Stephen"s accusers stirred up the Jewish people, the Jewish elders (family and tribal leaders), and the scribes (Pharisees) against Stephen. Soldiers then arrested him and brought him before the Sanhedrin as they had done to Jesus, Peter, John , and the other apostles ( Acts 4:15; Acts 5:27; cf. Acts 22:30). Until now we have read in Acts that Jewish persecution focused on the apostles, but now we read that other Christians began to experience this persecution. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Acts 6:1-15 - Meeting Murmuring Within And Persecution Without
The Grecians here mentioned were Jews who had lived abroad and spoke Greek. There were as yet no Gentiles in the Church. It was regarded as an annex to Judaism, and people had to become Jews before they were admitted to its privileges.
What a glimpse is here afforded of the simplicity and fervor of the primitive Church! The daily ministration of relief; the choice of godly men to attend to secular details; the prime importance of prayer and the ministry of the Word; the recognition by the Apostles of the rights of the people-all is so spiritual and so worthy of the era of the Holy Spirit. Alas, that so fair a dawn should ever have been overcast!
The Church must dedicate to God those whom she has chosen under the guidance of His Spirit. Stephen on the one hand, and Saul on the other, were the leaders of their respective parties. We see traces of the latter in the references to them of Cilicia, Acts 6:9. Stephen's enemies prevailed over him by brute force, but he was conqueror through the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony. [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 6
1The apostles, desirous to have the poor cared for, 2as also careful themselves to dispense the word of God, the food of the soul, 3recommend, 5and with the church's consent ordain seven chosen men to the office of deaconship 7The word of God prevails, 8Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, confuting those with whom he disputed, 12is brought before the council, 13and falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the temple
Greek Commentary for Acts 6:12
They stirred up the people [συνεκινησαν τον λαον] They shook the people together like an earthquake. First aorist active indicative of συνκινεω sunkineō to throw into commotion. Old verb, but here only in the N.T. The elders and the scribes (Pharisees) are reached, but no word about the Sadducees. This is the first record of the hostility of the masses against the disciples (Vincent). [source]
Came upon him [επισταντες] Second aorist (ingressive) active participle of επιστημι ephistēmi Rushed at him. Seized (συνηρπασαν sunērpasan). Effective aorist active of συναρπαζω sunarpazō as if they caught him after pursuit. [source]
Seized [συνηρπασαν] Effective aorist active of συναρπαζω sunarpazō as if they caught him after pursuit. [source]
They stirred up the people [συνεκίνησαν τὸν λαὸν] The verb occurs only here in the New Testament. It implies to stir up as a mass, to move them together ( σύν ). This is the first record of the hostility of the people toward the disciples. See Acts 2:47. [source]
Caught [συνήρπασαν] Used by Luke only. Better as Rev.,seized. See on Luke 8:29. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 6:12
Luke 8:29It had seized [συνηρπάκει] Used by Luke only. See Acts 6:12; Acts 27:15. The verb literally means to snatch and carry away with ( σύν )He was kept bound ( ἐδεσμεύετο φυλασσόμενος )Lit., he was bound, being guarded. Rev., was kept under guard and bound. The A. V. does not sufficiently bring out the vigilance with which he was attended. [source]
Luke 8:29Often times [πολλοις χρονοις] Or “for a long time” like χρονωι πολλωι chronōi pollōi of Luke 8:27 (see Robertson, Grammar, p. 537, for the plural here).It had seized (συνηρπακει sunērpakei). Past perfect active of συναρπαζω sunarpazō to lay hold by force. An old verb, but only in Luke in the N.T. (Luke 8:29; Acts 6:12; Acts 19:29; Acts 27:15).Was kept under guard Imperfect passive of δεσμευω desmeuō to put in chains, from δεσμος desmos bond, and that from δεω deō to bind. Old, but rather rare verb. Only here and Acts 22:4 in this sense. In Matthew 23:4 it means to bind together. Some MSS. read δεσμεω desmeō in Luke 8:29.Breaking the bands asunder (διαρησσων τα δεσμα diarēssōn ta desma). Old verb, the preposition δια dia (in two) intensifying the meaning of the simple verb ρησσω rēssō or ρηγνυμι rēgnumi to rend.Was driven Imperfect passive of ελαυνω elaunō to drive, to row, to march (Xenophon). Only five times in the N.T. Here alone in Luke and peculiar to Luke in this incident. [source]
