The first verb in this verse may mean either bribe (see also Phillips) or “to instigate secretly.” In the phrase speaking against Moses and against God, the meaning of the accusation apparently is that Stephen’s interpretation of the Law of Moses and his understanding of God’s purpose for the Jewish people conflicted with the nationalistic outlook of these people.

In some languages speaking against is equivalent to “saying bad things about” or “speak evil words against.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .