Acts 7:59

KJV

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they stoned {G3036} Stephen {G4736}, calling upon {G1941} God, and {G2532} saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, receive {G1209} my {G3450} spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As they were stoning him, Stephen called out to God, “Lord Yeshua! Receive my spirit!”

Berean Standard Bible

While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

American Standard Version

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:59 records the climactic moment of Stephen's martyrdom, portraying him as the first Christian to die for his faith. As he endures a violent stoning, Stephen's final words are a profound prayer addressed directly to Jesus Christ, entrusting his spirit into the Lord's hands. This verse powerfully encapsulates Stephen's unwavering faith, his conviction in Jesus' divine authority, and the early church's nascent understanding of Christ's role in the believer's ultimate destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:59 stands as the poignant culmination of Stephen's lengthy and provocative defense before the Sanhedrin, detailed in [Acts chapter 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Address to the Sanhedrin"). Having recounted Israel's history of rebellion against God and His prophets, Stephen directly accuses his audience of resisting the Holy Spirit and murdering the Righteous One. This bold indictment, coupled with his heavenly vision of [Jesus standing at the right hand of God](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Jesus"), incites a furious, violent reaction from the Jewish leaders, who drag him outside the city to stone him. The verse immediately precedes Stephen's final prayer for his persecutors and the significant introduction of Saul (later Paul) as a consenting witness to the execution in [Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Saul's Consent to Stephen's Death").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Stoning was a prescribed form of capital punishment under Jewish law, typically reserved for severe offenses such as blasphemy, idolatry, or apostasy. The Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial body, had the authority to try such cases, though under Roman rule, their power to execute was often limited, requiring Roman approval. However, in moments of heightened religious fervor or mob violence, such legal niceties could be bypassed, as appears to be the case here. Stephen's execution outside the city walls aligns with the Jewish custom for capital punishment, which sought to purify the community by removing the condemned. This event highlights the intense persecution faced by the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem, viewed by many Jewish authorities as a heretical sect.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. It powerfully illustrates **Faithfulness Unto Death**, presenting Stephen as a model of unwavering devotion to Christ even in the face of extreme violence, echoing the suffering of Jesus Himself. It also serves as a profound testament to the **Deity and Authority of Jesus**, as Stephen's direct prayer to Christ to receive his spirit places Jesus in a divine role, capable of receiving and sustaining the souls of the departed, a prerogative typically reserved for God. Furthermore, Stephen's martyrdom foreshadows the **Spread of the Gospel through Persecution**, as his death, though tragic, ultimately contributes to the scattering of believers and the wider dissemination of the Christian message, as seen in [Acts 8:1-4](/acts/8-1-4 "Acts 8:1-4 - The Scattering of Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **calling upon (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** This term signifies invoking someone for aid, worship, testimony, or decision. In this context, it denotes a direct, fervent appeal to Jesus, treating Him as the one with divine authority to respond to such a profound request. The KJV's bracketed "God" is an interpretive addition; the Greek text directly links "calling upon" with "Lord Jesus," emphasizing Stephen's direct address to Christ.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Derived from a word implying supremacy, _kýrios_ here functions as a title of supreme authority and respectful address, akin to "Master" or "Sovereign." Stephen's use of "Lord Jesus" is a significant theological declaration, acknowledging Jesus' ultimate dominion and divine status, particularly in the context of entrusting one's eternal destiny to Him.
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This verb means to accept, welcome, or take. In Stephen's plea, it carries the profound implication of Jesus personally taking possession of his departing spirit, signifying a secure and intimate transition into the Lord's presence. It is an act of trust in Jesus' power and willingness to care for His own beyond death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they stoned Stephen":** This clause starkly describes the brutal and violent method of execution, emphasizing the physical torment and the mob's unrestrained rage. It highlights Stephen's passive endurance of extreme suffering, setting the stage for his final, faith-filled actions.
* **"calling upon [God]":** This phrase describes Stephen's spiritual posture during his physical ordeal. The Greek original directly connects "calling upon" with "Lord Jesus," indicating a direct, fervent invocation of Christ. The KJV's bracketed "God" reflects a translator's interpretive choice, but the immediate continuation of the sentence clarifies Stephen's specific divine address.
* **"and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.":** This is Stephen's final, powerful utterance, a direct prayer of surrender and trust addressed to Jesus. It mirrors Jesus' own words on the cross (cf. [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Final Words")), demonstrating Stephen's deep identification with his Savior and his unwavering belief in Jesus' authority over life and death, and His ability to secure the soul.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 7:59 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Parallelism** is strikingly evident, as Stephen's martyrdom directly mirrors the suffering and death of Jesus. Both were falsely accused, faced unjust trials, were led outside the city, and uttered prayers of surrender and forgiveness in their final moments. This parallelism elevates Stephen's death to a Christ-like sacrifice, underscoring his deep identification with his Lord. There is also a profound **Symbolism** in Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand just before his death; it symbolizes Christ's active presence, intercession, and readiness to receive His faithful servant, transforming a moment of human defeat into divine triumph. Finally, the narrative functions as a foundational **Martyrdom Narrative**, establishing a pattern of courageous witness unto death that would inspire countless believers throughout Christian history, solidifying the theme that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Stephen's final prayer to "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" is a profound theological statement, offering compelling evidence for the early church's belief in the deity of Jesus Christ. By committing his spirit directly to Jesus, Stephen treats Christ as possessing divine authority over life and death, capable of receiving and preserving the souls of the departed. This act is not merely an emotional cry but a theological affirmation that Jesus is fully God, worthy of worship and ultimate trust, a truth foundational to Christian faith. Stephen's serene surrender in the face of brutal death also powerfully testifies to the Christian hope in resurrection and eternal life, demonstrating that for the believer, death is not an end but a transition into the Lord's presence.

