Acts 6 9

Acts 6:9 kjv

Then 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.

Acts 6:9 nkjv

Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.

Acts 6:9 niv

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)?Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia?who began to argue with Stephen.

Acts 6:9 esv

Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.

Acts 6:9 nlt

But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia.

Acts 6 verses

Acts 6 9 Meaning

Acts 6:9 details the specific Jewish groups who rose up in opposition to Stephen, engaging him in a public dispute. These individuals were members of synagogues composed of Jews from various parts of the Roman Empire, including North Africa (Cyrene and Alexandria) and Asia Minor (Cilicia and Asia). Their confrontation with Stephen marks the escalation of resistance against the burgeoning Christian movement, as Stephen's Spirit-filled preaching and miraculous works gained significant influence.

Acts 6 9 Context

Acts 6:9 is set during a crucial period of growth and organizational development within the early Jerusalem church. Before this verse, the rapid growth of disciples led to internal tension concerning the equitable distribution of food among the Hellenist (Greek-speaking) Jewish widows and the Hebraic (Aramaic-speaking) Jewish widows (Acts 6:1-2). To address this, the apostles ordained seven men, "full of the Spirit and of wisdom," to oversee the daily distribution. Stephen was one of these chosen deacons, noted as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). Immediately preceding verse 9, Stephen is described as "full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). This divine empowerment and public display of authority likely intensified the envy and opposition from external Jewish groups, setting the stage for the dispute in verse 9. The dispute marks the first instance of direct, formal opposition against a specific leader within the Hellenist faction of the church by the broader Jewish community in Jerusalem. This was distinct from earlier general opposition to the apostles.

Acts 6 9 Word analysis

• But: Greek: De (δέ). A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast or turning point. It signals a new development: opposition to Stephen's Spirit-filled ministry emerges directly as he performs wonders and signs.
• some of them: Referring to members of the synagogues, implying not all Jews present, but a specific faction or individuals within these groups.
• from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen: Greek: tēs sunagōgēs tōn Libertinōn (τῆς συναγωγῆς τῶν Λιβερτίνων).
  • Synagogue: A Jewish house of prayer and study. It implies an organized Jewish community in Jerusalem.
  • Freedmen (Libertinōn): From the Latin libertini, referring to formerly enslaved Jews (or their descendants) who had gained their freedom, likely from Roman masters or others, and had returned to Jerusalem from the diaspora. Their background suggests a zealous adherence to their Jewish identity, possibly even more fervent than native-born Jews. They likely carried a deep sense of identity, emphasizing adherence to Mosaic Law as a distinct marker of their faith.
• Cyrenians: Jews from Cyrene, a city in North Africa (modern-day Libya). Acts 2:10 mentions "parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene" among the Jewish pilgrims at Pentecost, indicating a significant community. Simon of Cyrene (Mk 15:21) who carried Jesus' cross was also from this region, demonstrating the connection to Jerusalem.
• Alexandrians: Jews from Alexandria, a major intellectual and cultural hub in Egypt, housing one of the largest and most influential Jewish communities in the Hellenistic world outside Judea. They were known for their rich intellectual traditions and prominent figures like Philo, often blending Jewish thought with Greek philosophy.
• and some from Cilicia and Asia: Regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
  • Cilicia: The home region of Saul (Paul), who himself was a "Hellenistic Jew" and would later vigorously dispute in synagogues before his conversion (Acts 9:29-30). This suggests a strong Jewish presence and a potentially fierce adherence to Jewish law, perhaps in contrast to Stephen's message.
  • Asia: The Roman province of Asia, encompassing cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, etc., where significant Jewish communities also thrived. These diaspora Jews, like others, often returned to Jerusalem for festivals or in old age, establishing their own synagogues.
• rose up: Greek: anestēsan (ἀνέστησαν). Implies an aggressive stance, moving into action against Stephen, likely in a public forum within their synagogues. It denotes a deliberate act of challenging and opposing.
• and disputed: Greek: sunezētoun (συνεζήτουν). Means "to dispute," "discuss together," "contend in argument," or "to question." While it can mean a general discussion, in this context, especially given the outcome (seeking to kill Stephen), it carries the connotation of hostile, adversarial argumentation and debate. They sought to discredit his teachings and actions.
• with Stephen: The focus of their antagonism. Stephen, though a deacon, was actively preaching the Gospel and performing signs, indicating his high standing and impact within the Christian movement, drawing the ire of these groups.

Words-group analysis

• "Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians), and some from Cilicia and Asia": This phrase highlights the diversity of Jewish groups opposing Stephen. These were all Diaspora Jews who, having returned to Jerusalem, likely maintained distinct communal identities within the larger Jewish populace, including separate synagogues based on their regions of origin or social status. Their opposition was rooted in zeal for their traditional Law and Temple worship, which they perceived Stephen's message to undermine. Their varied geographical origins underscore the widespread Jewish concern regarding the new Christian teaching, not just an isolated local reaction. This setup reflects Jerusalem's role as a religious melting pot and a point of return for pious Jews worldwide.

Acts 6 9 Bonus section

The term "Freedmen" (Libertines) could refer to a specific group of Jewish individuals (and their descendants) who were brought to Rome as war captives, gained their freedom, and then returned to Jerusalem. It also might encompass Jews who were set free by various masters in the broader Roman Empire. Their establishment of their own synagogue signifies both their communal distinctiveness and their dedication to their Jewish heritage, emphasizing Jerusalem's significance as their spiritual homeland. The convergence of these diverse Jewish groups in one specific dispute against Stephen also indicates a probable shared ideology or a mutual concern over the spread of Christian teachings. It highlights a common characteristic of ancient Jewish society in Jerusalem, where returning diaspora Jews often formed specific community groupings defined by their former homelands.

Acts 6 9 Commentary

Acts 6:9 illustrates a pivotal moment where the opposition to the Gospel intensified and became more organized, targeting individual leaders like Stephen. The diverse group of disputants—Jews from North Africa and Asia Minor, particularly the "Freedmen"—reflects the broad reach of the Gospel message and, consequently, the wide range of Jewish communities it challenged. These Diaspora Jews, perhaps more zealous or conservative than some local Jews to prove their piety upon returning to the holy city, perceived Stephen's teachings (which focused on Jesus as Messiah and perhaps hinted at the obsolescence of the Temple system, as later charges imply in Acts 6:13-14) as a direct assault on their core beliefs and institutions. Their method was a "dispute," a public and often vigorous argument, which, despite Stephen's Spirit-filled wisdom (Acts 6:10), devolved into murderous intent, demonstrating the unyielding nature of their resistance to the truth. This confrontation foreshadowed the escalating persecution of the church and highlighted that rejection of the Gospel was not always due to ignorance, but often due to stubbornness and zeal for existing traditions, despite powerful divine evidence.