Acts 7:60

KJV

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he kneeled down {G5087}{G1119}, and cried {G2896} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, Lord {G2962}, lay {G2476} not {G3361} this {G5026} sin {G266} to their {G846} charge. And {G2532} when he had said {G2036} this {G5124}, he fell asleep {G2837}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he kneeled down and shouted out, “Lord! Don’t hold this sin against them!” With that, he died;

Berean Standard Bible

Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

American Standard Version

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:60 records the climactic and profoundly Christ-like final moments of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As he faced a violent death by stoning, Stephen knelt and, with a loud voice, uttered a powerful prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors, echoing the very words of Jesus on the cross. Immediately after this remarkable demonstration of grace and unwavering faith, he peacefully passed away, described by Luke as "falling asleep," signifying the believer's serene transition from earthly life to eternal rest in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the poignant conclusion to Stephen's extended defense and prophetic indictment of the Sanhedrin, detailed throughout [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Defense"). Stephen, chosen as one of the seven deacons to serve the early church ([Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - Selection of the Seven")), had been falsely accused of blasphemy. His sermon meticulously traced Israel's history, highlighting their persistent rebellion against God's covenant and their rejection of His prophets, culminating in their ultimate rejection and murder of the "Righteous One" ([Acts 7:52](/acts/7-52 "Acts 7:52 - Israel's Rejection of Prophets")). The crowd, enraged by his words and his vision of [Jesus standing at the right hand of God](/acts/7-56 "Acts 7:56 - Stephen's Vision of Christ"), dragged him out of the city to stone him. In this moment of extreme violence, Stephen's final prayer and peaceful death stand in stark contrast to the mob's fury, providing a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Stoning was a prescribed method of execution under Mosaic Law for offenses such as blasphemy ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Penalty for Blasphemy")) or idolatry. While the Sanhedrin, under Roman rule, likely did not have the authority to carry out capital punishment without Roman consent, Stephen's execution was a mob action, an uncontrolled outburst of rage rather than a legal proceeding. The act of kneeling, especially in prayer, was a common posture of humility and reverence in both Jewish and early Christian traditions, signifying submission to God. The presence of Saul (later the Apostle Paul), who "approved of his execution" ([Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Saul's Approval of Stephen's Death")), is a crucial historical detail, setting the stage for his dramatic conversion and future role in spreading the very faith he now persecuted.
* **Key Themes:** Stephen's martyrdom powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. His death underscores the theme of **witness (martyria)**, as he literally became a "martyr" by sealing his testimony with his life. It highlights the **persecution of the early church** and the **cost of discipleship**, demonstrating that faithfulness to Christ could lead to ultimate sacrifice. Most profoundly, Stephen's final prayer and peaceful passing exemplify **Christ-like character and forgiveness**, mirroring Jesus' own prayer for His executioners on the cross ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")). His "falling asleep" also reinforces the New Testament's understanding of **death for believers as a peaceful transition** rather than a terrifying end, rooted in the hope of resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits of Resurrection")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kneeled down (Greek, _góny_ G1119 and _títhēmi_ G5087):** The combination of these two words (literally "placed the knee") vividly describes Stephen's posture of humility and reverence, even in the midst of violent stoning. It signifies a deliberate act of submission and earnest prayer to God, prioritizing his spiritual communion over his physical agony. This posture underscores the profound sincerity and depth of his final plea.
* **cried (Greek, _krázō_ G2896):** This word implies a loud, urgent, and impassioned cry, often associated with a shriek or an exclamation. It conveys the intensity of Stephen's prayer, not as a whisper of resignation, but as a powerful, public declaration of forgiveness, audible even amidst the clamor of the mob. It emphasizes the force and conviction behind his words.
* **fell asleep (Greek, _koimáō_ G2837):** This term is a common biblical euphemism for the death of a believer. It literally means "to put to sleep" or "to slumber." Its use here emphasizes the peaceful, hopeful nature of Stephen's death, contrasting sharply with the violent manner of his martyrdom. It signifies that for those in Christ, death is not a final end, but a temporary rest, awaiting the resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he kneeled down":** This action signifies Stephen's posture of prayer, humility, and submission before God, even as he faced a violent death. It demonstrates his unwavering focus on his relationship with the Lord rather than his earthly suffering.
* **"and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.":** This is the core of Stephen's final prayer, uttered with great intensity. It is a profound act of Christ-like forgiveness, interceding for his persecutors and asking God not to hold their murderous act against them. This echoes Jesus' own prayer on the cross, demonstrating Stephen's complete identification with his Savior.
* **"And when he had said this":** This phrase marks the immediate conclusion of his prayer and the preceding actions. It highlights the direct sequence of events, emphasizing that his passing occurred directly after this final, powerful act of grace.
* **"he fell asleep.":** This euphemism for death underscores the peace and hope that characterize the passing of a believer. Despite the brutal stoning, Stephen's death is depicted not as a violent end, but as a serene transition, a calm rest in the assurance of resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 7:60 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological and emotional impact. Most prominently, the verse employs **Parallelism**, directly mirroring the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Stephen's actions—kneeling in prayer, crying out for forgiveness for his executioners, and commending his spirit to the Lord (in the preceding verse, [Acts 7:59](/acts/7-59 "Acts 7:59 - Stephen's Prayer to Jesus"))—are direct echoes of Jesus' final moments on the cross ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness") and [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commends His Spirit")). This parallelism underscores Stephen's profound Christ-likeness and serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Furthermore, the phrase "he fell asleep" is a clear **Euphemism** for death. This gentle imagery contrasts sharply with the brutal reality of stoning, emphasizing the peace and hope that believers possess in Christ, viewing death not as a terrifying end but as a peaceful rest, a temporary slumber before the resurrection. This choice of language provides comfort and reinforces the theological truth of eternal life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:60 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian discipleship, forgiveness, and the believer's hope in death. Stephen's prayer, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," is not merely an act of personal magnanimity but a theological declaration of radical, Christ-like forgiveness. It demonstrates that the Spirit of Christ within a believer can transcend even the most extreme forms of human malice, enabling an individual to extend grace rather than judgment. This act of forgiveness is foundational to the Gospel message, reflecting God's own character in forgiving humanity's sin through Christ. Stephen's peaceful "sleep" in the face of violent death further reinforces the New Testament's consistent portrayal of death for believers as a temporary rest, imbued with the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

