Paul's Hebrew name was Saul, but after believing in Christ…

Paul's Hebrew name was Saul, but after believing in Christ, he came to be known by his Greek name, Paul.

The witnesses who testified that Stephen had blasphemed placed their garments at Saul's feet when they threw stones at him.
This is thought to be because Saul possessed something like an official authorization for execution from the council.

Saul witnessed Stephen being stoned right there...😨

He must have also heard Stephen's voice, choked with emotion, praying, "Lord 🙏, do not hold this sin against them."

This prayer of Stephen...🛐... would later have a profound impact on Saul.

Saul, who had watched Stephen's death by stoning with a cold gaze, would later encounter Jesus in chapter 9 and undergo a dramatic conversion.

Paul realized that believing in and following Jesus meant following Him with his life.

He was ultimately martyred in Rome.

...Stephen's martyrdom led Paul to dedicate his life to his remarkable missionary work, and he wrote about half of the New Testament.

...Similarly, in modern times,
each of us is being challenged to reflect on our attitude towards faith!

...Shalom 😄

This page archives a Morning Word message shared by Pastor Peter Sunagawa on LINE. The English prose is a translation of the Japanese source message. For Scripture wording, use the BSB link above.