Topical Encyclopedia Stoning, a form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, was prescribed in the Mosaic Law for various offenses, including blasphemy, idolatry, and certain sexual sins (Leviticus 20:2, Deuteronomy 22:24). This method of execution involved the community casting stones at the condemned individual until death ensued, symbolizing communal participation in upholding divine law.The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is a significant figure in the New Testament who experienced stoning. Before his conversion to Christianity, Saul was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christians. His transformation into Paul, a devoted apostle of Christ, marked a pivotal moment in Christian history. Paul's encounter with stoning is recorded in the Book of Acts. During his first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Lystra, a city in the region of Lycaonia. There, Paul performed a miracle by healing a man crippled from birth, which initially led the people to regard him and Barnabas as gods (Acts 14:8-11). However, Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who opposed Paul's message, arrived and incited the crowd against him. As a result, Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city, presumed dead (Acts 14:19). "But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe" (Acts 14:20). This incident highlights several key aspects of Paul's ministry and character. First, it underscores the intense opposition and persecution faced by early Christians as they spread the Gospel. Despite the severe physical assault, Paul's resilience and unwavering commitment to his mission are evident. His willingness to return to the city after such a brutal attack demonstrates his courage and dedication to the calling he received from Christ. Paul's experience with stoning also serves as a testament to the power of divine protection and healing. Although left for dead, Paul was able to rise and continue his missionary work, suggesting that God's providence was at work in preserving his life for further ministry. In his later writings, Paul reflects on the sufferings he endured for the sake of the Gospel, including stoning. In 2 Corinthians 11:25, he recounts, "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea" . These experiences, rather than deterring him, reinforced his reliance on God's strength and grace. Paul's stoning at Lystra is a profound example of the trials faced by early Christian missionaries and the steadfast faith required to overcome them. It illustrates the cost of discipleship and the transformative power of Christ's call, which enabled Paul to endure persecution and continue his apostolic mission with unwavering resolve. Nave's Topical Index Acts 14:19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Nave's Topical Index 2 Corinthians 11:25 Greek 4742. stigma -- a bed of leaves or rushes ... 4742 ("brand-mark") refers to the literal scars on Paul from the lictor's rods at Pisidian Antioch, the stoning at Lystra, etc. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4742.htm - 6k Library Preaching among the Heathen Deified and Stoned Of Some who are Mad Enough to Suppose that the Books were ... Paul Before his Conversion. Paul's Missionary Labors. Chapter vii. After the Wreck Acts XVI Historical Criticism of Medi??val Amplifications. The Church of Jerusalem and the Labors of Peter. Resources Who was Stephen in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy would God's law command a woman who is not a virgin on her wedding night to be stoned to death? | GotQuestions.org What happened on Paul's first missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org Stoning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |