Bible Strands
Acts 6:10
but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Stephen addresses members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from Cilicia and Asia during a direct dispute over his teaching.
The words — ἴσχυον (ischuon) means "they were able" and ἀντιστῆναι (antistēnai) means "to withstand," combining to state that opponents lacked the capacity to counter his message.
The thread — The promise of unresistible divine speech runs through Luke 21:15, which guarantees wisdom that adversaries cannot contradict, while Matthew 10:19 records that listeners will be given what to say in such confrontations.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to note that effective proclamation relies on God-given wisdom and Spirit empowerment rather than human rhetorical skill, a principle Paul later clarifies in 1 Corinthians 2:4.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Cross-references
- Luke 21:15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
- Matthew 10:19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say.
- 1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
- Luke 12:11 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say.
- John 7:46 “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered.
- Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
- Exodus 4:12 Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”
- Ezekiel 3:27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
- Luke 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
- Job 32:18 For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.