* [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Final Words on the Cross"): "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."
* [Psalm 31:5](/psalms/31-5 "Psalm 31:5 - David's Prayer of Trust"): "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth."
* [Philippians 1:21-23](/philippians/1-21-23 "Philippians 1:21-23 - Paul's Desire to Be with Christ"): "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Stephen's final moments offer a powerful and enduring model for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. His unwavering composure and direct address to Jesus, even as stones rained down upon him, challenge us to examine the depth of our own trust in Christ. In a culture that often fears death and avoids suffering, Stephen reminds us that true security and hope are found not in worldly circumstances, but in the sovereign hands of our Lord. His example calls us to cultivate a faith so deeply rooted in Christ that even in life's most extreme trials, our ultimate allegiance and hope remain fixed on Him. It encourages us to live with a confident assurance that our spirits, our very essence, are safe with Jesus, both in life and beyond the grave, empowering us to live boldly for Him and face any adversity with courage and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Stephen's prayer to Jesus challenge or affirm your understanding of Christ's divinity and authority?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust your "spirit" (your deepest self, your future, your fears) more fully to Jesus?**
* **How can Stephen's example of faithfulness unto death inspire you to be a bolder witness for Christ in your daily life, even when facing opposition?**

### FAQ
**Why is Stephen's prayer to Jesus significant for Christian theology?**

Answer: Stephen's prayer, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," is profoundly significant because it directly attributes to Jesus a divine prerogative traditionally reserved for God the Father. In the Old Testament, individuals commend their spirits to God (e.g., [Psalm 31:5](/psalms/31-5 "Psalm 31:5 - David's Prayer of Trust")). Jesus Himself, on the cross, commends His spirit to the Father ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Final Words")). Stephen, however, addresses Jesus directly, demonstrating that the early church viewed Jesus as fully divine, co-equal with God, and possessing the authority to receive and preserve the souls of the departed. This prayer serves as powerful, early evidence for the deity of Christ and the worship of Jesus within the nascent Christian community.

**How does Stephen's death relate to Jesus' crucifixion?**

Answer: Stephen's martyrdom exhibits striking parallels to Jesus' crucifixion, underscoring his deep identification with his Savior. Both were accused of blasphemy and faced unjust trials before religious authorities. Both were led outside the city walls for execution. Crucially, both uttered similar final prayers: Jesus prayed, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Final Words")), and Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Furthermore, Stephen's subsequent prayer for his persecutors ("Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" in [Acts 7:60](/acts/7-60 "Acts 7:60 - Stephen's Prayer for Forgiveness")) directly echoes Jesus' prayer for those who crucified Him ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for His Executioners")). These parallels highlight Stephen as a true disciple, embodying the spirit of Christ even in death, and serve to validate his witness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Stephen's martyrdom in Acts 7:59 finds its ultimate meaning and power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His ability to surrender his spirit to "Lord Jesus" is not merely an act of human courage but a direct participation in the victory secured by Christ's own death and resurrection. Jesus, as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")), conquered death, thereby opening the way for all who believe to confidently entrust their lives and spirits into His hands. Stephen's vision of [Jesus standing at the right hand of God](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Jesus") immediately before his death is not coincidental; it signifies Christ's active intercession and readiness to receive His own, fulfilling His promise to be with believers always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Stephen's final breath is a testament to the living Christ, who not only receives the spirits of His saints but also empowers them to remain faithful unto death, knowing that their ultimate reward is to be eternally with Him ([Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - Be Faithful Unto Death")). His death is a powerful illustration that for the believer, to die is gain, because it means to be "away from the body and at home with the Lord" ([2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "2 Corinthians 5:8 - Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord")), a reality made possible only through Christ's triumph over sin and death.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 23:46

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Psalms 31:5

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

Acts 22:16

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Joel 2:32

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Acts 9:14

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.