:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **False Accusations and Persecution**, demonstrating a consistent pattern of opposition against God's messengers, echoing the [false charges brought against Jesus](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59 - False Witness Against Jesus") Himself. Secondly, it underscores the **Irrepressible Nature of Divine Truth**; when human arguments fail against Spirit-inspired wisdom, opponents often resort to deceit and violence. This reveals the spiritual conflict inherent in the proclamation of the Gospel. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **The Cost of Discipleship**, illustrating that faithfulness to Christ often invites hostility from those whose traditions or power structures are challenged by the Gospel's transformative message. Stephen's subsequent martyrdom, detailed in [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Speech and Martyrdom"), serves as a vivid example of this cost.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **suborned (Greek, _hypobállō'_):** Derived from G5260, this verb 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, clandestine, and deceitful nature of the plot against Stephen, indicating that the accusations were not spontaneous but engineered.
* **blasphemous (Greek, _blásphēmos'_):** From G989, this adjective describes speech that is scurrilous, calumnious, or impious. When directed "against Moses," it implied disrespect for the Law and the sacred traditions given through him. When directed "against God" (G2316), it was the ultimate insult, a direct affront to the divine name and character, punishable by death under Jewish law. The use of this word highlights the extreme gravity and malicious intent behind the false charges.
* **against (Greek, _eis'_):** From G1519, this preposition indicates the point reached or entered, often conveying purpose or direction. Here, it emphasizes the direct and intentional nature of the alleged "blasphemous words" being aimed *at* Moses and *at* God. It's not merely "about" them, but "against" them, signifying opposition and hostility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they suborned men,"**: This opening clause immediately reveals the underhanded and manipulative tactics of Stephen's opponents. The "they" refers to the members of the synagogues who had been debating Stephen (Acts 6:9). "Suborned" (G5260, _hypobállō_) indicates that these men were not genuine witnesses but were secretly induced or bribed to provide false testimony. This act itself was a violation of the Law (Exodus 23:1, Deuteronomy 19:16-19), demonstrating the hypocrisy of those claiming to defend the Law.
* **"which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words"**: This clause introduces the content of the false testimony. The phrase "We have heard him speak" is designed to give the appearance of firsthand, credible witness, even though it was fabricated. The core accusation is "blasphemous words" (G989, _blásphēmos_ and G4487, _rhēma_). This term describes speech that is slanderous, abusive, or impious, specifically chosen because it carried the gravest legal consequences under Jewish law.
* **"against Moses, and against God."**: This final phrase specifies the targets of the alleged blasphemy, revealing the profound gravity and strategic nature of the charges. Accusations "against Moses" (G3475, _Mōseús_) implied disrespect for the Law and the sacred traditions delivered through him, striking at the heart of Jewish identity. Even more severe were the charges "against God" (G2316, _theós_), which constituted the ultimate sacrilege, punishable by death. These accusations were likely a distortion of Stephen's teachings about Christ's fulfillment of the Law and the new covenant, which his opponents twisted into an attack on their most cherished institutions.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Acts 6:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the false accusations against Stephen directly parallel the [false testimony brought against Jesus](/mark/14-56-58 "Mark 14:56-58 - False Testimony Against Jesus") before His crucifixion, setting a pattern of persecution for Christ's followers. This also **foreshadows** Stephen's own martyrdom, making him the first Christian martyr, a direct consequence of these fabricated charges. There is significant **Irony** in the fact that those who claim to uphold the Law of Moses and honor God are themselves breaking the Law by suborning false witnesses and engaging in malicious deceit. This highlights the hypocrisy of the religious establishment. Furthermore, the passage presents a clear **Conflict** between divine wisdom and human malice. Stephen's Spirit-filled arguments were irrefutable, leading his opponents to abandon rational discourse for underhanded tactics, demonstrating the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 6:11 serves as a stark reminder of the enduring conflict between divine truth and human opposition, particularly when that truth challenges established religious or societal norms. The willingness of Stephen's opponents to resort to deceit and false witness underscores the spiritual depravity that can arise when people reject the light of the Gospel. This verse illustrates that faithfulness to God's revealed truth often comes at a significant cost, echoing the prophetic warnings throughout Scripture that God's messengers would face persecution. It highlights the profound commitment required of those who bear witness to Christ, even in the face of slander and injustice, trusting that God's ultimate vindication will prevail over human malice.

