Among the first deacons chosen to assist the apostles was a man named Stephen who was “full of wisdom and the spirit,” and “full of power.” Through him the Lord did many signs and wonders which caught the attention of a group called “The Synagogue of the Freedmen (Libertines)” from all over the area. It appears that they called a meeting with Stephen to discuss his teaching and try to silence him.
It is obvious they were trying to shut him up. He was preaching stuff that did not agree with them and despite their name, the need not really believe in liberty or freedom. (There is a story there, but that may be for another time and place J.)
They had a problem with Stephen – they didn’t have any answers for his “wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.” What do you do when you can’t properly win a debate? You attack the person’s character ad hominem. You see it all the time. This group of so called “libertines” went around bribing people to lie about Stephen to get him arrested.
What a challenge – my I have the kind of character, speech, and walk with the Lord that men would need to lie about me in order to find fault with my life!
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