Was Saul just consenting to Stephen's death or actively promoting it?
According to the text, Saul was not merely consenting to Stephen's death; he was actively promoting it. Acts 8:1 says he was consenting, but the Greek wording likely strengthens this to mean he was actually promoting Stephen's death, not just approving it.
Les explains that in Acts 7, Stephen was stoned by the Jews, and they laid their clothes at a young man's feet named Saul. This is the first time Saul of Tarsus appears in the Acts account. Then Acts 8:1 states Saul was consenting to Stephen's death, and Les thinks the Greek would make it stronger—he was actually promoting his death. Following this, a great persecution arose against the believing Jews at Jerusalem, marking a parting of ways in God's program as He begins to deviate from dealing only with Israel and speaks to Saul of Tarsus.
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 Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
More Questions
What was Saul of Tarsus's involvement in Stephen's death according to Acts 8:1?
In Acts 8:1, Saul of Tarsus was consenting to Stephen's death, and the Greek likely makes it stronger that he was actually promoting his death.