And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles.
1. At that day. The persecution began at Stephen, after that, when their madness was thereby set on fire, it waxed hot against all, both one and other. For the wicked are like brute beasts, for when they have once tasted blood they are more desirous thereof, and become more cruel through committing murder.
In these verses we have, I. Something more concerning Stephen and his death; how people stood affected to it - variously, as generally in such cases, according to men's different sentiments of things. Christ had said to his disciples, when he was parting with them (Joh 16:20), You shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice. Accordingly here is, 1.
Commenting on Acts 8:1-3
CHAPTER VIII Verse 1. And Saul was consenting, etc. Was pleased with his being put to death, and approved it. Comp. . This part of the verse should have been connected with the previous chapter. At that time. That is, immediately following the death of Stephen. The persecution arose on account of Stephen, . The tumult did not subside when Stephen was killed.