King James Version

What Does Acts 6:9 Mean?

Acts 6:9 in the King James Version says “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandri... — study this verse from Acts chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

7

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

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.

10

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

11

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does intellectual defeat sometimes produce violent reaction against truth?
  2. How should believers engage in disputation while preparing for escalating opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀνέστησαν1 of 23

there arose

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

δέ2 of 23

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

τινες3 of 23

certain

G5100

some or any person or object

τῷ4 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκ5 of 23

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῷ6 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συναγωγῆς7 of 23

the synagogue

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

τῷ8 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λεγομένης9 of 23

is called

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Λιβερτίνων10 of 23

the synagogue of the Libertines

G3032

a roman freedman

καὶ11 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Κυρηναίων12 of 23

Cyrenians

G2956

i.e., cyrenaean, i.e., inhabitant of cyrene

καὶ13 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἀλεξανδρέων14 of 23

Alexandrians

G221

an alexandreian or inhabitant of alexandria

καὶ15 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ16 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπὸ17 of 23

of them of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Κιλικίας18 of 23

Cilicia

G2791

cilicia, a region of asia minor

καὶ19 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἀσίας20 of 23

of Asia

G773

asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore

συζητοῦντες21 of 23

disputing

G4802

to investigate jointly, i.e., discuss, controvert, cavil

τῷ22 of 23

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Στεφάνῳ23 of 23

with Stephen

G4736

stephanus, a christian


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 6:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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