Acts 19:29They rushed [ωρμησαν] Ingressive aorist active indicative of ορμαω hormaō old verb for impetuous dashing, a case of mob psychology (mob mind), with one accord Into the theatre (εις το τεατρον eis to theatron). A place for seeing (τεαομαι theaomai) spectacles, originally for dramatic representation (Thucydides, Herodotus), then for the spectators, then for the spectacle or show (1 Corinthians 4:9). The theatre (amphitheatre) at Ephesus can still be traced in the ruins (Wood, Ephesus) and shows that it was of enormous size capable of seating fifty-six thousand persons (some estimate it only 24, 500). It was the place for large public gatherings of any sort out of doors like our football and baseball parks. In particular, gladiatorial shows were held in these theatres. Having seized Gaius and Aristarchus men of Macedonia See note on Acts 6:12 for this same verb. They wanted some victims for this “gladiatorial” show. These two men were “Paul‘s companions in travel” How the mob got hold of Gaius (Acts 20:4) and Aristarchus (Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24) we do not know whether by accidental recognition or by search after failure to get Paul. In Romans 16:4 Paul speaks of Priscilla and Aquila as those “who for my life laid down their own necks.” Paul lived with them in Ephesus as in Corinth. It is possible that Demetrius led the mob to their house and that they refused to allow Paul to go or to be seized at the risk of their own lives. Paul himself may have been desperately ill at this time as we know was the case once during his stay in Ephesus when he felt the answer of death in himself (2 Corinthians 1:9) and when God rescued him. That may mean that, ill as he was, Paul wanted to go and face the mob in the theatre, knowing that it meant certain death. [source]
Acts 19:29Having seized Gaius and Aristarchus men of Macedonia [συναρπασαντες Γαιον και Αρισταρχον Μακεδονας] See note on Acts 6:12 for this same verb. They wanted some victims for this “gladiatorial” show. These two men were “Paul‘s companions in travel” How the mob got hold of Gaius (Acts 20:4) and Aristarchus (Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24) we do not know whether by accidental recognition or by search after failure to get Paul. In Romans 16:4 Paul speaks of Priscilla and Aquila as those “who for my life laid down their own necks.” Paul lived with them in Ephesus as in Corinth. It is possible that Demetrius led the mob to their house and that they refused to allow Paul to go or to be seized at the risk of their own lives. Paul himself may have been desperately ill at this time as we know was the case once during his stay in Ephesus when he felt the answer of death in himself (2 Corinthians 1:9) and when God rescued him. That may mean that, ill as he was, Paul wanted to go and face the mob in the theatre, knowing that it meant certain death. [source]
Acts 27:15When the ship was caught [συναρπαστεντος του πλοιου] Genitive absolute again with first aorist passive of συναρπαζω sunarpazō old word, in N.T. only Luke 8:29; Acts 6:12; Acts 19:29, and here. Graphic picture as if the ship was seized by a great monster. [source]
Acts 4:1The Sadducees [οι Σαδδουκαιοι] Most of the priests were Sadducees now and all the chief priests since John Hyrcanus I deserted the Pharisees (Josephus, Ant. XVII. 10, 6; XVIII. 1, 4; XX. 9, 1). The Sadducees were slow to line up with the Pharisees against Jesus, but they now take the lead against Peter and John. Came upon them (επεστησαν αυτοις epestēsan autois). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive). Burst upon them suddenly or stood by them in a hostile attitude here (Luke 20:1; Luke 24:4; Acts 6:12; Acts 17:5; Acts 22:20; Acts 23:11). [source]
Greek Commentary for Acts 6:12
They shook the people together like an earthquake. First aorist active indicative of συνκινεω sunkineō to throw into commotion. Old verb, but here only in the N.T. The elders and the scribes (Pharisees) are reached, but no word about the Sadducees. This is the first record of the hostility of the masses against the disciples (Vincent). [source]
Second aorist (ingressive) active participle of επιστημι ephistēmi Rushed at him. Seized (συνηρπασαν sunērpasan). Effective aorist active of συναρπαζω sunarpazō as if they caught him after pursuit. [source]
Effective aorist active of συναρπαζω sunarpazō as if they caught him after pursuit. [source]
The verb occurs only here in the New Testament. It implies to stir up as a mass, to move them together ( σύν ). This is the first record of the hostility of the people toward the disciples. See Acts 2:47. [source]
Used by Luke only. Better as Rev.,seized. See on Luke 8:29. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 6:12
Used by Luke only. See Acts 6:12; Acts 27:15. The verb literally means to snatch and carry away with ( σύν )He was kept bound ( ἐδεσμεύετο φυλασσόμενος )Lit., he was bound, being guarded. Rev., was kept under guard and bound. The A. V. does not sufficiently bring out the vigilance with which he was attended. [source]
Past perfect active of συναρπαζω sunarpazō to lay hold by force. An old verb, but only in Luke in the N.T. (Luke 8:29; Acts 6:12; Acts 19:29; Acts 27:15). [source]
Or “for a long time” like χρονωι πολλωι chronōi pollōi of Luke 8:27 (see Robertson, Grammar, p. 537, for the plural here).It had seized (συνηρπακει sunērpakei). Past perfect active of συναρπαζω sunarpazō to lay hold by force. An old verb, but only in Luke in the N.T. (Luke 8:29; Acts 6:12; Acts 19:29; Acts 27:15).Was kept under guard Imperfect passive of δεσμευω desmeuō to put in chains, from δεσμος desmos bond, and that from δεω deō to bind. Old, but rather rare verb. Only here and Acts 22:4 in this sense. In Matthew 23:4 it means to bind together. Some MSS. read δεσμεω desmeō in Luke 8:29.Breaking the bands asunder (διαρησσων τα δεσμα diarēssōn ta desma). Old verb, the preposition δια dia (in two) intensifying the meaning of the simple verb ρησσω rēssō or ρηγνυμι rēgnumi to rend.Was driven Imperfect passive of ελαυνω elaunō to drive, to row, to march (Xenophon). Only five times in the N.T. Here alone in Luke and peculiar to Luke in this incident. [source]
Ingressive aorist active indicative of ορμαω hormaō old verb for impetuous dashing, a case of mob psychology (mob mind), with one accord Into the theatre (εις το τεατρον eis to theatron). A place for seeing (τεαομαι theaomai) spectacles, originally for dramatic representation (Thucydides, Herodotus), then for the spectators, then for the spectacle or show (1 Corinthians 4:9). The theatre (amphitheatre) at Ephesus can still be traced in the ruins (Wood, Ephesus) and shows that it was of enormous size capable of seating fifty-six thousand persons (some estimate it only 24, 500). It was the place for large public gatherings of any sort out of doors like our football and baseball parks. In particular, gladiatorial shows were held in these theatres. Having seized Gaius and Aristarchus men of Macedonia See note on Acts 6:12 for this same verb. They wanted some victims for this “gladiatorial” show. These two men were “Paul‘s companions in travel” How the mob got hold of Gaius (Acts 20:4) and Aristarchus (Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24) we do not know whether by accidental recognition or by search after failure to get Paul. In Romans 16:4 Paul speaks of Priscilla and Aquila as those “who for my life laid down their own necks.” Paul lived with them in Ephesus as in Corinth. It is possible that Demetrius led the mob to their house and that they refused to allow Paul to go or to be seized at the risk of their own lives. Paul himself may have been desperately ill at this time as we know was the case once during his stay in Ephesus when he felt the answer of death in himself (2 Corinthians 1:9) and when God rescued him. That may mean that, ill as he was, Paul wanted to go and face the mob in the theatre, knowing that it meant certain death. [source]
See note on Acts 6:12 for this same verb. They wanted some victims for this “gladiatorial” show. These two men were “Paul‘s companions in travel” How the mob got hold of Gaius (Acts 20:4) and Aristarchus (Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24) we do not know whether by accidental recognition or by search after failure to get Paul. In Romans 16:4 Paul speaks of Priscilla and Aquila as those “who for my life laid down their own necks.” Paul lived with them in Ephesus as in Corinth. It is possible that Demetrius led the mob to their house and that they refused to allow Paul to go or to be seized at the risk of their own lives. Paul himself may have been desperately ill at this time as we know was the case once during his stay in Ephesus when he felt the answer of death in himself (2 Corinthians 1:9) and when God rescued him. That may mean that, ill as he was, Paul wanted to go and face the mob in the theatre, knowing that it meant certain death. [source]
Genitive absolute again with first aorist passive of συναρπαζω sunarpazō old word, in N.T. only Luke 8:29; Acts 6:12; Acts 19:29, and here. Graphic picture as if the ship was seized by a great monster. [source]
Most of the priests were Sadducees now and all the chief priests since John Hyrcanus I deserted the Pharisees (Josephus, Ant. XVII. 10, 6; XVIII. 1, 4; XX. 9, 1). The Sadducees were slow to line up with the Pharisees against Jesus, but they now take the lead against Peter and John. Came upon them (επεστησαν αυτοις epestēsan autois). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive). Burst upon them suddenly or stood by them in a hostile attitude here (Luke 20:1; Luke 24:4; Acts 6:12; Acts 17:5; Acts 22:20; Acts 23:11). [source]
Second aorist active indicative (intransitive). Burst upon them suddenly or stood by them in a hostile attitude here (Luke 20:1; Luke 24:4; Acts 6:12; Acts 17:5; Acts 22:20; Acts 23:11). [source]
The word is used originally of seniority in age. So Luke 15:25. Afterward as a term of rank or office. Applied to members of the Sanhedrim (Matthew 16:21; Acts 6:12). Those who presided over the Christian assemblies or churches (Acts 11:30; 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Timothy 5:19). The twenty-four members of the heavenly court in John's vision (Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:10; Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 5:14). Here, with reference to official position, coupled, presumably, with age. [source]