Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Although the passage from Acts (Acts 7:57-8:1) does not record Saul (Paul) as having participated in the actual stoning of Stephen, the Bible does say that he witnessed it, kept the garments of those who did participate, and consented to their action.

Also, Paul himself later said in Acts 22:20 (speaking of his prior words addressed to God), "And when the blood of Stephen Thy witness was shed, I also was standing by and approving, and keeping the garments of those who killed him," indicating that he himself felt just as responsible as those who had performed the stoning.

Therefore, I would say that Paul was definitely one of those for whom Stephen prayed. I think that this is further indicated because of the way in which God subsequently used Paul, in spite of his prior persecution of Christians, indicating that (at least in Paul's case), his prior sin had been put away by God, which was what Stephen had prayed for.

July 02 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Gregory Tomlinson Minister, husband,father,grandfather,vet., college graduate

Acts 7:60 states Stephen prayed that the sin of killing him not be laid to their charge. Although Saul did not physically throw a rock, in his heart he did. In verse 7:58 there is no prayer but in verse sixty there is. 

If you consent to unrighteous acts you become guilty with those that commit those acts. 2 John verse 1&2 state: [10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
[11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.(KJV)
This answers also questions about supporting or encouraging sin (wrongful acts) how can anyone support another when they themselves should mortify those actions. If you can support it whether out of fear of acceptance or not then your heart is not right. Mortify is the opposite of glorify. It means to be deeply ashamed and regret, which is the proper mind set of a repentant heart.
Rom.8
1.	[13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Col.3
1.	[5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

In many modern Bible translations this word is often left out. Consenting to or supporting those who commit sin causes you to share the guilt so Saul was included in the prayer to not lay it to their charge or account. To escape that guilt he would have had to be ashamed and rebuked them for that action and attitude of violence and hatred. I hope this answers your question. Maranatha

July 02 2018 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report