While they were stoning him
This phrase sets the scene of a brutal and unjust execution. The act of stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Jewish law, reserved for severe transgressions. Historically, stoning was a communal act, symbolizing collective judgment and condemnation. The Greek word used here, "λιθοβολέω" (lithoboleo), emphasizes the violent nature of the act, as it literally means "to throw stones." This moment reflects the intense hostility faced by early Christians and highlights the cost of discipleship.

Stephen
Stephen, whose name in Greek, "Στέφανος" (Stephanos), means "crown" or "wreath," is depicted as a martyr, crowned with the glory of faithfulness unto death. He was one of the first deacons of the early church, chosen for his wisdom and filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5). His role as a deacon underscores the importance of service and leadership in the Christian community. Stephen's steadfastness in the face of persecution serves as an enduring example of unwavering faith and courage.

called out
The phrase "called out" is translated from the Greek word "ἐπικαλέω" (epikaleo), which means to invoke or appeal. This action signifies Stephen's direct and personal communication with God, even amidst suffering. It reflects a deep, abiding trust in God's presence and sovereignty. Stephen's invocation is reminiscent of the psalmists who often cried out to God in times of distress, demonstrating a profound reliance on divine intervention and comfort.

Lord Jesus
By addressing "Lord Jesus," Stephen acknowledges the divinity and authority of Christ. The title "Lord" (Κύριος, Kyrios) is a declaration of Jesus' supreme power and his role as the sovereign ruler. This invocation is significant as it mirrors the early Christian confession of faith, recognizing Jesus as both Savior and God. Stephen's appeal to Jesus at the moment of death underscores the centrality of Christ in the believer's life and the hope of eternal life through Him.

receive my spirit
This phrase echoes Jesus' own words on the cross, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46). The Greek word for "receive" is "δέχομαι" (dechomai), which implies a welcoming or acceptance. Stephen's request signifies his readiness to enter into the presence of the Lord, trusting in Jesus' promise of eternal life. It reflects the Christian belief in the immortality of the soul and the assurance of being with Christ after death. This moment of surrender is a powerful testament to Stephen's faith and the hope that sustains believers through trials and persecution.

1. Stephen
A deacon in the early church, known for his faith and filled with the Holy Spirit. He was the first Christian martyr, whose bold testimony and vision of Jesus led to his stoning.

2. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish council that condemned Stephen. They were the religious leaders who felt threatened by the spread of Christianity and Stephen's accusations against them.

3. Jerusalem
The city where this event took place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the early Christian church.

4. Stoning
A method of execution used in ancient times, particularly for blasphemy, which Stephen was accused of by the Sanhedrin.

5. Lord Jesus
The risen Christ to whom Stephen prays, acknowledging His divinity and role as the mediator between God and man.Faithfulness in Persecution
Stephen's example teaches us to remain faithful to Christ even in the face of severe persecution. His unwavering faith is a model for believers today.

Prayer in Crisis
Stephen's prayer to Jesus in his final moments demonstrates the importance of prayer and reliance on Christ during life's most challenging times.

Witnessing Boldly
Stephen's bold proclamation of the gospel, even when facing death, challenges us to be courageous in sharing our faith.

Forgiveness and Love
Stephen's attitude towards his executioners, as seen in his prayer for them, reflects Christ's love and forgiveness, which we are called to emulate.

Eternal Perspective
Stephen's vision of Jesus and his prayer to be received by Him remind us to maintain an eternal perspective, focusing on our heavenly home rather than earthly trials.(59) Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.--The words are memorable as an instance of direct prayer addressed, to use the words of Pliny in reporting what he had learned of the worship of Christians, "to Christ as God" (Epist x. 97). Stephen could not think of Him whom he saw at the right hand of God, but as of One sharing the glory of the Father, hearing and answering prayer. And in the prayer itself we trace an echo of words of which Stephen may well have heard. The Son commended His Spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46); the disciple, in his turn, commends his spirit to the Son. The word "God," in the sentence "calling upon God," it should be noted, is, as the italics show, an insertion to complete the sense.

Verse 59. - The Lord (in italics) for God (in italics), A.V. The A.V. is certainly not justified by the context, because the words which follow, "Lord Jesus," show to whom the invocation was made, even to him whom he saw standing at the right hand of God. At the same time, the request, Receive my spirit, was a striking acknowledgment of the divinity of Christ. Only he who gave the spirit could receive it back again, and keep it safe unto the resurrection. Compare "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46).

Parallel Commentaries ...


[While]
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they were stoning [him],
ἐλιθοβόλουν (elithoboloun)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3036: To stone, cast stones (at), kill by stoning. From a compound of lithos and ballo; to throw stones, i.e. Lapidate.

Stephen
Στέφανον (Stephanon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4736: The same as stephanos; Stephanus, a Christian.

appealed,
ἐπικαλούμενον (epikaloumenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1941: (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address.

“Lord
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

Jesus,
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

receive
δέξαι (dexai)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1209: To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

spirit.”
πνεῦμά (pneuma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.


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NT Apostles: Acts 7:59 They stoned Stephen as he called out (Acts of the Apostles Ac)