Acts 6:12
And they stirred vp the people, and the Elders, and the Scribes, and came vpon him, and caught him, and brought him to the Councell, Acts 6:12 (KJV)
Historical Context: The book of Acts, written by Luke, is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke and provides an account of the early Christian church. It records the growth of the community of believers and the challenges they faced as the gospel spread.
Background: Prior to this event the apostles encountered a practical problem in the distribution of food to widows within the Christian community. To address the issue they appointed seven men, including Stephen, to oversee the daily distribution so that the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
The Incident: Acts 6:12 describes how certain individuals, not named in the text, stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes. These opponents seized Stephen and brought him before the council, most likely the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council in Jerusalem at that time.
Significance: Stephen was distinguished by his wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit that worked through him. Acts 6:8 records that he performed great wonders and signs among the people. His bold preaching and teachings, however, challenged the religious authorities, leading to opposition, his arrest, and ultimately his martyrdom.
Lessons to Learn: Stephen’s example urges believers to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in every circumstance, especially when faced with adversity. It calls us to be courageous and bold in standing for the truth, regardless of the consequences, and to remain steadfast in faith when opposition arises.
Further Reading: For a fuller picture of Stephen’s story, continue reading Acts 6:12‑8:1. That passage details his defense before the council, his martyrdom, and the subsequent spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.
Remember, diligent study of Scripture together with the guidance of the Holy Spirit deepens our understanding and equips us to apply the timeless truths of this passage to our own lives.
