# Dig Deeper - Acts Chapter 6: Synagogue of the Freedmen

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/awake-us-now-3481/dig-deeper-acts-chapter-6-synagogue-of-the-freedmen
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/awake-us-now-3481/dig-deeper-acts-chapter-6-synagogue-of-the-freedmen.md
Podcast: [Awake Us Now](https://stenobird.com/podcast/awake-us-now-3481)
Published: 2026-06-30T15:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://awakeusnow.libsyn.com/dig-deeper-acts-chapter-6-synagogue-of-the-freedmen
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/awakeusnow/Dig_Deeper_-_Acts_Chapter_6__Synagogue_of_the_Freedmen.mp3?dest-id=246214
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Duration seconds: 535

## Resource

We dig into Acts 6:9, where we read the opposition against the disciples arose, and members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen - Jews of Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia began to argue with Stephen. The "freedmen" had formerly been slaves but were now freed and had also become Roman citizens. They were frustrated that Stephen was proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus and in verse 10 we read that they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave Stephen as he spoke. Then they hatched a conspiracy against Stephen. Ultimately Stephen is stoned (chapter 7) and In Acts 8:1 we read that Saul approved of their killing Stephen. The question is: How did Saul get involved with the people of the Synagogue of the Freedman Why was he there when they orchestrated the attack on Stephen Why was he given the job of taking care of the coats as the others stoned Stephen Going back to Acts 6:9 we see the province of Cilicia (southeastern Turkey) listed as one of the places that the Hellenistic Jews came from. We read in Acts 22:3-4 that Saul was brought up in the city of Tarsus in the province of Cilicia. Cilicia is where he grew up and he may have even been a member of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. After Saul's conversion - after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus - About 20 years after Stephen's stoning, we read in Acts 9:29 that Saul moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. Saul talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. So is it possible that Saul went back to the Synagogue of the Freedmen to the very place he may have been one of those questioning Stephen. Did Saul go back to this very synagogue to preach to the Hellenistic Jews, many who may have been friends and relatives. Saul's heart had been changed i…

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