Acts 8:2

KJV

And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} devout {G2126} men {G435} carried {G4792} Stephen {G4736} to his burial, and {G2532} made {G4160} great {G3173} lamentation {G2870} over {G1909} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some godly men buried Stephen and mourned him deeply.

Berean Standard Bible

God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him.

American Standard Version

And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:2 provides a poignant glimpse into the immediate aftermath of Stephen's martyrdom, highlighting the profound grief and courageous devotion of the early Christian community. Despite the intense persecution that had just erupted, "devout men" bravely undertook the burial of Stephen, publicly expressing their deep sorrow through "great lamentation," an act that underscored their solidarity and reverence for the first Christian martyr.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and violent stoning of Stephen, detailed in [Acts 7:54-60](/acts/7-54-60 "Acts 7:54-60 - Stephen's Martyrdom"). Stephen's death, marked by his Christ-like prayer for his persecutors and his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, serves as a pivotal moment. [Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - The Great Persecution Begins") then describes the onset of "a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem," directly linking Stephen's martyrdom to the scattering of believers and the subsequent spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. In this context, the burial of Stephen by "devout men" is not merely a funeral rite but a courageous act of defiance and solidarity in the face of escalating hostility. It sets the stage for the broader narrative of the Gospel's expansion, driven by persecution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century, burial rites were deeply significant, reflecting cultural honor and religious belief. To deny a proper burial was a grave insult, often reserved for criminals or enemies. Stephen, having been executed by an angry mob, technically outside the formal legal process but with the Sanhedrin's implicit approval (and [Saul's explicit consent](/acts/7-58 "Acts 7:58 - Saul's Approval")), might have been left unburied or given a dishonorable burial. However, these "devout men" risked social ostracism, potential arrest, and even similar violence by publicly identifying with Stephen and his cause. Their actions reflect a deep commitment to Jewish burial customs, which emphasized respect for the deceased, now applied within the nascent Christian community, even in the face of severe opposition from the Jewish authorities.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 8:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **courage and devotion amidst persecution**, demonstrating how believers remained steadfast in their faith and loyalty to one another even when facing extreme danger. Secondly, the "great lamentation" highlights the theme of **profound grief and human response to suffering**, affirming that even those with strong faith mourn deeply over loss, particularly the loss of a beloved leader and martyr. This grief is not a sign of weakness but a natural, communal expression of sorrow. Thirdly, the act of burial itself reinforces the theme of **honoring the departed**, showcasing the dignity and respect afforded to Stephen, recognizing his significant sacrifice and contribution to the early church, even in death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devout (Greek, _eulabḗs'_):** From the Greek word G2126, meaning "taking well (carefully), i.e. circumspect (religiously, pious)." This term describes individuals who are reverent, conscientious, and scrupulous in their religious duties and practices. It implies not just outward piety but an inward awe and respect for God. In this context, these were not merely sympathetic onlookers but men of deep spiritual conviction who acted out of a profound sense of duty and reverence for God and His servant, Stephen.
* **carried (Greek, _synkomízō'_):** From the Greek word G4792, meaning "to convey together, i.e. collect or bear away in company with others." This verb suggests a communal effort, indicating that multiple individuals participated in the physical act of bearing Stephen's body. The prefix "syn-" (together) emphasizes the solidarity and shared burden among these men, highlighting their united purpose in honoring Stephen despite the perilous circumstances.
* **lamentation (Greek, _kopetós'_):** From the Greek word G2870, meaning "mourning (properly, by beating the breast)." This word denotes a public, often loud, and demonstrative expression of grief, typically involving wailing, crying, and sometimes physical gestures like beating the breast or tearing clothes. It signifies a profound and visible sorrow, indicating the deep emotional impact of Stephen's death on the community and the public nature of their mourning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial]":** This clause reveals the agents of the action – "devout men" – whose piety and reverence compelled them to undertake the dangerous task of burying Stephen. The verb "carried" (συνεκόμισαν, _synekómisan_) implies a communal effort, suggesting that these men acted together in solidarity. The parenthetical "to his burial" clarifies the purpose of their carrying Stephen, indicating that they provided him with a proper, respectful burial, an act of significant courage and honor given the circumstances of his death.
* **"and made great lamentation over him":** This second clause describes the nature of their mourning. The phrase "made great lamentation" (ἐποιήσαντο κοπετὸν μέγαν, _epoiḗsanto kopetón mégan_) signifies a profound, public, and demonstrative outpouring of grief. The adjective "great" (μέγαν, _mégan_) emphasizes the intensity and scale of their sorrow, indicating that Stephen's death was deeply felt by the community, and they were not afraid to express their grief openly, even in a hostile environment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Irony** is present in the contrast between the violent, public execution of Stephen, intended to suppress the Christian movement, and the equally public, defiant act of mourning and burial by his followers. This public lamentation, rather than signaling defeat, paradoxically demonstrates the strength and resilience of the early church. **Symbolism** is evident in the act of burial itself, which serves as a symbolic reclaiming of Stephen's dignity and a testament to his enduring legacy, transforming a scene of brutal persecution into one of reverent homage. The "great lamentation" also functions as **Pathos**, evoking a powerful emotional response in the reader by vividly portraying the deep sorrow and solidarity of the early believers, allowing us to empathize with their loss and admire their courage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:2 underscores the profound importance of community and solidarity within the body of Christ, especially in times of suffering and loss. The "devout men" exemplify sacrificial love and courage, risking their own safety to honor a fallen brother. This act of public mourning, far from being a sign of weakness, affirms the human reality of grief while demonstrating a faith strong enough to express sorrow openly, even in the face of persecution. The verse implicitly teaches that believers are called to bear one another's burdens and to extend compassion and dignity to those who suffer or die for their faith, recognizing their sacrifice as valuable in God's eyes. It highlights the early church's commitment to honoring its martyrs, setting a precedent for future generations of believers who would face similar trials.

