Acts 6:9
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀνέστησαν
there arose
G450
ἀνέστησαν
there arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
1 of 23
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγῆς
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγῆς
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
7 of 23
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγομένης
is called
G3004
λεγομένης
is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἀλεξανδρέων
Alexandrians
G221
Ἀλεξανδρέων
Alexandrians
Strong's:
G221
Word #:
14 of 23
an alexandreian or inhabitant of alexandria
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
of them of
G575
ἀπὸ
of them of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
17 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἀσίας
of Asia
G773
Ἀσίας
of Asia
Strong's:
G773
Word #:
20 of 23
asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore
συζητοῦντες
disputing
G4802
συζητοῦντες
disputing
Strong's:
G4802
Word #:
21 of 23
to investigate jointly, i.e., discuss, controvert, cavil
Cross References
Acts 15:41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.Acts 23:34And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;Acts 22:3I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.Acts 15:23And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:Matthew 27:32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.Acts 19:10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.Acts 16:6Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,Acts 21:27And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,Acts 18:24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.Mark 13:9But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
Historical Context
Multiple Hellenistic synagogues in Jerusalem served diaspora Jews. Stephen's apologetic skill made him a target. These were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia Minor.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does intellectual defeat sometimes produce violent reaction against truth?
- How should believers engage in disputation while preparing for escalating opposition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Opposition arose from 'the synagogue of the Libertines' (freedmen, possibly former slaves) and various Diaspora groups. 'Disputing with Stephen' indicates attempted debate. When argument failed, they resorted to false accusation. Intellectual defeat often produces violent reaction.