Acts 22:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} the blood {G129} of thy {G4675} martyr {G3144} Stephen {G4736} was shed {G1632}, I {G846} also {G2532} was {G2252} standing by {G2186}, and {G2532} consenting {G4909} unto his {G846} death {G336}, and {G2532} kept {G5442} the raiment {G2440} of them that slew {G337} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also that when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I was standing there too, in full agreement; I was even looking after the clothes of the ones who were killing him!’

Berean Standard Bible

And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’

American Standard Version

and when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of them that slew him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 22:20, the Apostle Paul, then known as Saul of Tarsus, stands before a Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, recounting his zealous past as a persecutor of Christians. This verse serves as a stark confession of his active complicity in the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, highlighting his presence, approval, and even logistical involvement in the brutal stoning, thereby setting the stage for his dramatic testimony of divine intervention and radical transformation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's defense speech before the agitated Jewish populace in Jerusalem, as recorded in [Acts 22](/acts/22 "Acts 22 - Paul's Defense Before the Crowd"). Having been seized by the crowd and nearly killed, Paul is granted permission by the Roman tribune to address his accusers. His speech, delivered in Aramaic, is a strategic and deeply personal testimony, beginning with his Jewish heritage and strict Pharisaic upbringing, then detailing his fervent zeal for the Law, which led him to persecute followers of "this Way." Acts 22:20 specifically recalls a pivotal moment from his past, connecting directly to the narrative of Stephen's martyrdom in [Acts 7:58-60](/acts/7-58-60 "Acts 7:58-60 - The Stoning of Stephen"), where Saul is first introduced as a young man approving of Stephen's death and guarding the cloaks of his executioners. This confession of his dark past serves to underscore the profound and undeniable nature of his conversion, which he immediately proceeds to describe in [Acts 22:6-16](/acts/22-6-16 "Acts 22:6-16 - Paul's Conversion Account").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's speech takes place in Jerusalem, the epicenter of Jewish religious and national identity, and the very city where Stephen was martyred. The Jewish authorities, particularly the Sanhedrin, held significant power under Roman oversight, including the ability to try cases of perceived blasphemy or heresy, though capital punishment often required Roman approval. Stoning was a prescribed method of execution for blasphemy in Jewish law. Paul's role in "keeping the raiment" (outer garments) of those stoning Stephen was not merely passive; it indicated a position of authority, approval, or even logistical oversight, signifying his active participation and endorsement of the execution. This act was deeply rooted in the cultural practice of removing outer garments for strenuous activity like stoning, and placing them at the feet of an authority figure or one who sanctioned the act. Paul's fervent zeal as a Pharisee, as he himself states in [Philippians 3:5-6](/philippians/3-5-6 "Philippians 3:5-6 - Paul's Former Zeal"), drove him to believe he was doing God's will by eradicating what he considered a dangerous heresy, making his later conversion all the more astonishing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and Paul's broader theology. First, it highlights **Paul's profound guilt and former zeal**, showcasing the depth of his opposition to the early Christian movement. His confession of "consenting unto his death" and "kept the raiment" underscores his active and authoritative role as a persecutor, a past he never shied away from acknowledging (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:9](/1_corinthians/15-9 "1 Corinthians 15:9 - Paul, the Least of the Apostles")). Second, it sets the stage for the theme of **divine transformation and radical grace**. The stark contrast between Paul the persecutor and Paul the apostle magnifies the immense power of God to convert even the most ardent enemies into fervent disciples, a central message of the book of Acts (e.g., [Acts 9](/acts/9 "Acts 9 - Saul's Conversion")). Finally, the reference to Stephen as "thy martyr" emphasizes the theme of **witness and martyrdom**. Stephen's faithful testimony, even unto death, served as a powerful witness to Christ's resurrection and divinity, and his sacrifice, though seemingly a defeat, ultimately played an unforeseen role in the conversion of his chief persecutor, demonstrating the enduring impact of faithful witness (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **martyr (Greek, _mártys'_):** (G3144) This word, from which we derive "martyr," literally means "witness." In its original context, it referred to someone who gives testimony in a court of law. Stephen was a witness to the truth of the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ, and he bore this witness faithfully, even to the point of death. His death was therefore the ultimate act of testimony, sealing his witness with his life.
* **consenting (Greek, _syneudokéō'_):** (G4909) This term signifies more than mere passive agreement; it implies active approval, pleasure, or delight in the action. Paul's use of this word reveals the depth of his conviction and satisfaction with Stephen's execution. He not only agreed that Stephen should die but found the act justifiable and perhaps even laudable from his zealous Pharisaic perspective.
* **kept (Greek, _phylássō'_):** (G5442) While "kept" can mean to guard or preserve, in this context, when applied to the "raiment," it suggests a role of overseeing or being responsible for the garments. This was not a menial task but indicated a position of authority or active participation and endorsement of the stoning. Paul's action was a public declaration of his solidarity with the executioners and his approval of their deed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed":** Paul begins by acknowledging Stephen's violent death, referring to him as "thy martyr," which in this context likely means "your witness" (referring to God's witness, or a witness for Christ), whose blood was poured out. This phrase vividly recalls the brutal act of stoning and emphasizes Stephen's faithful testimony unto death.
* **"I also was standing by":** This clause is a direct confession of Paul's physical presence at the scene of Stephen's execution. He was not merely aware of it but was an eyewitness, a detail that underscores his direct involvement and proximity to the violence.
* **"and consenting unto his death":** Here, Paul confesses his moral and intellectual complicity. He actively approved of Stephen's execution, believing it to be a righteous act. This was not a reluctant acceptance but a full endorsement, reflecting his zealous conviction that Stephen's message was blasphemous and deserving of death.
* **"and kept the raiment of them that slew him":** This final clause details Paul's practical involvement. By guarding the outer garments of those who were stoning Stephen, Paul performed a critical function that facilitated the execution. This act symbolized his full support and perhaps even leadership or oversight of the proceedings, marking him as a key figure in the persecution.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Confession** is central, as Paul openly admits his past culpability, which serves to disarm his Jewish audience and highlight the radical nature of his transformation. There is profound **irony** in Paul's confession: the man who sanctioned the death of God's witness would himself become God's preeminent witness, suffering greatly for the very message he once sought to destroy. The phrase "thy martyr Stephen" uses **apostrophe**, addressing God implicitly or Stephen directly, and elevates Stephen's death to a divinely recognized act of witness. The vivid imagery of "blood... shed" and "kept the raiment" uses **concrete detail** to make Paul's past actions tangible and impactful for his listeners, underscoring the severity of his former opposition to Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 22:20 is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, grace, and divine transformation. Paul's confession of his active participation in Stephen's martyrdom serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for profound sin, even when acting out of religious zeal. Yet, it simultaneously magnifies the boundless grace of God, who could take such a zealous persecutor and transform him into His most fervent apostle. This verse underscores that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive power, offering immense hope for all who acknowledge their sin and turn to Christ. It also highlights the enduring power of faithful witness, as Stephen's martyrdom, though tragic, ultimately contributed to the conversion of the very man who sanctioned his death, demonstrating how God can use even the darkest events for His sovereign purposes.

