Topical Bible: Complicity: Paul, in the Stoning of Stephen

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The stoning of Stephen, as recorded in the Book of Acts, marks a significant moment in early Christian history, illustrating the severe persecution faced by the nascent Church. Stephen, one of the first deacons and a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), was brought before the Sanhedrin on charges of blasphemy. His powerful defense, which recounted Israel's history and accused the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, incited the council's wrath, leading to his execution by stoning.

A pivotal figure in this event is Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul. Acts 7:58 notes, "They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul" . This verse indicates Saul's presence and implicit approval of the execution. As a young Pharisee zealous for the traditions of his fathers, Saul's role in the stoning of Stephen is often viewed as one of complicity, if not direct participation.

Acts 8:1 further emphasizes Saul's involvement: "And Saul was there, giving approval to his death" . This approval suggests a shared responsibility in the act, as Saul consented to the violent suppression of what he perceived as a heretical movement. His presence at the stoning and the act of holding the garments of those casting stones symbolize his agreement with the Sanhedrin's judgment and his alignment with their opposition to the followers of Jesus.

Saul's complicity in Stephen's martyrdom is a critical aspect of his early life, reflecting his initial hostility towards the Christian faith. This event foreshadows his later transformation and conversion on the road to Damascus, where he encounters the risen Christ and becomes a fervent apostle of the very faith he once sought to destroy. Saul's early actions against the Church, including his role in Stephen's death, underscore the profound nature of his subsequent conversion and the redemptive power of God's grace.

The stoning of Stephen and Saul's involvement also highlight the intense persecution faced by early Christians, serving as a catalyst for the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. Acts 8:3 describes Saul's continued persecution of the Church: "But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison" . This persecution, while intended to extinguish the fledgling movement, ultimately contributed to its growth as believers scattered and preached the Word wherever they went.

In summary, Saul's complicity in the stoning of Stephen is a testament to his initial opposition to the Christian faith and his zealous adherence to Jewish law. It sets the stage for his dramatic conversion and subsequent role as a leading figure in the spread of Christianity, illustrating the transformative power of divine intervention and forgiveness.

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Acts 7:58
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
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The Greatest Trial on Record
... It brought Paul's blood into his face, and made him lose ... the method of putting to
death by stoning was chosen ... of the royalty of Jesus, and no complicity in any ...
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