I Appeal To Caesar!

No one watches with total innocence! Many are troubled by their mixed emotions while others are outright disgusted with the proceedings or indignant. Some believers find their faith in Scripture badly shaken, others applaud the death of one they feel is either a heretic or blasphemer. . . . Some can no longer watch, they turn their backs, sickened by the horrible sight. A few stagger away and begin to retch.

Guilt infiltrates every heart… perhaps a righteous,

good man, an innocent man, is being assassinated!

No voice is forever raised in objection.

The crowd knows of the good deeds of Stephen, how he worked with the poor and helped the aged. Some remember Him expounding the Scriptures in the Greek- speaking synagogues with great ability and serious conviction.

“He was a good man” some begin to say.

“He did live a good life. Is all this really necessary? * * * * * Saul surveys the activity. Dressed in the blue-fringed robe of a Pharisee and wearing a turban-like headdress with amulet strapped on (showing dedication to the laws of God), Rabbi Saul assumes the odious task of making sure that all is done appropriately; he is also the authority to confirm the death of the victim. At his feet lies the pile of outer garments belonging to the perspiring witnesses who now labor to kill an innocent man.