Acts 6:14

14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered 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.''

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Acts 6:14 In-Context

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.

13 And they set up false witnesses who said, "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;

14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered to us."

15 And all who sat on the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as though it were the face of an angel.