Acts 22:20
What does Acts 22:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 22:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 22:20 means
Paul adds that when Stephen’s blood was shed, he stood by, approving and guarding the garments of those who killed him. This is a stark admission. He identifies himself with the earliest violent rejection of the gospel. Mentioning Stephen underscores the depth of Paul’s past opposition and his sorrow over it. It also implies that martyrdom did not silence the message; indeed, the witness of Stephen now echoes in Paul’s own testimony. Grace has triumphed over murderous consent. By naming this sin publicly, Paul shows the reality of repentance and the greatness of the mercy that has reoriented his life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of them that slew him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of them that slew him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when Stephen your witness was put to death, I was there, giving approval, and looking after the clothing of those who put him to death.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and when the blood of thy witness Stephen was being poured forth, I also was standing by and assenting to his death, and keeping the garments of those putting him to death;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I stood by and consented: and kept the garments of them that killed him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and when the blood of thy witness Stephen was shed, I also myself was standing by and consenting, and kept the clothes of them who killed him.
Context
This verse continues Paul’s answer to the Lord (verses 19–20), recalling a notorious event known among believers. It prepares for the Lord’s decisive word in verse 21, ending debate and sending Paul to the Gentiles. For the listening crowd, Stephen’s mention may stir painful memories. The narrative’s momentum is about to shift from reflective confession to a fresh commission, which will trigger the crowd’s outrage in verses 22–23.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:13
I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.
- Luke 11:48
So ye are witnesses and consent unto the works of your fathers: for they killed them, and ye build their tombs.
- Romans 1:32
who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practise them.
- Revelation 17:6
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with a great wonder.
- Acts 8:1
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles.
- Acts 26:10
And this I also did in Jerusalem: and I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.
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