Acts 6:12 - They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council,

Generated Verse: Acts 6:12

What does "Acts 6:12" mean?


This verse from Acts 6:12 describes the escalating opposition against Stephen, a prominent figure in the early Christian church. Let's break it down:

"They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes...": This means that Stephen's opponents actively agitated and incited various groups within the Jewish community against him.
"The people": refers to the general population of Jerusalem. Stephen's message and miracles were gaining him popularity, which threatened those in power.
"The elders": were respected leaders within the Jewish community, often members of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council).
"The scribes": were experts in Jewish law and scripture. They likely felt challenged by Stephen's interpretations of the law, especially concerning Jesus.

The phrase "stirred up" suggests that these groups were not naturally opposed to Stephen but were influenced and manipulated by his enemies. They spread rumors, accusations, and fears to turn public opinion against him.

"...and came against him and seized him...": This indicates a planned and coordinated effort to apprehend Stephen. The opposition moved from verbal attacks to physical action, forming a mob to arrest him.

"...and brought him in to the council": The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish legal and religious body in Jerusalem. By bringing Stephen before the council, his opponents aimed to officially accuse and condemn him, potentially leading to imprisonment or even execution.

In essence, this verse depicts a calculated move by Stephen's adversaries to silence him by inciting the public, gaining the support of religious leaders, and using the established legal system to condemn him. It highlights the growing tension between the early Christians and the Jewish authorities and sets the stage for Stephen's defense and ultimate martyrdom.