Bible Strands
Acts 6:11
Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The text describes false accusers being prompted to confront Stephen before the religious authorities after his opponents could not withstand his wisdom and Spirit-led speech. These men are positioned to deliver a fabricated charge against him to the Sanhedrin.
The words — ὑπέβαλον (hupebalon) means they suborned or laid under, describing the act of secretly instigating witnesses. ἀκήκοαμεν (akēkoamen) translates as we have heard, establishing the accusers' claim of direct auditory evidence.
The thread — This pattern of instigated false testimony mirrors the conspiracy against Jesus in Matthew 26:59 and the framed accusation in 1 Kings 21:10. The text also parallels the paid witnesses in Matthew 28:12.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to recognize how established religious structures can manufacture charges to silence truth-tellers. It demands a clear-eyed assessment of institutional opposition that substitutes legal procedure with orchestrated deception.
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
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
Cross-references
- Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.
- 1 Kings 21:10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”
- Matthew 28:12 And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money
- John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
- John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope.
- John 9:29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.”
- John 16:3 They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.
- Acts 6:13 where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.
- Acts 7:37 This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’
- Acts 15:21 For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”