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Reading Plan · Day 313

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Acts 4-6

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Previously · Day 312 · Acts 1-3

The previous day's reading covered Christ's ascension into heaven, the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and Peter's miraculous healing of a lame man at Solomon's porch.

Day 313 Read

Where You Stopped

Acts 4

1And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

1And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Commentary · verses 1-2

The religious leaders were still troubled after Jesus was crucified. Jesus' Disciples were teaching and proclaiming Christ's resurrection to the people.

3And they laid hands on them, and put them in ward unto the morrow: for it was now eventide.

4But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

3And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Commentary · verses 3-4

Peter and John were put into a holding cell. However, 5000 people believed!

5And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.

7And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, By what power, or in what name, have ye done this?

5And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

6And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

7And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Commentary · verses 5-7

The rulers, elders, and scribes asked by what power or name had they done this…"this" meaning the healing of the lame man. Caiaphas, the high priest who prophesied the year of Jesus' death that one person would die for the nation (John 18:14), was there.

8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders,

8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Commentary · verse 8

Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit.

9if we this day are examined concerning a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means this man is made whole; 10be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even in him doth this man stand here before you whole.

9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Commentary · verses 9-10

Peter gave Jesus the credit, which may have been why Peter began this miracle with the preface: "In the name of Jesus Christ."

11He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner.

11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Commentary · verse 11

Christ is the Corner-Stone, which was recorded in Mark 12:11 by Jesus concerning Himself when He referenced Psalm 118:22-23. Jesus did this at the end of the parable where He told the chief priest, elders, and scribes they were the evil people who rejected the person in the parable that represented the Son of God.

12And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.

12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Commentary · verse 12

Again, Peter stressed the Name of Jesus.

13Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Commentary · verse 13

Peter and John were unlearned according to the people but they had an enormous education from being Disciples of Jesus, from studying under a Semikah Rabbi. Peter and John were ignorant which in the Greek was a comparative word that meant a "common person vs. royalty." The fact these were not educated men, but they spoke with boldness and authority (knowing their WHY/HOW), was what convinced these religious leaders these men had been with Jesus.

14And seeing the man that was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Commentary · verse 14

The healed man was also present, so these religious leaders could not say that they had not done something miraculous. These religious leaders could not punish these men for doing good and they could not deny they did good.

15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

Commentary · verses 15-17

The rulers, elders, etc. did not want the Name of Jesus spread any further. Peter and John were threatened so they would not speak Jesus' Name.

18And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Commentary · verse 18

They were commanded not to speak at all or teach in the Name of Jesus.

19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: 20for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.

19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Commentary · verses 19-20

Peter and John answered by saying they must speak the things they saw and heard. Peter and John were not hindered by the threats against them.

21And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done.

22For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought.

21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

22For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

Commentary · verses 21-22

They let them go because they had no fault against Peter and John, and all men glorified God for the miracle.

23And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them.

24And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is: 25who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things?

23And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

25Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

Commentary · verses 23-25

They let everyone know what happened which caused the group to pray. Verse 24 showed they referenced God, which was Step 1 of the four steps of prayer. They referenced Psalm 2:1 in the prayer to build their faith, which was Step 2 of prayer.

26The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed: 27for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together, 28to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass.

26The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Commentary · verses 26-28

Jesus' death was prophesied because the causes were in place then for God to have enough value to make happen what He wanted to happen. God telling the people through prophets was God letting people know what God would choose to do when the time came, what God foreordained. If Jesus' time on earth was predestinated against the will of everyone involved, then Jesus would not have prayed His prayers in the garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36.

Doctrines on this passage

29And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, 30while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus.

29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Commentary · verses 29-30

Step 3 of prayer: Verse 29 referenced Justice. Step 4 of prayer: Verses 29 and 30 made the request.

31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Commentary · verse 31

God refilled them with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.

32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Commentary · verses 32-33

Great grace was upon them all. "Grace" is "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life."

34For neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35and laid them at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need.

34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Commentary · verses 34-35

In Acts 2, we saw fellowship (sharing) was one of the four causes of the Acts Church.

36And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, 37having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Commentary · verses 36-37

Barnabas, who owned land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles' feet. This point was made to establish that it was a practice at that time to sell land and give all of the money to the Church.

Where You Stopped

Acts 5

1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Commentary · verses 1-2

Ananias and Sapphira sold a possession and kept back part of the money. Ananias laid the rest at the Apostles' feet.

3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Commentary · verse 3

Peter confronted Ananias about him lying to the Holy Spirit. Notice, Ananias was not lying to Peter. Ananias apparently had been led by the Holy Spirit (because of the great grace) to sell the land and give all the money to the Church. Ananias not doing this was the same as Ananias lying to the Holy Spirit.

4While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Commentary · verse 4

Peter said that Ananias had lied not to men, but to God.