* [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness"): Jesus' prayer on the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," is directly paralleled by Stephen's plea, demonstrating the ultimate example of Christ-like forgiveness.
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits of Resurrection"): This verse, along with others in the chapter, speaks to Christ as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep," solidifying the concept of death as a temporary sleep for believers, awaiting resurrection.
* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"): Jesus commands His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," a command Stephen perfectly embodies in his final moments.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Stephen's final moments offer a powerful and challenging model for every believer. His ability to kneel in prayer and extend forgiveness to those actively taking his life speaks to a profound depth of faith and a spirit utterly transformed by Christ. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we harbor bitterness or resentment, even for lesser offenses? Can we truly pray for those who hurt us, seeking their reconciliation with God rather than their condemnation? Stephen's example reminds us that genuine Christ-likeness is not merely about avoiding sin, but actively embodying divine love and grace, even in the direst circumstances. His peaceful "falling asleep" also provides immense comfort and a radical reorientation of our perspective on death. For the believer, death is not an ultimate defeat or a terrifying unknown, but a peaceful transition into the presence of the Lord, a temporary rest before the glorious resurrection. This truth should empower us to live courageously for Christ, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Stephen's prayer for his persecutors challenge my own capacity for forgiveness in difficult relationships or situations?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of Christ-like compassion and grace, even towards those who oppose or harm me?**
* **How does the biblical concept of "falling asleep" for believers impact my understanding and fear of death?**
* **What does Stephen's unwavering witness in the face of death teach me about the cost and reward of faithful discipleship?**

### FAQ
**Why did Stephen kneel as he was being stoned?**

Answer: Stephen's act of kneeling was a deliberate posture of prayer, humility, and reverence before God. In both Jewish and early Christian traditions, kneeling was a common way to show submission and earnest supplication. Despite the brutal violence being inflicted upon him, Stephen's focus remained entirely on his spiritual communion with the Lord, demonstrating his unwavering faith and his profound connection to God even in his final moments. It underscores the sincerity and depth of his prayer for forgiveness for his persecutors.

**What is the significance of the phrase "he fell asleep" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "he fell asleep" (Greek: _ekoimēthē_) is a common biblical euphemism used to describe the death of believers. It signifies that for those who die in Christ, death is not a terrifying end but a peaceful transition, a temporary rest, or a "sleep" from which they will awaken at the resurrection. This imagery contrasts sharply with the violent nature of Stephen's martyrdom, emphasizing the spiritual peace and hope he possessed, rooted in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. It offers comfort and reassurance, portraying death as a calm repose rather than a final, fearful cessation of existence. This concept is further developed in passages like [1 Thessalonians 4:13-14](/1_thermonians/4-13-14 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - The Hope of the Resurrection").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:60 is a profound testament to the Christ-centered life and death, showcasing Stephen as the first martyr who perfectly embodied the character of his Savior. Stephen's final prayer, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," is a direct and powerful echo of Jesus' own intercession from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")). This parallelism is not coincidental; it reveals that the Spirit of Christ so indwelt Stephen that he could extend radical forgiveness even in the face of ultimate malice, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Furthermore, Stephen's commendation of his spirit to Jesus in the preceding verse ([Acts 7:59](/acts/7-59 "Acts 7:59 - Stephen's Prayer to Jesus")) mirrors Jesus' own words, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commends His Spirit")), underscoring the believer's absolute trust in Christ for their eternal destiny. Finally, the description of Stephen's death as "falling asleep" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over death through His resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ's Resurrection and Victory Over Death")). Because Christ has conquered death, the believer's physical death is transformed from a terrifying end into a peaceful rest, a temporary slumber from which they will be awakened to eternal life in His presence ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Stephen's martyrdom is thus a powerful demonstration of the new life in Christ, characterized by divine forgiveness, unwavering faith, and the blessed hope of resurrection.

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

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

1 Corinthians 15:20

¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Romans 12:14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

¶ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.