For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”
14. We have heard It shall full well appear by Stephen’s defense, that he never spake anything touching Moses or the temple without reverence; and yet, notwithstanding, this was not laid to his charge for nothing, for he had taught the abrogating of the law. But they are false witnesses in this, and suborned to lie, because they corrupt purposely those things which were well and godly spoken.
Stephen, no doubt was diligent and faithful in the discharge of his office as distributor of the church's charity, and laid out himself to put that affair in a good method, which he did to universal satisfaction; and though it appears here that he was a man of uncommon gifts, and fitted for a higher station, yet, being called to that office, he did not...
Commenting on Acts 6:8-15
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...