Thematic Bible: In persecuting stephen
Thematic Bible
religious Intolerance » The jewish leaders » In persecuting stephen
Saul heartily approved of his being put to death. So on that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all of them, except the apostles, were scattered over Judea and Samaria. Some devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation for him. But Saul continued to harass the church, and by going from house to house and dragging off men and women he continued to put them into prison.
But members of the synagogue known as that of the Libyans, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and men from Cilicia and Asia, got to debating with Stephen, but they could not cope with his good practical sense and the spiritual power with which he usually spoke. So they instigated men to say, "We have heard him speaking abusive words against Moses and God." read more.
By this means they excited the people, the elders, and the scribes, and so they rushed upon him, seized him, and brought him before the council. Then they put up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops saying things against this holy place and against the law, for we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will tear this place down, and change the customs which Moses handed down to us." Then all who were seated in the council fixed their eyes upon him and saw that his face was like that of an angel.
By this means they excited the people, the elders, and the scribes, and so they rushed upon him, seized him, and brought him before the council. Then they put up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops saying things against this holy place and against the law, for we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will tear this place down, and change the customs which Moses handed down to us." Then all who were seated in the council fixed their eyes upon him and saw that his face was like that of an angel.
But they raised a great shout and held their ears, and all together rushed upon him, and dragged him out of the city and continued stoning him. The witnesses, in the meantime, laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They continued stoning Stephen as he continued praying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"