* [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Weep with Those Who Weep")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:13](/1_thessalonians/4-13 "1 Thessalonians 4:13 - Christian Hope Regarding the Departed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:2 offers a powerful call to contemporary believers to cultivate a community marked by deep compassion, courageous solidarity, and authentic lament. In a world where faith can still invite hostility, or where the suffering of fellow believers is often overlooked, this verse challenges us to consider our own willingness to stand with the persecuted and to honor those who have made sacrifices for the Gospel. It reminds us that grief is a natural and healthy human response to loss, even within a framework of strong faith and hope in Christ. We are encouraged to create spaces where sorrow can be openly expressed and where the memory of those who have faithfully served God, even unto death, is cherished. Furthermore, it prompts us to examine whether our faith is merely private or if it compels us to public acts of love and courage, even when such acts might carry personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the courage of these "devout men" challenge my own willingness to identify with and support persecuted believers today?**
* **In what ways does my community of faith provide space for "great lamentation" and authentic grief in times of loss?**
* **What practical steps can I take to honor the memory and legacy of those who have faithfully served Christ, both in the past and in the present?**

### FAQ
**Who were these "devout men" who buried Stephen?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly name these "devout men" (Greek: _eulabḗs_). However, the term "devout" suggests they were pious, God-fearing individuals. They were likely Jewish believers who had converted to Christianity, or perhaps even God-fearing Gentiles who respected Stephen and his message. Their act of burying Stephen was highly significant because it was a public declaration of solidarity with a man who had just been executed as an enemy of the Jewish religious establishment. It demonstrated immense courage and reverence, as associating with Stephen in such a manner could have invited similar persecution upon themselves, especially given that [Saul (later Paul) was present and approved of Stephen's stoning](/acts/7-58 "Acts 7:58 - Saul's Approval of Stephen's Stoning") and the subsequent persecution that broke out ([Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - The Great Persecution")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:2, while describing a moment of profound human grief and courage, ultimately finds its deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Stephen's martyrdom, a willing sacrifice in the face of injustice, powerfully mirrors the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw [Jesus standing at the right hand of God](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Jesus"), his death, and the subsequent mourning by "devout men," point to the triumph of Christ over death and the hope of resurrection. The "great lamentation" over Stephen, though sincere, is ultimately tempered by the Christian hope rooted in Christ's own death and resurrection, which transforms sorrow into a confident expectation of future glory. Believers do not grieve as those who have no hope, for [Jesus Himself conquered death](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ's Resurrection as Firstfruits") and promises that [those who die in Him will live again](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). Thus, the sorrow expressed in Acts 8:2, while real, is ultimately undergirded by the victory of Christ, who gives meaning to suffering and guarantees eternal life for all who faithfully follow Him, even unto 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

Genesis 50:10

And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which [is] beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.

Genesis 50:11

And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, This [is] a grievous mourning to the Egyptians: wherefore the name of it was called Abelmizraim, which [is] beyond Jordan.

Acts 10:2

[A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

2 Samuel 3:31

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that [were] with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David [himself] followed the bier.

Genesis 23:2

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

1 Samuel 28:3

Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

Acts 2:5

¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.