Spiritual Spark 🔥

Then Stephen knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died. And Saul approved of their killing him (Acts 7:60--8:1)

What is the role of Saul in the killing of Stephen? He is not with the other religiously fanatic people stoning Stephen. He is only taking care of the coats of the witnesses. But he also shares in their guilt because he approves the killing of an innocent man.

According to ancient Jewish laws, witnesses were supposed to be the first ones to cast first stones (cf. Deut 17:7). The witnesses must have been acquainted with Saul (a part of his friendly circle) and asked him to take care of their coats. Saul also approves the brutal killing of Stephen in spite of witnessing the great act of Stephen forgiving his murderers.

In these difficult days, if we forward messages and videos blaming and targeting any particular group, like Paul, we, too, become indirectly guilty of the blood of the innocents lynched mercilessly.

Good day and God bless us all! 🙏🏼🔪