Acts 6:9 - But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
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What does "Acts 6:9" mean?
Acts 6:9 describes a confrontation between Stephen, a deacon in the early Christian church, and members of various synagogues in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:
"But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”…" This identifies a specific synagogue, or a group of synagogues, known as "The Libertines." The term "Libertines" likely refers to freedmen (former slaves) or their descendants. These were Jews who had been enslaved, likely by the Romans, and later freed. They had settled in Jerusalem.
"...and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians..." These groups represent Jews from Cyrene (a city in modern-day Libya) and Alexandria (a major city in Egypt). These were significant centers of Jewish population and culture outside of Judea. They had their own synagogues in Jerusalem.
"...and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose..." Cilicia was a region in southeastern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and "Asia" refers to the Roman province of Asia, encompassing much of western Asia Minor. This indicates Jews from these regions also had synagogues in Jerusalem. Paul the Apostle, before his conversion, was from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia.
"...disputing with Stephen." This is the key action. These various groups, representing a diverse range of the Jewish diaspora, were arguing (debating, challenging) Stephen. The specific points of contention are not outlined in this verse, but based on the following verses and Stephen's subsequent speech (Acts 7), the dispute likely involved:
The interpretation of Jewish law: Stephen's message, influenced by the teachings of Jesus, likely challenged traditional interpretations and emphasized the importance of the new covenant established through Jesus.
The role of the Temple: Stephen may have questioned the centrality of the Temple in the new Christian faith, suggesting that God's presence was not limited to that physical structure.
Stephen's teachings and claims: They likely viewed Stephen's teachings as blasphemous or heretical and a threat to Jewish traditions.
In Summary:
This verse shows that Stephen's teachings were controversial and attracted opposition from a diverse group of Jews from different regions of the Roman world. These Jews, who had established their own synagogues in Jerusalem, felt compelled to challenge Stephen's message and defend their understanding of Judaism. The verse sets the stage for the escalating conflict that leads to Stephen's arrest and eventual martyrdom. This is a very important turning point in the Book of Acts.
The groups who opposed Stephen represent Jews who had lived outside the land of Israel and then returned or resided in Jerusalem. The fact that these different people debated with Stephen suggests that his teachings and actions were causing concern in a wide cross-section of the Jewish community.
Acts 6:9 - But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
What does "Acts 6:9" mean?
Acts 6:9 describes a confrontation between Stephen, a deacon in the early Christian church, and members of various synagogues in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:
"But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”…" This identifies a specific synagogue, or a group of synagogues, known as "The Libertines." The term "Libertines" likely refers to freedmen (former slaves) or their descendants. These were Jews who had been enslaved, likely by the Romans, and later freed. They had settled in Jerusalem.
"...and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians..." These groups represent Jews from Cyrene (a city in modern-day Libya) and Alexandria (a major city in Egypt). These were significant centers of Jewish population and culture outside of Judea. They had their own synagogues in Jerusalem.
"...and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose..." Cilicia was a region in southeastern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and "Asia" refers to the Roman province of Asia, encompassing much of western Asia Minor. This indicates Jews from these regions also had synagogues in Jerusalem. Paul the Apostle, before his conversion, was from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia.
"...disputing with Stephen." This is the key action. These various groups, representing a diverse range of the Jewish diaspora, were arguing (debating, challenging) Stephen. The specific points of contention are not outlined in this verse, but based on the following verses and Stephen's subsequent speech (Acts 7), the dispute likely involved:
The interpretation of Jewish law: Stephen's message, influenced by the teachings of Jesus, likely challenged traditional interpretations and emphasized the importance of the new covenant established through Jesus.
The role of the Temple: Stephen may have questioned the centrality of the Temple in the new Christian faith, suggesting that God's presence was not limited to that physical structure.
Stephen's teachings and claims: They likely viewed Stephen's teachings as blasphemous or heretical and a threat to Jewish traditions.
In Summary:
This verse shows that Stephen's teachings were controversial and attracted opposition from a diverse group of Jews from different regions of the Roman world. These Jews, who had established their own synagogues in Jerusalem, felt compelled to challenge Stephen's message and defend their understanding of Judaism. The verse sets the stage for the escalating conflict that leads to Stephen's arrest and eventual martyrdom. This is a very important turning point in the Book of Acts.
The groups who opposed Stephen represent Jews who had lived outside the land of Israel and then returned or resided in Jerusalem. The fact that these different people debated with Stephen suggests that his teachings and actions were causing concern in a wide cross-section of the Jewish community.