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.

ACTS 22:20KJV
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Acts 22:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:20 mean?

Acts 22:20 describes Paul recalling how he stood by and agreed with the killing of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, even holding the coats of those who stoned him. Paul is admitting his past involvement and approval of Stephen’s death as he speaks to a crowd in Jerusalem.

Paul is speaking to a Jewish audience, explaining his background and actions before his conversion to Christianity. By mentioning Stephen’s martyrdom, Paul highlights both the seriousness of his former opposition to Christians and his personal connection to a key event in early church history. This confession shows Paul’s honesty about his past and sets the stage for his testimony about how his life changed.

The Greek behind Acts 22:20

  • The word for "martyr" is μάρτυς (martys), which means "witness" but came to refer to someone who dies for their faith. Here, it emphasizes Stephen’s role as both a witness to Jesus and someone who was killed because of it.
  • The word for "consenting" is συνευδοκέω (syneudokeō), meaning to approve or agree with. Paul is not just present but actively agreeing with Stephen’s execution, showing the depth of his former opposition.
  • The word for "kept" is φυλάσσω (phylassō), which means to guard or watch over. Paul didn’t just happen to be there; he took responsibility for the clothing of those carrying out the stoning, indicating his involvement.

Why Acts 22:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul was not a passive bystander but an active participant in the persecution of early Christians, which makes his later transformation more striking.
  • By referencing Stephen’s death, Paul connects his story to a pivotal moment in the early church, reminding listeners of the cost of following Jesus.
  • The verse helps readers understand Paul’s humility and honesty in admitting his past, which adds credibility to his testimony and message.

Where else these words appear

“death” Greek G336 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 8:1 And 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.

“consenting” Greek G4909 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 11:48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
  • Acts 8:1 And 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

“Stephen” Greek G4736 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
  • Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
  • Acts 8:2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

“was” Greek G2252 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
  • Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?