Verses 3 and 4 used Holy Spirit and God interchangeably, supporting the truth that the Holy Spirit is God.

5And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it.

5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Commentary · verse 5

Ananias was cast down by God.

6And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him.

7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

Commentary · verses 6-7

Within three hours, Ananias died and was buried and Sapphira came looking for him.

8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much. And she said, Yea, for so much.

9But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out.

10And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the ghost: and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.

8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

Commentary · verses 8-10

Sapphira also lied and died.

11And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.

12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people: and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

Commentary · verses 11-12

Again, great respect for God was upon everyone in the Church and many signs and wonders continued to happen. Once again, the believers were present in Solomon's porch, the site of their first miracle done through Peter and John.

13But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them; 14and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women: 15insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that, as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them.

16And there also came together the multitude from the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing sick folk, and them that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

13And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

15Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Commentary · verses 13-16

Sick people from the surrounding areas came to the temple to get healed.

17But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, 18and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public ward.

17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

18And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

Commentary · verses 17-18

The high priest had the Apostles put into prison because the religious leaders were jealous.

19But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,

19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Commentary · verse 19

An angel of the Lord opened the prison.

20Go ye, and stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this Life.

20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Commentary · verse 20

The angel told them to stand in the temple and speak all of this to the people.

21And when they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison-house to have them brought.

22But the officers that came found them not in the prison; and they returned, and told, 23saying, The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them whereunto this would grow.

25And there came one and told them, Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people.

21And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

23Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

Commentary · verses 21-25

When the religious leaders looked for them, they were not in prison. The religious leaders were told the men were in the temple teaching.

26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

29But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.

26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Commentary · verses 26-29

Peter and the other Apostles feared God more than man. The religious leaders feared the people most.

30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree.

31Him did God exalt with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.

32And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Commentary · verses 30-32

They directly accused the religious leaders of killing Jesus. Believers are Jesus' witnesses and so is the Holy Spirit.

33But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were minded to slay them.

33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Commentary · verse 33

The religious leaders were so upset with this response, they wanted to kill them.

34But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.

34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

Commentary · verse 34

Gamaliel was a very well respected Pharisee because of his understanding of the Law. In Acts 22, Paul stated his teacher was Gamaliel.

35And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do.

36For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nought.

37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown: 39but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.

35And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Commentary · verses 35-39

Gamaliel was willing to consider these men were doing God's work. Gamaliel was contrastive: if these men represented God, you would not be fighting them, you would be fighting God. Gamaliel also stated that if it was not of God it would eventually come to an end.

40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.

40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Commentary · verses 40-41

The leaders still beat the believers and told them not to speak in the Name of Jesus. Those who were beaten rejoiced that they were worthy to suffer for the Name of Jesus. They recognized they had achieved the highest level of spiritual maturity according to Christ: Matthew 5:11-12. They were exceedingly glad for being persecuted for Jesus' sake.

42And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ.

42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Commentary · verse 42

They taught daily in the temple and in every house. They did not stop teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Where You Stopped

Acts 6

1Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Commentary · verse 1

The Jewish Greeks rumored that the Hebrews were not taking care of their widows.

2And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables.

3Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4But we will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.

2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Commentary · verses 2-4

The twelve called for seven men of good (Right and Just) report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom. These men would be responsible for serving so the twelve could focus on the Word of God. These seven were able to do miracles and signs as well. However, their focus would be taking care of physical needs so that the twelve could be even more effective Apostles.

5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaüs a proselyte of Antioch; 6whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Commentary · verses 5-6

Stephen was one of the seven that was chosen. Notice, Stephen's name was set apart from the other men chosen. The twelve put their hands on them and prayed.

7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.

7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Commentary · verses 7-8

This decision led to more preaching, which led to more people becoming believers. Stephen was full of grace and power and did great wonders among the people.

9But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spake.

9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Commentary · verses 9-10

Stephen was also able to discuss Doctrine.

11Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

Commentary · verse 11

These men became so frustrated with being unable to prove Stephen wrong, they convinced other men to bear false witness against Stephen. Doctrine is the toughest thing to be wrong about because it goes to the Mind/Soul of the individual. Here was proof this frustration can cause people to bear false witness in order to have someone killed.

12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council, 13and set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law:

12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

Commentary · verses 12-13

False witnesses were set up, just like what happened to Jesus.

14for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us.

15And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

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

15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Commentary · verses 14-15

The blasphemy was that Stephen would change the customs of Moses. One of the themes of the Book of Acts (the conflict over the Law of Moses) was introduced in verse 14. Verse 15 stated that the council could see that Stephen's face looked like the face of an angel.

Commentary · verse 15

This day's reading covered Peter's and John's interaction with the religious leaders over their first healing, their second healing, being imprisoned, and their release. Also, the identification of seven ministers to take care of the physical needs of the people. One of these seven, Stephen, was falsely accused and brought to the religious leaders.

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