Stoning is chosen as a deterrent, with the recognition that it could result in death.1 The authorities in Iconium do not have the right to simply kill Paul and Barnabas. If they were to die as a result of a stoning it could be written off as mob justice.2 For the Jews, there is a possibility that stoning is chosen because it was the old covenant penalty for blasphemy (see Deuteronomy 13:1–11; Deuteronomy 18:20; Leviticus 24:16).3
5 Et comme les païens et les Juifs, de concert avec leurs chefs, se mettaient en mouvement pour les outrager et les lapider,