Customs & Culture

Laying Garments at a Witness's Feet

Law, Justice and Legal Customs • Social Practice
A Visit With Jesus
Those who stoned Stephen laid their outer garments at Saul's feet, apparently freeing themselves for the violent act while placing the garments under his supervision.

Primary Scripture

Acts 7:58
The Stoning of Saint Stephen
The Stoning of Saint Stephen - Rembrandt — Biblical Works

Historical and Cultural Background

Acts does not explain a formal legal ceremony involving the garments. The detail is best read alongside Deuteronomy's requirement that witnesses take the lead in an execution and Luke's emphasis on Saul's approval.

Biblical Examples

Stephen's accusers remove garments and entrust them to Saul as the stoning begins.

Biblical Significance

The detail places Saul physically and morally within the event even though Luke does not say that he threw stones himself.

Related Images

The Death of Stephen
The Death of Stephen - Gustave Doré — New Testament
Woodcut for "The Bible in Pictures", 1860. The Stone of Stephen
Woodcut for "The Bible in Pictures", 1860. The Stone of Stephen - Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld — Die Bibel in Bildern

Common Misconceptions

It is speculative to claim that laying garments at Saul's feet formally installed him as the presiding official of the execution.

Historical Setting and Evidence

Culture: Judean/Jewish, Greek/Hellenistic, Roman

Period: Roman / Second Temple Period, Apostolic / Early Church Period

Evidence: Well Attested

Interpretive Importance: Helpful

The physical action is directly attested by Acts; its exact legal significance is uncertain.

Scripture References

Deuteronomy 17:7 Acts 7:58 Acts 22:20

Related Information

Dictionary Terms Garment
Related Customs City Gates as Places of Law and Public Business Stoning as Judicial Execution Witnesses and the Requirement of Two or Three

Sources

Deuteronomy 17; Acts 7; Acts 22