Acts 6:12

And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council,

And {G5037} they stirred up {G4787} the people {G2992}, and {G2532} the elders {G4245}, and {G2532} the scribes {G1122}, and {G2532} came upon {G2186} him, and caught {G4884} him {G846}, and {G2532} brought {G71} him to {G1519} the council {G4892},

They stirred up the people, as well as the elders and the Torah-teachers; so they came and arrested him and led him before the Sanhedrin.

So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,

And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council,

Acts 6:12 (KJV) marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, detailing the arrest of Stephen, one of the first deacons, due to the fervent opposition he faced.

Context

This verse follows Stephen's powerful ministry, where he was performing great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8). His wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke were so compelling that his adversaries from various synagogues could not refute him (Acts 6:10). Unable to win the argument with truth, they resorted to underhanded tactics. "They stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes," indicating a deliberate campaign to incite public and religious leaders against Stephen. This orchestrated effort led to his violent apprehension and subsequent appearance before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish judicial council.

Key Themes

  • Opposition to the Gospel: The verse vividly illustrates how the truth of the Gospel, when powerfully proclaimed, often provokes strong resistance from those whose traditions or power structures are challenged. This foreshadows much of the persecution faced by the early church.
  • False Accusations: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the stirring up of the people and leaders directly precedes the bringing of false witnesses against Stephen (Acts 6:13), a common tactic against those who preach Christ.
  • Religious Authority vs. Divine Truth: The "council" represents the established religious authority of the time, which perceived Stephen's message as a threat to their understanding of the Law and the Temple.
  • Divine Empowerment Amidst Persecution: Even in the face of such organized opposition, Stephen remained full of faith and the Holy Spirit, as seen in his subsequent defense and martyrdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stirred up" comes from the Greek word synekinesan (συνεκίνησαν), which means to move together, to rouse, or to incite. It implies a deliberate and coordinated effort to agitate and provoke. The "council" refers to the Sanhedrin (συνέδριον), the supreme court and governing body of the Jewish people during the Second Temple period. Being brought before this body signified a formal charge of a serious offense, often punishable by death.

Reflection and Application

Acts 6:12 serves as a timeless reminder that proclaiming God's truth can lead to significant opposition. Believers throughout history, and even today, may face hostility, false accusations, or organized resistance when they faithfully share the Gospel or live out their faith boldly. Stephen's experience parallels that of Jesus Himself, who was also brought before the Sanhedrin on false charges (Matthew 26:59-60). This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in faith and courage, trusting in God's power even when confronted by powerful adversaries, knowing that divine truth ultimately prevails.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 15:18

    ¶ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.

  • Acts 14:2

    But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

  • Matthew 26:57

    ¶ And they that had laid hold on Jesus led [him] away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

  • Acts 5:27

    And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them,

  • Acts 13:50

    But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

  • Acts 16:19

    And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,

  • Acts 16:21

    And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
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