* [1 Kings 21:10](/1_kings/21-10 "1 Kings 21:10 - Naboth's False Accusation"): Jezebel suborns false witnesses against Naboth, leading to his unjust execution, a clear Old Testament parallel to Stephen's situation.
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name"): Jesus warns His disciples that they will be "hated by everyone because of me," preparing them for the kind of opposition Stephen faced.
* [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Disciples"): Jesus explicitly states, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also," establishing the expectation of suffering for His followers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 6:11 provides a powerful and sobering lesson for believers today, demonstrating that the proclamation of Christ's truth can provoke intense opposition, including false accusations and slander. In a world that often rejects biblical values, Christians may find themselves facing similar challenges when their faith or lifestyle contradicts prevailing cultural norms. This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual resilience and discernment, recognizing that not all opposition is based on rational disagreement, but sometimes on malicious intent fueled by spiritual darkness. It encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, empowered by the Holy Spirit, even when facing unjust criticism or persecution, trusting that our ultimate vindication rests with God. Our response to such trials should be marked by grace and truth, reflecting the character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the deliberate suborning of false witnesses in this passage expose the nature of spiritual opposition to the Gospel?**
* **In what ways might believers today experience "false accusations" or "blasphemous words" directed against their faith or against Christ?**
* **What spiritual resources (e.g., prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, community) can help us stand firm when facing unjust opposition or slander?**
* **How does Stephen's example encourage us to prioritize faithfulness to Christ over seeking human approval or avoiding conflict?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the accusations being "against Moses, and against God"?**

Answer: These were the most serious charges possible under Jewish law. Accusations "against Moses" implied a rejection of the Law (Torah) and the entire covenant established through him, which was foundational to Jewish identity and practice. Accusations "against God" constituted blasphemy, a direct insult to the divine name and character, and was a capital offense punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). By leveling these specific charges, Stephen's opponents aimed to portray him as a dangerous heretic, worthy of the severest punishment, thereby mobilizing both religious and public sentiment against him. Stephen's teachings, which likely centered on Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Temple, were twisted to fit these grave charges, as seen in [Acts 7:48-50](/acts/7-48-50 "Acts 7:48-50 - Stephen on God's Dwelling").

**Who were the "they" who suborned the men in Acts 6:11?**

Answer: The "they" refers to the members of the various synagogues mentioned in [Acts 6:9](/acts/6-9 "Acts 6:9 - Synagogues Disputing with Stephen"), specifically the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians), and those from Cilicia and Asia. These were Hellenistic Jews who had engaged Stephen in public debate but "were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake" ([Acts 6:10](/acts/6-10 "Acts 6:10 - Stephen's Irresistible Wisdom")). Frustrated by their inability to defeat him through legitimate argument, they resorted to underhanded and illegal tactics, secretly inducing men to bear false witness against Stephen.

**What was Stephen likely teaching that provoked such strong accusations of blasphemy?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly detail Stephen's sermons leading up to this point, his subsequent defense in [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Speech and Martyrdom") provides strong clues. Stephen likely taught that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets, and that the physical Temple and its sacrificial system were temporary and now superseded by Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the spiritual worship of God. Such teachings, though true, would have been perceived as revolutionary and highly offensive by traditional Jewish leaders who held the Law and the Temple as ultimate and unchanging. His emphasis on God's presence not being confined to man-made structures ([Acts 7:48](/acts/7-48 "Acts 7:48 - God Does Not Dwell in Temples")) and his declaration of Jesus as the Messiah ([Acts 7:55-56](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Jesus")) were likely interpreted as "blasphemous" attacks on the very foundations of their religious identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 6:11, with its account of false accusations against Stephen, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and ministry of Jesus. Stephen's experience directly mirrors the unjust trial and condemnation of Christ, who Himself faced [false witnesses and blasphemy charges](/luke/23-1-2 "Luke 23:1-2 - Jesus Accused Before Pilate") before the Sanhedrin. Just as Stephen was accused of speaking "blasphemous words against Moses, and against God," Jesus was accused of blasphemy for claiming divine authority and being the Son of God. Stephen, "full of the Holy Ghost," looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God ([Acts 7:55-56](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Jesus")), a powerful testament to the ascended Christ. His dying prayer, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" and "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" ([Acts 7:59-60](/acts/7-59-60 "Acts 7:59-60 - Stephen's Dying Prayer")), beautifully echoes Christ's own words on the cross ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")). Thus, Stephen's suffering and vindication are a powerful demonstration of the Christian life lived in imitation of Christ, who endured false accusations and suffering, yet was ultimately vindicated by God. His faithfulness, empowered by the Spirit, points to the ultimate faithfulness of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and to the hope of resurrection and eternal glory that awaits all who suffer for His name.

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.

Cross-References

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.