Acts 6:14

Acts 6:14 KJV: "For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us."

Context of Acts 6:14

Acts 6:14 is a crucial verse in the narrative of the early church, capturing the accusations brought against Stephen, one of the first deacons appointed to serve the growing community. Stephen, described as a man "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 6:5), was performing great wonders and miracles among the people. His wisdom and spirit were so compelling that his opponents, members of various synagogues, could not withstand him (Acts 6:10). Unable to defeat him in debate, they resorted to suborning false witnesses, who then accused Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11). This verse presents specific charges from these accusers, echoing similar accusations made against Jesus Himself before His crucifixion.

Key Themes and Messages

• Misrepresentation and False Accusation: The core of this verse is a deliberate twisting of Jesus' words and intentions. While Jesus did speak of the Temple's destruction (e.g., John 2:19, where He referred to the temple of His body), and the eventual obsolescence of the Mosaic ceremonial law, His statements were not meant as a literal, malicious threat to destroy the physical Temple or abolish God's moral law. The accusers interpreted His spiritual teachings in a purely physical and hostile way to incite the people and the Sanhedrin against Stephen.
• Tension Between Old and New Covenants: The accusation that Jesus would "change the customs which Moses delivered us" highlights the profound theological shift brought by Christ. The early Jewish Christians struggled with how the new covenant in Christ related to the Mosaic Law. While the moral law of God remains eternal, the ceremonial laws and temple worship of the old covenant found their fulfillment and ultimate purpose in Jesus. This tension led to significant conflict, as many devout Jews viewed any deviation from the established customs as blasphemy.
• Prophetic Fulfillment and Spiritual Reality: Jesus indeed inaugurated a new era where worship would not be confined to a physical temple (John 4:21) and where believers themselves would become the temple of the Holy Spirit. The destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in A.D. 70, decades after this event, served as a historical confirmation of the end of the old sacrificial system and the full establishment of the new covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "destroy this place" translates the Greek word apollumi (ἀπολλύμι), meaning "to destroy, perish, or lose," and topos (τόπος), referring to a "place," specifically the Temple. The accusers presented this as a literal, violent act against the sacred Jewish Temple. The phrase "change the customs" uses allassō (ἀλλάσσω), "to change or alter," and ethos (ἔθος), "customs or traditions," referring to the established Mosaic Law and Jewish practices. This highlights the deep-seated fear among some Jews that Christianity was undermining their ancestral heritage and divine law.

Practical Application

Acts 6:14 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

• Beware of Misinformation: Just as Stephen faced false accusations, Christians throughout history have been targets of misrepresentation and slander. It underscores the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and understanding the genuine teachings of Christ rather than relying on distorted interpretations.
• Embrace God's Progressive Revelation: The conflict over "changing customs" reflects resistance to God's new work. While respecting tradition, believers are called to be open to how God moves and reveals His will in new ways, recognizing that the essence of faith is in Christ, not rigid adherence to outdated forms.
• Stand Firm in Truth: Stephen's unwavering faith in the face of such grave charges (as seen in his subsequent sermon in Acts 7) encourages believers to remain steadfast in their convictions, even when facing opposition or persecution for their faith.