Acts 7:54-60 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick [kardia -- the core of their being], and they began gnashing [brucho -- to grind or bite] their teeth at him [a picture of hot anger; see Job 16:9; Ps. 35:15-16]. 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit [i.e. willfully controlled by the Holy Spirit], he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God [cf. Ezek. 1:26-28], and Jesus standing at the right hand of God [a picture of approval and acceptance]; 56 and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God ["Son of Man" is a designation of deity; cf. Dan. 7:13; Mark 14:61-62; Rev. 1:13]." 57 But they cried out [to shout, cry out] with a loud voice [phone megale - to silence his words], and covered their ears [refusing to listen] and rushed at him with one impulse. 58 When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul [who had delegated authority from the chief priests; see Acts 26:10-12]. 59 They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" [cf. Luke 23:46] 60 Then falling on his knees, he cried out [krazo -- to shout, cry out] with a loud voice [phone megale -- to pray for their forgiveness], "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" [cf. Luke 23:34] Having said this, he fell asleep [koimao -- euphemism for a believer's death]. Acts 8:1-4 Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles [who stayed in Jerusalem]. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him [great emotional expression]. 3 But Saul began ravaging the church [like a wild beast out of control], entering house after house [personal home invasions], and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison [and beat them, see Acts 22:19; trying to force them to blaspheme, see Acts 26:10-11]. 4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching [euaggelizo -- sharing good news] the word.