Atos 6
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 6
Guzik comments on the people - The opponents of Stephen could do nothing against the followers of Jesus until they got popular opinion on their side. Previously, persecution against the apostles had been limited because popular opinion was with them (Acts 2:47, 5:26). Popular opinion can be easily shaped. The same crowds that praised Jesus (Luke 19:35–40) soon called for His crucifixion (Luke 23:18–23). The crowds that loved the apostles (Acts 2:47, 5:26) cry out against Stephen. This is why we should never let popular opinion shape the vision or focus of the church, but let it rest on God’s eternal Word. Jesus had predicted this would occur “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on (epiballo) you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. (Lk 21:12) Why mention the scribes? These are the recognized "experts" in the Law of Moses, the very thing they accused Stephen of "tampering with!" (Acts 6:11). Wikipedia has this note on scribes - "As early as the 11th century BCE, scribes in Ancient Israel, were distinguished professionals who would exercise functions which today could be associated with lawyers...." Zodhiates adds a scribe was "one skilled in the Mosaic Law (Ezra 7:6, 11, 12, 21; Jer. 36:26) and commonly used in the same sense in the NT (Matt. 13:52; 23:34; 1 Cor. 1:20); especially for those who sat in Moses' seat, explaining the law in the schools and synagogues."
Atos 6
Guzik - Why would they make such accusations? Because Stephen was clearly teaching that Jesus was greater than Moses; that Jesus was God; that Jesus was greater than the temple; that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law; and that Jesus was greater than their religious customs and traditions. Custom (habit)(1485) ethos from etho = to be used, to be accustomed) refers to a usual or customary manner of behavior, habit, pattern of behavior which is more or less fixed by tradition or the usual practice. It may be established by law or otherwise generally sanctioned by the society. Gilbrant on the uses of ethos - Ethos carries two basic meanings: (1) an informal sense of “custom,” i.e., “habit”; and (2) a formal “custom” or “law.” For example, Jesus’ “habit” (ethos) was to go to the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39; cf. NIV “as usual”) Luke's uses of ethos in Acts - Acts 6:14; Acts 15:1; Acts 16:21; Acts 21:21; Acts 25:16; Acts 26:3; Acts 28:17 Handed down (3860)(paradidomi from para = alongside, beside, to the side of, over to + didomi = to give) conveys the basic meaning of to give over from one's hand to someone or something, especially to give over to the power of another. The basic meaning give over from one's hand to someone. In this context it means to pass on, transmit, relate or teach oral or written tradition (Mk 7:13; Lk 1:2; Ac 6:14; 16:4; 2 Pet 2:21; Jude 1:3. ILLUSTRATION - In 1903, someone noticed a Russian sentry standing guard at a post with no apparent reason for his being there. When asked why he was standing guard there, he answered, “I’m just following orders.” The question was asked of the captain of the guard, but he didn’t know why that sentry was posted there. The inquiry eventually went up the chain of command to the czar, but he didn’t know either! He asked that someone track down the answer. Finally, it was discovered that in 1776, Catherine the Great had planted a rose bush there, and posted a sentry to guard it. The bush had been dead for over 80 years, but the sentry was still standing guard! Traditions are hard to change! Guzik summarizes the accusations - These were the accusations against Stephen. Significantly, many of the same false accusations were leveled against Jesus (Matthew 26:59–61). It is a good thing to be accused of the same things Jesus was accused of. They accused him of these things because Stephen clearly taught that: Jesus was greater than Moses (blasphemous words against Moses) Jesus was God (blasphemous words against … God) Jesus was greater than the temple (blasphemous words against this holy place) Jesus was the fulfillment of the law (blasphemous words against … the law) Jesus was greater than their religious customs and traditions (Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change customs) Of course, Stephen never taught against Moses and God, but his glorification of Jesus was twisted. Stephen never spoke blasphemous words against this holy place (the temple), but he would not make it an idol as many Jewish people in that day did. Stephen had his words twisted, and false accusations were brought against him. Acts 6:15 And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel. KJV Acts 6:15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. saw his face like the face of an angel. Exodus 34:29-35; Eccl 8:1; Mt 13:43; 17:2; 2 Cor 3:7,8,18 Acts 6 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries STEPHEN'S SERAPHIC SEMBLANCE I love what H A Ironside said about this passage - I wish I could have a photograph or picture of Stephen standing before the council, listening to all those false accusations, and noticing the expressions of rage, ridicule, and indignation on the faces of his accusers. Yet he stood there, looking at them with a radiant countenance, full of love, trust, peace, and confidence, undisturbed by all the bitter things that were being said. His heart was not filled with malice because of their hatred toward him, but joy in the realization that he was there as Christ’s faithful servant. (Commentary) Beloved, a Stephen-like radiant, shining countenance should be the goal of all of us for Paul wrote so that (see Php 2:14+) you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, (Php 2:15+). And Jesus even commands us to... “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Mt 5:16+). Comment - Stephen obeyed and Saul saw it and surrendered to the Savior! Let it shine dear follower of Christ. And fixing their gaze on him - They looked at Stephen with fixed eyes. Can you just imagine the hatred that filled their eyes! But Stephen is a Spirit filled man (filled with courage and boldness) who fears God and not men! Fixing their gaze (816)(atenizo from from atenes = strained, intent which in turn is from a = intensifies + teino = to stretch, to extend or to strain all of which help to paint a picture of the meaning of atenizo) means to look intently, to fix one's gaze on something, to stare at something, to gaze earnestly, to look straight at something, to fasten one's eyes upon. 2 Cor. 3:13 speaks of God's people being denied the opportunity to "see" the fading glory on the face of Moses after his descent from Sinai. Atenizo is a favorite verb for Luke with only 2 other uses by Paul - Lk. 4:20; Lk. 22:56; Acts 1:10; Acts 3:4; Acts 3:12; Acts 6:15; Acts 7:55; Acts 10:4; Acts 11:6; Acts 13:9; Acts 14:9; Acts 23:1; 2 Co. 3:7; 2 Co. 3:13.