Acts 6:14

14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us."

Acts 6:14 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 6:14

For we have heard him say
The Ethiopic version adds, "besides"; but rather these words are a reason, giving evidence to, and supporting the general charge:

that this Jesus of Nazareth;
Stephen spoke of, and whom they so called by way of contempt:

shall destroy this place;
meaning the temple, as the Ethiopic version renders it; and is the same charge, the false witnesses at Christ's examination brought against him:

and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us;
that is, the rites, ceremonies, institutions, and appointments of the Mosaic dispensation; and yet this is no other, than what the Jews themselves say will be done, in the times of the Messiah; for they assert F16, that

``(awbl dytel) , "in time to come" (i.e. in the days of the Messiah) all sacrifices shall cease, but the sacrifice of thanksgiving.''


FOOTNOTES:

F16 Vajikra Rabba, sect. 9. fol. 153. 1. & sect. 27. fol. 168. 4.

Acts 6:14 In-Context

12 They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council.
13 They set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law;
14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us."
15 And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Footnotes 1

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.