Act 6:10 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 10. To resist . That is, they were not able to answer his arguments. The wisdom . This properly refers to his knowledge of the Scriptures; his skill in what the Jews esteemed to be wisdom--acquaintance with their sacred writings, opinions, etc. And the spirit . This has been commonly understood of the Holy Spirit, by which, he was aided; but it rather means the energy, power , or ardour of Stephen. He evinced a spirit of zeal and sincerity which they could not withstand; which served, more than mere argument could have done, to convince them that he was right. The evidence of sincerity, honesty, and zeal in a public speaker, will often go farther to convince the great mass of mankind, than the most able argument, if delivered in a cold and indifferent manner. (a) "able to resist"

Acts 6:10

Verse 10. To resist. That is, they were not able to answer his arguments.

The wisdom. This properly refers to his knowledge of the Scriptures; his skill in what the Jews esteemed to be wisdom--acquaintance with their sacred writings, opinions, etc.

And the spirit. This has been commonly understood of the Holy Spirit, by which, he was aided; but it rather means the energy, power, or ardour of Stephen. He evinced a spirit of zeal and sincerity which they could not withstand; which served, more than mere argument could have done, to convince them that he was right. The evidence of sincerity, honesty, and zeal in a public speaker, will often go farther to convince the great mass of mankind, than the most able argument, if delivered in a cold and indifferent manner.

(a) "able to resist" Lk 21:15