Definition: And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young manâs feet, whose name was Saul.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 7:58. It's a really important story about starting a new path for someone who was previously living in a very difficult and potentially dangerous situation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Man Was Being Harassed: A man, named Saul, was being relentlessly harassed by people in the city of Corinth. He was being treated unfairly, and he was facing trouble. They Stoned Him: The crowd, angered by his situation, decided to “cast him out” – meaning they threw stones at him – and even “stoned” him – meaning they hit him with stones. This is a harsh punishment meant to stop him from causing further problems. The Witnesses Did Something Else: As Saul was being stoned, people started to cover his feet with the clothes of a young man. It wasn’t a celebratory gesture; it was a sign of respect and sorrow. What It Means – A Bit Deeper: This event is considered a crucial step in how God called Saul to be an apostle (a messenger) to lead others to Jesus Christ. Here's the key understanding: Showing Respect & Humility: The act of covering Saul’s feet with the young man’s clothes demonstrates immense respect and humility. It shows that Saul recognized his own wrongdoing and was acknowledging God’s justice. It wasn't about trying to appease the crowd; it was about showing deference to God’s will. Acknowledging Sin: The act of covering his feet is symbolic. It represents Saul admitting he was in a terrible situation – a situation that was causing him pain and distress. It acknowledges that he needed help. God's Guidance: This event shows that God wasn't just passively allowing things to happen. He was actively intervening, guiding events, and showing his care for Saul. In short, this verse tells us that God is concerned about people’s well-being and is using difficult situations to lead them towards a better path. It’s important to note: The Bible doesn't give us all the details of Saul's later life or why he became an apostle. But this verse is a foundational part of understanding how God started his mission to spread His message. --- Do you want me to: Explain another aspect of this story? Give you a quick summary in a different way?