Acts 22:20
And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἷμα
the blood
G129
αἷμα
the blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
5 of 25
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μάρτυρός
martyr
G3144
μάρτυρός
martyr
Strong's:
G3144
Word #:
8 of 25
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτόν
I
G846
αὐτόν
I
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐφεστὼς
standing by
G2186
ἐφεστὼς
standing by
Strong's:
G2186
Word #:
13 of 25
to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνευδοκῶν
consenting
G4909
συνευδοκῶν
consenting
Strong's:
G4909
Word #:
15 of 25
to think well of in common, i.e., assent to, feel gratified with
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτόν
I
G846
αὐτόν
I
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φυλάσσων
kept
G5442
φυλάσσων
kept
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
20 of 25
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 7:58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.Acts 8:1And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.Revelation 2:13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Historical Context
Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7) occurred circa AD 33-34, possibly triggering Paul's broader persecution campaign. Stephen's speech emphasized Israel's rejection of prophets and the temporary nature of the temple, themes Paul would later develop. Stephen saw Jesus standing at God's right hand (Acts 7:56), prefiguring Paul's Damascus road vision.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's reference to Stephen's martyrdom demonstrate the long-term effects of faithful witness, even unto death?
- In what ways might your past sins uniquely equip you to minister grace to others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed—The Greek 'martys' (μάρτυς) means witness, later taking the meaning 'martyr' because witnessing often led to death. Paul admits he was standing by, and consenting (ἐφεστὼς καὶ συνευδοκῶν)—both physically present and morally approving. The participle 'suneuedokeō' indicates active agreement, not passive observation. He kept the raiment (φυλάσσων τὰ ἱμάτια) of the executioners, facilitating murder. This confession reveals Paul's full culpability, yet demonstrates grace's power to save 'the chief of sinners' (1 Timothy 1:15). Stephen's dying prayer—'Lord, lay not this sin to their charge' (Acts 7:60)—found answer in Paul's conversion.