New Testament
Acts 7:58
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They dragged him out of the city and began stoning him. The witnesses piled their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
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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.
What Acts 7:58 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Stephen, a devoted follower of Jesus, faced a brutal fate. The crowd, filled with anger, dragged him out of the city to stone him, a punishment for his bold faith. As they prepared to execute him, the witnesses, who were supposed to uphold justice, laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. This act signified Saul's approval of the violence against Stephen. It highlights the deep conflict between the early Christians and the Jewish leaders. Stephen's unwavering faith, even in the face of death, serves as a powerful example of courage. His story reminds us that standing up for our beliefs can come with great cost, but it also inspires us to remain steadfast in our convictions. The scene is a turning point, not just for Stephen, but also for Saul, who would later become a key figure in spreading the message of Jesus. This moment encapsulates the struggle between faith and opposition, illustrating the challenges believers often face in their journey.
How to apply Acts 7:58 to your life
When faced with challenges for our beliefs, we can draw strength from Stephen's example. His courage encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, even when it's difficult. Remember that our actions can inspire others, just as Stephen's faith impacted Saul's future. Stay true to your values, no matter the cost. Your faith can make a difference in the world around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
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Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Acts 7:58
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 7:58 mean?
Acts 7:58 describes the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, highlighting the violent opposition he faced for his faith. The verse shows how the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of Saul, indicating his approval of the act and foreshadowing his later transformation.
What is the significance of Saul in Acts 7:58?
In Acts 7:58, Saul is depicted as a young man who supports the stoning of Stephen, representing the early persecution of Christians. His presence is significant because he later becomes Paul, a key figure in spreading Christianity.
What does the act of stoning symbolize in Acts 7:58?
The act of stoning in Acts 7:58 symbolizes the extreme measures taken by the Jewish leaders to silence dissent and maintain control over religious beliefs. It reflects the intense conflict between early Christians and the established religious authorities.
How does Acts 7:58 relate to the theme of persecution?
Acts 7:58 illustrates the theme of persecution by showing how Stephen was violently punished for his faith. This moment highlights the challenges faced by early Christians and serves as a reminder of the risks involved in standing up for one's beliefs.
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