Zeal without Knowledge

Another danger young men are perhaps more vulnerable to is that of having "zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." Rom. 10:2. The Apostle Paul in his unconverted days, known then as Saul of Tarsus, was a very zealous young man (Acts 22:3; Phil. 3:6). As a young man, he stood by at the stoning of Stephen. "The witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul." Acts 7:58. Perhaps he threw no stones, yet he approved of Stephen's murder.
The Jews had run out of options with respect to Stephen. He assailed their consciences, convicting them by the Spirit of their guilt and rebellion. Also the spirit in which he spoke was without defect. "They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." Acts 6:10. Often among ourselves today the truth of God is discounted because of blemishes in the spirit, or failures in the walk, of those who present it. The Jews did not have this escape clause. All they could do was repent or get rid of the one who faithfully showed them their proper position before God.
The last words of Stephen must have resounded in Paul's ears for his entire life. Stephen cried out, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Acts 7:60. At the end of Paul's life, when referring to the time when no man stood by him during Alexander's opposition, he almost echoed Stephen's words, "I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.”
2 Tim. 4:16. How like their Master were Stephen and Paul. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34.
We need to learn that a right spirit is of more value than zeal. Nothing is said of Stephen's zeal, though obviously he was zealous for the Lord's glory. The last recorded words of Paul are, "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen." 2 Tim. 4:22.