Acts 7:58

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} cast {G1544} him out of {G1854} the city {G4172}, and stoned {G3036} him: and {G2532} the witnesses {G3144} laid down {G659} their {G846} clothes {G2440} at {G3844} a young man's {G3494} feet {G4228}, whose name was {G2564} Saul {G4569}.

Complete Jewish Bible

threw him outside the city and began stoning him. And the witnesses laid down their coats at the feet of a young man named Sha’ul.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:58 records the climactic and tragic martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was brutally stoned outside Jerusalem's city walls for his unwavering testimony to Jesus Christ. This pivotal moment not ably seals Stephen's faithful witness but also introduces a significant figure in early church history: a young man named Saul, who actively assented to Stephen's death, setting the stage for his later dramatic conversion and profound impact as the Apostle Paul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Stephen's powerful and provocative sermon before the Sanhedrin, which occupies the majority of [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Sermon and Martyrdom"). Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, recounted Israel's history of rebellion against God, culminating in their rejection of the Messiah, Jesus ([Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's Accusation")). His declaration of seeing "the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" ([Acts 7:56](/acts/7-56 "Acts 7:56 - Stephen's Vision")) was perceived as ultimate blasphemy by the Jewish leaders, inciting a violent, uncontrollable rage among the crowd. The narrative quickly shifts from Stephen's divine vision to the mob's furious response, leading directly to his execution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Stoning was a prescribed form of capital punishment under Jewish law, typically reserved for offenses like blasphemy or idolatry. Executions were usually carried out outside the city gates to avoid defiling the holy city, a practice reflected in Stephen being "cast out of the city." The witnesses to the alleged crime were required by Deuteronomic law ([Deuteronomy 17:7](/deuteronomy/17-7 "Deuteronomy 17:7 - Witnesses Cast First Stone")) to cast the first stones, emphasizing their responsibility and commitment to the verdict. The act of laying down clothes at someone's feet signified a transfer of responsibility or an acknowledgment of authority, indicating Saul's active participation or oversight in the proceedings, even if not directly casting stones himself.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 7:58 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **persecution and martyrdom** faced by the early church, demonstrating the cost of discipleship and the unwavering faith of believers even unto death. Stephen's death also serves as a critical turning point, leading to the dispersion of believers and the wider spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem ([Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Persecution and Dispersion")). Most notably, this verse introduces the theme of **divine transformation and redemption** through the figure of Saul, whose presence here as an antagonist dramatically foreshadows his future as the Apostle Paul, a testament to God's ability to convert even the most fervent opponents into powerful advocates for Christ ([Acts 9](/acts/9 "Acts 9 - Saul's Conversion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** From this word, we derive "martyr." In this context, it refers to those who testified against Stephen, accusing him of blasphemy. Ironically, Stephen himself becomes the ultimate "martyr" in the modern sense, bearing witness to Christ with his life and death. The term highlights the legal aspect of the stoning, as witnesses were required to initiate the execution.
* **Laid down (Greek, _apotíthēmi'_):** This verb signifies putting something away or casting it aside. Here, it describes the witnesses removing their outer garments. This action was practical, allowing them freedom of movement for the strenuous act of stoning, but also symbolic, indicating their full participation and commitment to the execution. The act of laying them at Saul's feet suggests his oversight or approval.
* **Young man (Greek, _neanías'_):** This term describes a person in the prime of life, typically ranging from early twenties to late thirties or even early forties. It indicates that Saul was not a child but an adult capable of holding significant responsibility or authority within the Jewish legal and religious system, underscoring his active role and influence in the events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And cast [him] out of the city":** This phrase describes the initial action taken against Stephen, aligning with Jewish legal custom for executions, particularly for blasphemy, which mandated that such punishments occur outside the city walls to avoid defiling the holy city of Jerusalem. It emphasizes the public and communal nature of the condemnation.
* **"and stoned [him]":** This is the method of execution, a violent and public act of capital punishment. It signifies the extreme anger and condemnation of the crowd, who, in their fury, took the law into their own hands, likely without formal Roman approval, driven by Stephen's perceived blasphemy.
* **"and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet":** This detail is crucial. The "witnesses" were legally obligated to cast the first stones. Their act of removing their outer garments (clothes) was practical for stoning and symbolic of their direct involvement. Laying these garments at "a young man's feet" indicates that this individual had a position of authority or approval over the execution, receiving the garments as a sign of his oversight.
* **"whose name was Saul":** This is the dramatic introduction of a figure who will become central to the New Testament narrative. The naming of Saul here is not merely an identification but a foreshadowing of his future role, first as a persecutor of the church, and then, through divine intervention, as its most zealous missionary and theologian, the Apostle Paul.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 7:58 employs several powerful literary devices. The scene is rich in **Irony**, as those who are "witnesses" (Greek: _mártyres_) against Stephen are ironically contrasted with Stephen himself, who becomes the ultimate "martyr" by bearing witness to Christ with his life. The act of **Foreshadowing** is profound with the introduction of "a young man named Saul." His presence and involvement in Stephen's death dramatically anticipate his later role as a fierce persecutor of Christians and, ultimately, his transformative conversion into the Apostle Paul, setting the stage for one of the most significant character arcs in biblical history. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the witnesses laying down their clothes at Saul's feet signifies not only his practical oversight but also his implicit or explicit approval and authority over Stephen's execution, marking him as a key figure in this tragic event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:58 stands as a stark reminder of the cost of faithful witness in a hostile world, yet it simultaneously unveils God's sovereign plan to use even the darkest moments for His redemptive purposes. Stephen's death, mirroring Christ's own suffering and forgiveness, inaugurates the era of Christian martyrdom, demonstrating that true faith can endure even unto death. Furthermore, the introduction of Saul, a zealous opponent of Christ, highlights God's radical power to transform hearts and repurpose lives for His glory, setting the stage for the gospel's expansion through unexpected means. This verse underscores the divine paradox where human malice is ultimately subservient to God's overarching redemptive narrative.

* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Enduring Persecution")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:58 offers profound lessons for believers today. Stephen's unwavering faith in the face of death, his vision of Christ, and his final prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors serve as a powerful model of Christ-like endurance and grace. His martyrdom reminds us that following Christ may involve suffering and opposition, but it also promises an ultimate vindication and eternal reward. More remarkably, the introduction of Saul in this context challenges us to consider God's boundless capacity for transformation. The man who approved of Stephen's stoning would become the greatest missionary of the early church, a living testament to the power of God's grace to convert even the most ardent opponents into passionate advocates. This narrative encourages us to never give up on anyone, to pray for those who persecute, and to trust that God's plan is always at work, even in the midst of tragedy and injustice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Stephen's death challenge your understanding of faithful witness in the face of opposition?**
* **What does Saul's presence at Stephen's stoning teach us about God's redemptive power and His ability to transform lives?**
* **In what ways might you be called to exhibit Christ-like forgiveness towards those who oppose you or your faith?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the witnesses laying their clothes at Saul's feet?**

Answer: The act of the witnesses laying their outer garments at Saul's feet was both practical and symbolic. Practically, it allowed them freedom of movement for the strenuous act of stoning. Symbolically, it indicated that Saul had a position of authority or approval over the execution. According to Jewish law, the witnesses were required to cast the first stones ([Deuteronomy 17:7](/deuteronomy/17-7 "Deuteronomy 17:7 - Witnesses Cast First Stone")), and by placing their clothes at Saul's feet, they were essentially entrusting him with their official role or seeking his endorsement for their actions. This detail highlights Saul's active involvement and implicit leadership in Stephen's martyrdom, setting the stage for his later role as a persecutor of the early church, as seen in [Acts 8:3](/acts/8-3 "Acts 8:3 - Saul's Persecution").

**Why was Stephen stoned, and not subjected to a Roman trial?**

Answer: Stephen was stoned because the Jewish leaders accused him of blasphemy, a capital offense under Jewish law. His sermon, particularly his declaration of seeing "the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" ([Acts 7:56](/acts/7-56 "Acts 7:56 - Stephen's Vision")), was perceived as a direct challenge to the authority of God and the temple, inciting extreme rage among the Sanhedrin and the crowd. While Judea was under Roman rule, and the Romans typically reserved the right of capital punishment, the Jewish authorities often acted with a degree of autonomy in religious matters, especially when mob rule took over. This was not a formal Roman trial but a spontaneous, religiously motivated lynching, driven by the intense fury of the crowd. This mirrors the irregular nature of Jesus's own trial and execution, where Jewish leaders pressed for his death, ultimately carried out by Roman authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:58, though a scene of profound human malice, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications. Stephen's martyrdom is a powerful echo of Christ's own suffering and death. Like Jesus, Stephen was falsely accused, dragged outside the city, and executed by an enraged mob. His final words, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" ([Acts 7:59](/acts/7-59 "Acts 7:59 - Stephen's Final Prayer")), directly parallel Jesus's cry on the cross, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus's Final Words")). Even more strikingly, Stephen's prayer, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" ([Acts 7:60](/acts/7-60 "Acts 7:60 - Stephen Forgives")), mirrors Christ's plea for His crucifiers, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives")). Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, perfectly embodies Christ's character in his suffering and forgiveness, becoming the first Christian martyr who truly walked in the footsteps of his Lord. Furthermore, the presence of Saul, who assented to Stephen's death, highlights the transformative power of the resurrected Christ. The very one who oversaw the death of Christ's follower would be confronted by the risen Lord on the road to Damascus ([Acts 9:1-6](/acts/9-1-6 "Acts 9:1-6 - Saul's Conversion")), becoming His most zealous apostle. This dramatic shift underscores that Christ's redemptive work extends even to His most fervent enemies, demonstrating His boundless grace and sovereign plan to build His church through unexpected means, turning persecutors into preachers.

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 22:20

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.

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.

Leviticus 24:14

Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard [him] lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

Leviticus 24:16

And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, [and] all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name [of the LORD], shall be put to death.

Acts 6:13

And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

Acts 22:4

And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Deuteronomy 17:7

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.