The answer is: Saul

Acts 7:58 - Saul, first a persecutor, became Paul the apostle.

When Stephen became the first Christian martyr in Acts 7, the scene was as heavy as a dramatic climax in a movie. The crowd, fired up with righteous anger, took him out of the city to stone him. Picture the dust rising as stones flew through the air—a poignant reminder of the costs that sometimes come with standing up for one's beliefs.

Amid all this chaos, a youthful figure, Saul of Tarsus, stood by approving of the brutal act. There's a layer of irony here! This man, later known as Paul, is often celebrated as a passionate proponent of Christian teachings, and yet here he is, at the start of his journey, directly opposing everything later Christians hold dear. His eagerness to guard the coats of the stoners signifies his implicit acceptance of this brutal act. Interestingly, this brief line in Acts reveals how even the mightiest among us can begin their journey on the wrong path.

Trivia that might tickle your curiosity: Saul's transformation on the road to Damascus, a moment that changed the course of Christian history, is recognized not only for its spiritual significance but also as an incredible story of redemption. Additionally, it's worth noting that the term "Saul" can be a nod in early Hebrew to the sense of "asked for," showcasing the intricacies of biblical names linked to their stories. What a reminder that beginnings don't define endings!