Acts 7:60

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Acts 7:60 records the final, powerful words and peaceful passing of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This verse encapsulates a profound act of forgiveness and echoes the very character of Jesus Christ, even in the face of brutal persecution.

Context

This verse concludes Stephen's lengthy and impassioned sermon to the Sanhedrin, detailed throughout Acts chapter 7. Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church (Acts 6:5), was falsely accused of blasphemy against Moses and God. His sermon recounted Israel's history, highlighting their repeated rebellion against God and their rejection of His prophets, culminating in their rejection of Jesus, the Righteous One. Enraged by his words and his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, the crowd dragged Stephen out of the city and began stoning him. It is in this violent moment that Stephen offers this remarkable prayer, with Saul (who would later become the Apostle Paul) present and consenting to his death (Acts 8:1).

Key Themes

  • Profound Forgiveness: Stephen's prayer, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," is a direct echo of Jesus' prayer on the cross: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." This demonstrates a Christ-like spirit of unconditional love and mercy, even towards those actively taking his life. It highlights the transformative power of the Gospel in the believer's heart.
  • Christ-like Example: Stephen's final moments mirror Jesus' own in several ways: a prayer for forgiveness for his persecutors, committing his spirit to the Lord (Acts 7:59), and a peaceful death. His unwavering faith and compassion in the face of death serve as a powerful testament to his devotion to Christ.
  • Peace in Death: The phrase "he fell asleep" is a common biblical euphemism for the death of believers. It emphasizes the peace and hope that believers have in Christ, viewing death not as an end, but as a temporary rest before the resurrection. This imagery offers comfort and reassurance to those who grieve.
  • Martyrdom and Witness: Stephen's death marks him as the first Christian martyr, a witness (from Greek martys) who sealed his testimony with his life. His unwavering faith and final prayer left a lasting impact, even on those who persecuted him, paving the way for the spread of the Gospel through subsequent persecutions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fell asleep" translates the Greek word ekoimēthē (ἐκοιμήθη), which literally means "was put to sleep" or "fell asleep." This word is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the death of believers, particularly in contexts emphasizing the hope of resurrection (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 4:14). It contrasts sharply with the violent manner of his death, underscoring the spiritual peace Stephen experienced.

Practical Application

Stephen's final act challenges believers today to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, even towards those who wrong them. His example demonstrates that true faith can enable one to overcome hatred with love and to maintain peace in the direst circumstances. It also reminds us that for those in Christ, death is not a terrifying end but a peaceful transition, a "falling asleep" with the hope of resurrection. Stephen's unwavering witness encourages us to stand firm in our faith and testify to the truth of the Gospel, regardless of the cost.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 5:44 (11 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Romans 12:14 (5 votes)

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

  • Romans 12:21 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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