* [Acts 7:58-60](/acts/7-58-60 "The Stoning of Stephen and Saul's Presence")
* [1 Timothy 1:12-16](/1_timothy/1-12-16 "Paul's Testimony of God's Mercy and Grace")
* [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Where Sin Increased, Grace Abounded Much More")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's raw and unvarnished confession in Acts 22:20 offers invaluable lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to confront our own pasts with honesty, acknowledging any complicity in sin or opposition to God's will, even if done out of ignorance or misguided zeal. Paul's humility in admitting his role in Stephen's death, rather than minimizing it, serves as a powerful example of genuine repentance and the freedom that comes from confessing our failings. More profoundly, this verse is a beacon of hope, illustrating God's limitless grace and transformative power. If God could redeem and repurpose a zealous persecutor like Saul, He can certainly work in our lives, transforming our weaknesses, mistakes, and even our active opposition into instruments for His glory. It encourages us to never give up on anyone, no matter how far they seem from God, and to trust that the witness of faithful believers, even in suffering, can have unforeseen and eternal impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "consenting" to attitudes or actions that are contrary to God's will, even if subtly?**
* **How does Paul's confession of his past encourage me to be more honest about my own spiritual journey, including my failures?**
* **What does Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle teach me about the boundless grace and redemptive power of God?**
* **How can I, like Stephen, be a faithful "witness" for Christ in my daily life, even when facing opposition?**

### FAQ
**Why would Paul openly admit his role in Stephen's death to a hostile crowd?**

Answer: Paul's admission was a strategic and deeply personal move designed to establish common ground and emphasize the radical nature of his conversion. By openly confessing his past zeal as a persecutor of Christians, including his direct involvement in Stephen's death, Paul aimed to show the Jewish crowd that he was once just like them—a zealous defender of the Law who believed he was doing God's will. This confession then serves as a powerful backdrop against which to present his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (as detailed in [Acts 22:6-16](/acts/22-6-16 "Paul's Account of His Conversion")). His transformation from persecutor to apostle was not a gradual shift but a divine intervention, demonstrating that only a supernatural encounter with Jesus could have changed him so profoundly. This honesty also lent credibility to his testimony, showing he had nothing to hide about his past.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 22:20, while a confession of Paul's former sin, powerfully points to Christ in its demonstration of His transformative power and the nature of His kingdom. Stephen's martyrdom, where his blood was "shed," echoes the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness"). Stephen, as a "martyr" or witness, faithfully reflected Christ's own witness unto death, demonstrating the cost of discipleship in a fallen world. More profoundly, Paul's radical conversion from being "consenting unto his death" to becoming Christ's most fervent apostle is a living testament to the resurrection power of Jesus. It is Christ who calls the chief of sinners (as Paul himself confesses in [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")), transforms their hearts, and repurposes their zeal for His glory. Paul's future sufferings for Christ, which he often recounted (e.g., [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ")), mirror the path of the Master, fulfilling the prophecy that he would suffer greatly for Christ's name ([Acts 9:16](/acts/9-16 "Acts 9:16 - Paul Will Suffer for My Name")). Thus, this verse, steeped in human sin and violence, ultimately magnifies the redemptive work of Christ, who conquers even the most hardened hearts and uses even the most tragic events to advance His eternal purposes.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Acts 8:1

¶ And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Romans 1:32

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Revelation 2:13

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Revelation 17:6

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Luke 11:48

Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

Acts 26:10

Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against [them].