Q: Why was a Roman trial necessary to crucify Jesus, but not to stone Stephen?

A: There is always a reason. It is interesting to compare Jesus’ death with another situation which apparently did not require Roman intervention either. In John 8, the woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus for judgment. She would either be stoned to death without ever appearing before Pilate, or Jesus would outwit her accusers by challenging those without sin to cast the first stone. All had sinned, nobody threw anything, and everyone walked away; but be sure they would have stoned her just like Stephen, had Jesus not assisted her.

Your question forces the average mind to admit the mind‑boggling accuracy of the Bible. Sixty‑six books, penned by forty writers, inspired by the only God of this universe, declare in one way or another that Jesus had to be crucified and rejected by more than just a few good rock throwers. Jesus’ death was different in many ways, including the fact that He had to die precisely the way the Bible previously prophesied.

David, in Psalm 22, described the Messiah’s crucifixion hundreds of years before one had ever occurred. When the crucified Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” David had already penned and prophesied His very words. (See Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34.) David said Jesus would cry by day and night and the sky would become dark at noon. (See Mat 27:45.) His bones were out of joint but not broken, and His hands and feet would be pierced. They would gamble for His clothing and all these qualifications were previously written in Psalm 22.

Isaiah declared He would be pierced for our transgressions. The Roman form of capital punishment was crucifixion. Thus He was pierced by Roman soldiers, not stoned by accusing Jewish leadership as Stephen was. (See Acts 7:59.) He was to be crucified with wicked men but also have the support of a rich man at His death. (See Isaiah 53.)

Your question provokes a search which validates the very purpose of His coming. “He came for the transgression of My people, to whom the stroke was due,” (Isa 53:8). If you have never sinned in your entire life I suppose you’re okay without Jesus, but that’s not possible. (See Rom 3:23.)

If you’re convinced you need Him, why not talk to God right now. Confess that you’re guilty of sin and need His forgiveness. Welcome Jesus Christ into your life and He’ll wash your slate clean.

John 6:37