I would point out that individuals who are representatives of God are different than regular people. It's why priests can offer confession for example. Regular people cannot.

Regardless of denominational doctrine, Stephen was a deacon, not a priest. He assisted in church administration like modern deacons.

Yes. Something He has the authority to do. He asked the Lord to forgive those men, "for they know not what they do."

You can certainly ask the Lord to forgive someone. I never said otherwise.

I'm only saying this to make sure people know that God has *at times forgiven the unrepentant. Very important point of theology when considering the billions of people who died without ever hearing about Christ.

I would point out that individuals who are representatives of God are different than regular people. It's why priests can offer confession for example. Regular people cannot.

Regardless of denominational doctrine, Stephen was a deacon, not a priest. He assisted in church administration like modern deacons.

Yes. Something He has the authority to do. He asked the Lord to forgive those men, "for they know not what they do."

You can certainly ask the Lord to forgive someone. I never said otherwise.

I'm only saying this to make sure people know that God has forgiven the unrepentant. Very important point of theology when considering the billions of people who died without ever hearing about Christ.