ACC ~ Acts 7 v58

LIKE CHRIST, HE SUFFERED OUTSIDE THE GATE. BEDE: The Lord too, who “chose” us “out of the world” for his heavenly kingdom and glory, suffered outside the gate, like Stephen, who, as though he were a stranger to the world, was stoned outside the city. For he had no permanent city here, but with his whole heart he sought the city to come. And, in accordance with the vicissitudes of events, the martyr directed the gaze of his pure heart to heaven, while the stiff-necked persecutor stretched out his hands toward the stones. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 7.58.

OUT OF REBELLION THEY HURLED STONES. ARATOR: Insane, rebellious Judea, you hurl stones against Stephen, you who will always be stony because of your hard crime. ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1.

GOD’S POWER WROUGHT IN PAUL. CHRYSOSTOM: Notice with what accuracy he narrates all that concerns Paul, to show you that the action was divine. After all this, not only did Paul not believe, but he even sought him with a thousand hands. This is why it says, “And Saul approved of his killing.” HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 18.

A JUST REWARD FOR ALL. ARATOR: The savage men lay down their garments at the feet of Saul, what the Hebrew calls hell. Both sides now decide to declare what they deserve from this [martyrdom] when the martyr seeks heaven, the executioners “hell.” The first circumstance [of martyrdom] reveals and makes as an example what flows from this fountain to one engaged in such a struggle; thus Tartarus quickly comes upon those who commit murder, while heaven lies open for the dying. ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1.

Acts