Acts 7 60

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.

Acts 7:60 nkjv

Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 7:60 niv

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 7:60 esv

And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 7:60 nlt

He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.

Acts 7 verses

Acts 7 60 meaning

Acts 7:60 depicts the final moments of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. After uttering an intercessory prayer for his persecutors, echoing the Lord Jesus, Stephen peacefully dies. This verse showcases ultimate forgiveness, Christ-like composure in the face of violent death, and the secure hope believers have beyond earthly life, viewing death as a peaceful "sleep."

Acts 7 60 Context

Acts chapter 7 records Stephen's powerful sermon, delivered to the Sanhedrin after he was accused of blasphemy. His speech recounts Israel's history, highlighting their consistent rejection of God's messengers, culminating in their rejection and murder of the Messiah, Jesus. Stephen boldly proclaimed a vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand (Acts 7:55-56), which the religious leaders perceived as ultimate blasphemy. Enraged, they dragged him outside the city to stone him. Just before his death, as stones were being hurled (Acts 7:58-59), Stephen cried out to Jesus to receive his spirit, and then, in verse 60, offered this final, selfless prayer for his murderers before his peaceful death. Historically, stoning was a brutal public execution, yet Stephen faced it with a calm, Christ-like demeanor.

Acts 7 60 Word analysis

• And: (Greek: καί, kai) A conjunction linking Stephen's action to the preceding events of his stoning. It shows a continuous, uninterrupted narrative flow.
• falling: (Greek: θεὶς, theis) From τίθημι (tithēmi), "to place, lay down." Here, as an aorist participle, indicating an action quickly completed before speaking.
• on his knees: (Greek: τὰ γόνατα, ta gonata) Literally "the knees." This posture signifies deep reverence, intense prayer, or submission, even in his extreme suffering.
• he cried out: (Greek: ἔκραξεν, ekraxen) From κράζω (krazō), "to cry out, shout." Denotes a strong, urgent, and public declaration, not a whisper. It shows resolve.
• with a loud voice: (Greek: φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, phōnē megalē) Reinforces the intensity and audibility of his plea. It was a clear, unambiguous statement meant to be heard.
• "Lord: (Greek: Κύριε, Kyrie) Direct address, acknowledging Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty. Stephen here prays to Jesus, recognizing Him as God.
• do not hold this sin: (Greek: μὴ στήσῃς ... τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, mē stēsēis ... tēn hamartian) The verb ἵστημι (histēmi) means "to stand," or here, "to stand against," implying to hold against someone, or to impute. It's an earnest plea for divine forgiveness.
• against them": (Greek: αὐτοῖς, autois) Refers directly to his tormentors and executioners. Stephen extends forgiveness to those actively causing his death.
• And when he had said this: (Greek: Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν, Kai touto eipōn) A temporal marker, indicating immediate consequence. His prayer was his final conscious act.
• he fell asleep: (Greek: ἐκοιμήθη, ekoimēthē) From κοιμάομαι (koimaomai), "to sleep." A common Biblical euphemism for the death of a believer. It highlights the peace and lack of fear in Stephen's passing, implying resurrection.

• "falling on his knees he cried out": This phrase combines a posture of humble and earnest prayer with a public, passionate vocal declaration. Despite immense pain, Stephen's final act is purposeful intercession.
• "Lord, do not hold this sin against them": This specific plea directly parallels Jesus' words on the cross (Lk 23:34). It demonstrates profound Christ-likeness and boundless grace, prioritizing the eternal state of his enemies over his own suffering. The "sin" here is multifaceted, encompassing their rejection of Stephen as God's messenger, their violent act, and ultimately, their rejection of Christ.
• "he fell asleep": This entire phrase, used repeatedly in the New Testament for believers' deaths, contrasts sharply with the violent brutality of stoning. It speaks of a peaceful rest, a temporary cessation before awakening in the resurrection. It signifies hope, not despair, in death.

Acts 7 60 Bonus section

Stephen's final prayer in Acts 7:60 holds particular significance because Saul (who would become Paul) was present and assenting to his death (Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1). Saul witnessed Stephen's angelic face (Acts 6:15), his vision of Jesus (Acts 7:55-56), and most importantly, his Christ-like intercessory prayer for his murderers. This profound display of love and forgiveness in the face of extreme persecution undoubtedly left an indelible impression on Saul, even in his role as a persecutor. While not immediately leading to his conversion, this event certainly set a powerful foundation for Saul's later understanding of Christ's unconditional love and forgiveness, which became central to his theology as the Apostle Paul. Stephen's example, particularly his prayer for his enemies, embodied the very essence of the gospel that Paul would later preach.

Acts 7 60 Commentary

Stephen's final moments, captured in Acts 7:60, represent a pinnacle of Christian grace and forgiveness, deeply mirroring the example of Jesus Himself. In the throes of a brutal execution, Stephen doesn't curse his assailants or plead for his own life. Instead, he demonstrates radical love and an unshakeable faith in God's mercy by asking for their forgiveness. His kneeling posture, coupled with a loud cry, indicates an intense and public act of intercessory prayer. The phrase "do not hold this sin against them" echoes Jesus' words from the cross (Lk 23:34), revealing a spiritual maturity and conformity to Christ that is both astounding and inspiring. Finally, the euphemism "fell asleep" underscores the peaceful transition of a believer from earthly life to the hope of resurrection, contrasting the violence of his death with the tranquility of his departure into the Lord's presence. Stephen's death served as a powerful testimony, leaving a profound impact even on his persecutors, notably Saul.

• Practical Example: When we encounter unfair criticism or outright hostility, we are called to pray for our adversaries, rather than seeking revenge or harboring resentment, trusting God's justice and mercy.
• Practical Example: Facing personal loss or injustice with a trust that ultimately our life is secure in Christ, as death for the believer is merely a peaceful sleep.