Book of Acts - Chapter 22 - Verse 20

The verse "And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him." from Acts 22:20 holds significant meaning within the Christian faith. It refers to the moment when the apostle Paul, then known as Saul of Tarsus, admits to his involvement in the persecution and death of Stephen, who is considered the first Christian martyr. This confession marks a turning point in Paul's life, as he realizes the error of his ways and undergoes a profound conversion, eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. This verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's grace and forgiveness, showing that even those who have committed grave sins can be redeemed and used for God's purpose. It exemplifies the theme of repentance and forgiveness that runs throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's wrongdoing and seeking reconciliation with God and others.

The theological interpretation of this verse from Acts 7:58 reveals a significant moment in the life of Saul before his conversion to Christianity. Saul, later known as the apostle Paul, openly admits his involvement in the martyrdom of Stephen, one of the early Christian disciples. This admission reflects Saul's initial hostility towards Christians and his zealous commitment to persecuting those who followed the teachings of Jesus. The mention of Saul's approval and participation in Stephen's death demonstrates the depths of his opposition to the Christian movement.

Word studies on this verse highlight the word "consenting" used by Saul to describe his role in Stephen's death. The Greek word translated as "consenting" is "suneudokeo," which implies not only agreement but active participation in an action. This word emphasizes Saul's direct involvement in the persecution and killing of Christians, shedding light on the intensity of his opposition to the early church. Additionally, the mention of Saul standing by and keeping the clothes of Stephen's executioners reflects his complicity and support of the violence committed against believers.