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Acts 22:20 (BSB)
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.’
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“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.’” — Acts 22:20
Imagine standing in a crowd, feeling the tension rise as someone is being harmed, and you’re not just a bystander; you’re actively approving what’s happening. That’s the intense moment captured in this verse! It's raw and real. Here, we see someone (Saul) not just witnessing the violence against Stephen but actually supporting it. You can almost feel the weight of that decision hanging in the air. It’s a stark reminder of how powerful our choices can be, even in moments of chaos.
This book was written by Luke, a close friend of Paul (formerly Saul). Luke’s perspective is unique; he wasn’t one of the original disciples but became a follower of Jesus through the stories he heard. He included this detail to show the intense change that took place in Saul’s life. It highlights how deeply he was involved in the persecution of Christians and makes his later conversion and commitment to spreading the message of Jesus even more remarkable. It’s like a plot twist in a story you didn’t see coming!
When Luke wrote this, the early church was facing severe opposition from both religious leaders and the Roman government. It was a time when speaking out for your beliefs could lead to real danger, just like what happened to Stephen. This context matters because it shows the high stakes involved. People were risking everything for their faith, and Saul was at the center of that conflict, representing the resistance against this new movement. Understanding this helps you appreciate the courage it took for believers to stand up and share their faith.
This verse matters because it reminds you that even in moments of darkness and wrongdoing, change is possible. Saul went from being a supporter of violence to one of the greatest advocates for peace and love. It tells us that no matter where you find yourself today—whether you feel lost, confused, or even guilty—there’s always hope for transformation. If someone like Saul can change, then so can you! This verse challenges you to think about your choices and their impact on others.
Take a moment this week to reflect on your own choices. Are there situations where you might be standing by and approving something you know isn’t right? Maybe it's in conversations, social media, or even how you treat others. Challenge yourself to speak up for what’s right, just like Stephen did, even if it feels uncomfortable. You could also reach out to someone you know who is struggling and offer your support. Small actions can make a big difference!
So, here’s the setup: Saul is recounting his past as he stands before a crowd, sharing his story to explain how he turned from persecuting Christians to becoming one himself. Just before this moment, Stephen, a devoted follower, had boldly shared his faith and faced fierce opposition. The crowd turned violent, and Saul was right there, watching and approving. This verse is pivotal because it shows the dramatic turning point in Saul's life. His approval of Stephen's death sets the stage for his own transformation later on. This moment is crucial—it’s where his journey begins, filled with tension and conflict.
When you think about the choices you make in difficult situations, how do you want to be remembered—like Saul, standing by, or like Stephen, standing up?
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