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

ACTS 6:10KJV
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Acts 6:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 6:10 mean?

Acts 6:10 means that Stephen’s opponents could not argue against the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. The verse highlights that Stephen’s words and manner of speaking were so compelling and inspired that those debating him were unable to counter his points.

In the story, Stephen is one of the early Christian leaders chosen to help serve the community. He is speaking with members of various Jewish groups in Jerusalem who disagree with his message about Jesus. Despite their efforts to challenge him, Stephen’s insight and the spirit guiding him make his arguments unanswerable, setting the stage for the events that follow in the chapter.

The Greek behind Acts 6:10

  • σοφία (sophia, “wisdom”): This word often refers to practical insight or skillful understanding, not just knowledge. Here, it emphasizes that Stephen’s arguments were not only logical but deeply perceptive.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, “spirit”): This can mean breath, spirit, or inner attitude. In this context, it suggests both Stephen’s demeanor and the sense that he is empowered by God’s Spirit, making his words especially powerful.
  • ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi, “resist”): This word means to stand against or oppose. The verse uses it to show that Stephen’s opponents tried to argue back but simply could not withstand his reasoning.

Why Acts 6:10 matters

  • Acts 6:10 shows that Stephen’s authority came from more than just human skill; the verse points to a spiritual source behind his wisdom, which is a key theme in the book of Acts.
  • The verse explains why Stephen’s opponents later resort to false accusations—since they could not defeat his arguments honestly, they turn to other means.
  • This moment marks Stephen as a significant figure in the early church, setting up the importance of his later speech and the events that lead to his martyrdom.

Where else these words appear

“resist” Greek G436 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Romans 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
  • 2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

“were” Greek G2480 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,