STONING TO DEATH
Stoning to death was a form of capital punishment prescribed in the Bible for various grave sins. This method of execution was used for offenses such as cursing God (Lev 24:10-16), idolatry (Deut 17:2-7), seducing others into idolatry (Deut 13:6-10), sacrificing children to Molech (Lev 20:2), breaking the Sabbath (Num 15:32-36), and being a stubborn and rebellious son (Deut 21:18-21). Additionally, it was prescribed for various sex-related sins, including adultery and rape (Deut 22:13-21, 23-27).
Conditions for Execution
Execution by stoning was not carried out hastily. It required a thorough investigation (Deut 17:4) and a proper trial before the elders or the Sanhedrin. At least two witnesses were necessary to confirm the guilt of the accused (Deut 17:6). These witnesses were responsible for casting the first stones during the execution, ensuring that they were held accountable for the consequences of their testimony.
Attempts on Jesus
Jesus himself faced several attempts to stone him due to his Messianic claims. After preaching in the synagogue in Nazareth, his listeners “rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong” (Lk 4:29). This method involved throwing stones after the culprit had fallen down. Similarly, while teaching in the Temple, the Jews “picked up stones to throw at him” (Jn 8:59) and again “picked up rocks to stone him” (Jn 10:31). Jesus miraculously escaped these attempts because his time had not yet come.
Stephen, the First Martyr
Stephen, one of the earliest followers of Jesus, was stoned to death and became the first martyr of the Church. This event is recorded in Acts 7:54-60.
Adultery and the Death Penalty
Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22 prescribe the death penalty for both men and women caught in adultery. However, they do not specify the method of execution, except for the engaged virgin caught in adultery. In such cases, both parties were to be stoned to death (Deut 22:23-24). The betrothed virgin’s violation was considered a more serious offense and thus deserved a painful death. The Jews, however, applied the same punishment to all caught in adultery. This is evident in the incident where the Scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus, not to be judged by him, but to elicit an opinion from him as to what should be done with an adulterous woman (Jn 8:1-11).
REFLECTION
The biblical account of stoning to death serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and the importance of justice. While we are called to show compassion and mercy, we must also recognize the need for accountability and the consequences of our actions. As Christians, we are called to live according to the teachings of Jesus, who showed us that even in the face of death, we must forgive and love our enemies. May we learn from these biblical examples and strive to live a life of righteousness and compassion.