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RELIGION’S REACTION TO THE TRUTH

Act 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with
one accord,

The religious leaders fight the conviction they feel by killing Stephen in an attempt to stop his
message. Since they are in a courtroom (6:15) and not in the streets surrounded by multitudes
of people, they feel safe in attacking Stephen and dragging him outside to be stoned.

These religious leaders are now out of control. They are acting like wild animals. They scream
in an attempt to drown out Stephen’s voice. They also cover their ears to block themselves
from hearing Stephen sermon any longer. These men represent the highest court in the land,
yet they are acting like maniacs. This is the reaction of religion when it is cornered.

STEPHEN’S STONING

Act 7:58 And 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.

Since the members of the religious council are sticklers about obeying the law, they stone
Stephen outside the city. The witnesses of the stoning are the false witnesses who had been

bribed by the court into giving a false testimony against Stephen (6:11-14).

Act 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

The council does not stoned Stephen; they stand by and watch the false witnesses stone him.

While Stephen is being stoned, he calls out for the Lord to receive his spirit.

Act 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their
charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Stephen, like Jesus on the cross, is interceding for the people who are stoning him. Those
watching are just as guilty as those who stoned Stephen. Stephen’s prayer, like that of Jesus on
the cross, will be answered after his death. Jesus asked for those who crucified Him to be

forgiven. Later, the Roman guard received salvation. Stephen’s prayer results in the salvation
of Saul of Tarsus who stands by, holding the coats of those who do the stoning. This prayer will
be answered in chapter 9.