Acts 6:12
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
Original Language Analysis
συνεκίνησάν
they stirred up
G4787
συνεκίνησάν
they stirred up
Strong's:
G4787
Word #:
1 of 19
to move together, i.e., (specially), to excite as a mass (to sedition)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸν
the people
G2992
λαὸν
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
4 of 19
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρους
the elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρους
the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
7 of 19
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιστάντες
came upon
G2186
ἐπιστάντες
came upon
Strong's:
G2186
Word #:
12 of 19
to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤγαγον
brought
G71
ἤγαγον
brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
εἰς
him to
G1519
εἰς
him to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
The shift in public sentiment shows how quickly crowds can turn. The Sanhedrin, which had been cautious due to popular support for apostles, now found an opportunity through false accusation.
Questions for Reflection
- How can public opinion shift quickly against God's servants?
- What does this teach about trusting popular approval versus divine approval?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'They stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes' - previously the people favored the apostles (Acts 2:47, 5:26). Now mob manipulation turned public opinion. Stephen was 'caught' and brought to the council - violence replacing due process.