Updated:- Wednesday, October 18th, 2023
What Role Did Saul Play in Stephen’s Killing?
Saul was in agreement with the Jews who stoned Apostle Stephen to death. He watched their clothes while they committed murder.
Therefore, he was an accessory to his murder. As a result, the Bible says:
“… Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; … they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1).
Let’s continue with our Book of Acts Bible Study. Today, our primary Scripture Reference is Acts 8:1-8.
Regardless of what we do the will of the Lord must be done. Saul’s only passion was to rid the world of these heresy Believers.
Why Did Saul Approve of Stephen’s Death?
Stephen was a Believer in Jesus Christ but Saul was a devoted and ill-guided Pharisee. The former was a Believer in Jesus Christ, while the latter was on a mission to rid the earth of all who called on the name of Jesus.
Moreover, with Stephen dead, Saul of Tarsus could have one less heresy-believer to bind and drag to prison.
Did Saul Kill Stephen?
No! But, if four youngsters decided to rob a business and one of them watched for the police while the other three stole, they were all guilty of the crime.
This is true even though he stole nothing because an accessory to a crime is as guilty as the perpetrators. It’s a similar thing with Saul and Stephen.
He did not kill Stephen but he agreed with those who did. He shoved his agreement by watching their clothes while they murdered him.
Was Saul Present at the Stoning of Stephen?
Yes, he was there. He did not cast a stone at Stephen but he is as guilty as those who did so. He showed that he agreed with his murder by watching over the clothes of the murderers and by doing nothing to stop them.
The Church was Scattered by This one Act of The Persecutor
Therefore, he did everything in his power to eliminate them. Man or woman, as long as they were Believers in Jesus Christ he vows to get rid of them.
As a result, as he searched for Believers to imprison or kill them they dispersed into the regions.
“And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him” (Acts 8:2).
After you are gone, what do you want others to remember about you? Your good name? Your passions or work? Or your faith in God through Jesus Christ?
“As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison,” (Acts 8:3).
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Because of Him – Philip Did This
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went [everywhere] preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).
This is what Jesus instructed them to do: “Go” into all the world and preach the gospel. But, instead of obeying him, they establish themselves in Jerusalem.
“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them,” (Acts 8:5).
So, preachers, pastors, teachers, and Christians make Jesus Christ the nucleus of your ministry.
Don’t become sidetracked. Teach Christ! Preach him. Focus on his life, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection. He is the answer to all our problems.
“And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did,” (Acts 8:6).
Note the behavior of the citizens of Samaria when they heard Philip preach Jesus Christ. They accepted and believed his words regarding him.
How Do You Respond To The Gospel of Jesus Christ?
If we reject and fail to believe the Word of God, it is powerless to save us. We must believe it.
Recall, that Philip is one of the Seven Deacons. Remember too that he is full of the Holy Ghost; therefore, he did many miracles and mighty works.
“For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed,” (Acts 8:7).
Consequently, this is one of the features that differentiate a Believer who is full of the Holy Ghost from one who claims to be filled with Him. Unclean spirits or demons obey such a one.
“And there was great joy in that city,” (Acts 8:1-8).
Whenever the Word of God reaches a city, joy is present.
