And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul highlights his passive role in Stephen's death, not just by "standing by," but by approving and watching over the clothes—a detail that shows he was actively involved in guarding the executioners, fully endorsing their violent act. This isn't just a regretful memory; it's a stark admission of his complicity, emphasizing the depth of his transformation and the gravity of the sin he was rescued from.
And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is recounting his dramatic conversion experience to a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. He's trying to explain how he went from being their fiercest persecutor to an ardent follower of Jesus. He had just detailed his initial persecution of Christians, and here he confesses his active, approving role in the brutal stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
Paul doesn't just recall his presence at Stephen's stoning; he details his active role. What does his detailed confession reveal about his heart then, and his heart now?
In Acts 22:20, Paul paints a vivid picture of his complicity in Stephen's death. He wasn't merely present; he was actively approving and guarding the clothes of the executioners.
Active Approval
The Greek word used for 'approving' (or 'consenting') suggests not just passive agreement, but a heartfelt endorsement of the act. Paul wasn't disturbed or conflicted; he agreed with the killing.
Guarding the Robes
His role in keeping the garments of those stoning Stephen highlights his full commitment. By taking responsibility for their discarded clothing, he symbolically associated himself with their violent action. This wasn't a distant observation; it was participation, albeit in a logistical capacity.
This memory serves as a stark reminder of the depth of his former hatred and the immense grace he would later receive.
The Bible calls Stephen a 'witness' here, but tradition often calls him a 'martyr'. What's the difference, and why does this word choice matter so much in Paul's testimony?
The verse calls Stephen a 'witness'. While 'martyr' (from the Greek word for witness) has come to mean someone who dies for their faith, the primary meaning in the New Testament is simply 'one who testifies' or 'bears witness' to something they have seen or experienced.
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Stephen's Testimony
Stephen was indeed a powerful witness, boldly proclaiming God's truth even as he was being stoned (Acts 7). His life and death testified to the reality of Jesus.
Paul's Calling
Interestingly, the very Greek word used for Stephen's role as a witness is the same word that describes the calling Jesus later gives to Paul: to be a witness for His name (Acts 22:15).
By recalling Stephen as a 'witness,' Paul emphasizes the shared calling and the tragic irony that he, who was destined to be a witness himself, was involved in silencing another faithful witness.
Understand the original words
martys · Greek Noun
One who provides evidence or testimony to the truth, often through suffering or martyrdom; a person who has seen or experienced the events of Christ's life and ministry.
Paul's vivid recollection of his role in Stephen's death highlights his profound transformation and underscores the immense grace he received, making his later ministry a testament to God's power to redeem even the most zealous opponents.
c. AD 30-33
Stephen's Ministry and Martyrdom
Stephen, one of the first seven deacons, preaches powerfully in Jerusalem and performs signs. He is arrested and accused of blasphemy, leading to his stoning.
c. AD 33— this verse
Saul Approves Stephen's Death
Saul (later Paul) stands by as Stephen is stoned, actively approving of the execution and guarding the executioners' clothes. This event marks the beginning of Saul's intense persecution of the early church.
c. AD 33-36
Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem
Following Stephen's death, Saul leads a widespread persecution of Christians in Jerusalem, arresting both men and women and driving many believers out of the city.
c. AD 36
Saul's Journey to Damascus
Saul travels to Damascus with letters authorizing him to arrest Christians there. On the road, he has a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus, leading to his conversion.
c. AD 36-40
Paul's Early Ministry in Arabia and Damascus
After his conversion, Paul spends time in Arabia and then returns to Damascus, where he begins preaching about Jesus, causing a major shift from his former persecutor role.
This passage directly parallels Paul's involvement in Stephen's death, establishing his role as a 'consenter' and 'keeper of garments,' underscoring his deep complicity before his conversion.
Acts 7:58This verse describes the stoning of Stephen, setting the scene for the event Paul recounts and highlighting the violent actions he passively supported.
Romans 1:32Paul reflects on the grave sin of 'consenting' to wrongdoing, a concept he uses here in Acts and applies more broadly to human sinfulness, showing his awareness of the spiritual weight of his past actions.
Revelation 2:13This passage refers to Antipas as a 'faithful witness' (martyr) in Pergamum, echoing the theme of martyrdom and the spiritual significance of bearing witness even unto death, similar to Stephen.
ellicottActs 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."
(20) When the blood of thy martyr Stephen . . . . —Better, thy witness. The English word is, perhaps, a little too definite and technical, and fails to remind us, as the Greek does, that the same word had been used in Acts 22:15 as expressing the office to which St. Paul himself was called. He probably used the Aramaic word Edh, of w…
wesleyActs 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."
22:20 When the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by - A real convert still retains the remembrance of his former sins. He confesses thorn and is humbled for them, all the days of his life.
Paul highlights his passive role in Stephen's death, not just by "standing by," but by approving and watching over the clothes—a detail that shows he was actively involved in guarding the executioners, fully endorsing their violent act. This isn't just a regretful memory; it's a stark admission of his complicity, emphasizing the depth of his transformation and the gravity of the sin he was rescued from.
Paul is recounting his dramatic conversion experience to a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. He's trying to explain how he went from being their fiercest persecutor to an ardent follower of Jesus. He had just detailed his initial persecution of Christians, and here he confesses his active, approving role in the brutal stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
Paul is recounting his dramatic conversion experience to a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. He's trying to explain how he went from being their fiercest persecutor to an ardent follower of Jesus. He had just detailed his initial persecution of Christians, and here he confesses his active, approving role in the brutal stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
"And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’" — Paul highlights his passive role in Stephen's death, not just by "standing by," but by approving and watching over the clothes—a detail that shows he was actively involved in guarding the executi…
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Last reviewed October 2026