Acts 7:60 – “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.”

Extended Explanation

This verse records the final words and actions of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Even as he was being brutally stoned to death, he responded with prayer, forgiveness, and faith.

• “Then he fell on his knees” – This could have been due to the weight of the injuries from the stoning, but it also symbolizes humility before God. In his last moments, he bowed in submission and surrender.
• “And cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’” – These words echo Jesus’ prayer on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Stephen was not only dying for his faith—he was dying with the same forgiving spirit as Jesus.
• “When he had said this, he fell asleep.” – The phrase “fell asleep” is often used in the Bible to describe the death of believers. It is a way of emphasizing the temporary nature of death for Christians, who will one day be raised to eternal life.

Even in his final breath, Stephen showed the character of Christ—praying for his enemies, entrusting himself to Jesus, and dying with confidence in eternal life.

Historical Context

1. Stephen’s Trial and Death – Stephen had been arrested and falsely accused of blasphemy. Instead of defending himself, he boldly preached the truth about Israel’s history and Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 7). His message enraged the Jewish leaders, leading them to stone him.
2. Stoning as a Jewish Punishment – In Jewish law, blasphemy was punishable by stoning (Leviticus 24:16). However, Stephen’s execution was not a legal trial—it was mob violence.
3. The Introduction of Saul (Paul) – In the previous verse (Acts 7:58), a young man named Saul (later the apostle Paul) was present, approving of Stephen’s execution. This event would later be part of Saul’s own journey toward faith in Christ.
4. Persecution of Christians Begins – Stephen’s death was the first act of violence against Christians, launching a wave of persecution (Acts 8:1-3). However, instead of crushing the church, this persecution caused the gospel to spread further.

Theological Implications

1. The Power of Forgiveness – Stephen’s prayer for his enemies shows that true Christianity is marked by love and forgiveness, even in suffering.
2. Death is Not the End for Believers – The phrase “he fell asleep” reminds us that physical death is temporary, but eternal life is certain for those in Christ.
3. Faithfulness Until the End – Stephen did not waver in his faith. He stayed committed to Jesus, even at the cost of his life.
4. God’s Grace Can Transform Even the Worst Sinners – The men stoning Stephen were guilty of a terrible crime, yet he prayed for their forgiveness. Among them was Saul, who would later become Paul, the greatest missionary of the early church.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, uses parallelism and contrast to emphasize Stephen’s Christlike response:

• Stephen’s prayer echoes Jesus’ prayer (Luke 23:34).
• The rage of the mob contrasts with Stephen’s peace.
• His execution looks like a defeat, but it leads to the spread of the gospel.

The phrase “he fell asleep” softens the finality of death, reminding readers that for Christians, death is not the end.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 23:34 – Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
• Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – Paul describes the resurrection of believers: “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.”
• 2 Timothy 4:7 – Paul later reflects, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
• Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good, even suffering.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• We are called to forgive, even when it’s difficult. Stephen’s example reminds us that real faith is shown through love and mercy, not revenge.
• Death is not the end for believers. Stephen “fell asleep,” meaning his body died, but his soul was alive with Jesus. For Christians, death is a doorway to eternal life.
• True faith means being faithful to the end. Stephen stood for Christ even when it cost him everything. Are we willing to do the same?
• God can change the hardest hearts. Saul was there, approving of Stephen’s death. Yet, God would later turn him into a great apostle. We should never assume that anyone is beyond God’s grace.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Even in the middle of suffering, God’s love is powerfully displayed:

• God gave Stephen peace as he faced death.
• God’s love extended to Stephen’s killers—Stephen prayed for their forgiveness.
• God turned Stephen’s death into the beginning of a great movement of the gospel.

This verse shows that God’s love is greater than hatred, suffering, or death itself.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Stephen Followed Jesus’ Example – Just as Jesus forgave His executioners, Stephen prayed for his enemies.
2. Jesus Welcomed Stephen Home – In Acts 7:56, Stephen saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand, ready to receive him.
3. Stephen’s Death Was Not in Vain – Jesus’ death brought salvation, and Stephen’s death helped spread the gospel.
4. Jesus Is the Source of True Peace – Stephen did not die in fear—he trusted Jesus completely.

Stephen’s death was not a tragic ending—it was a victory. He entered the presence of Jesus, his faith fully rewarded.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Stephen’s prayer challenge us to respond to those who mistreat us?
2. Why do you think Stephen was able to die with such peace and confidence?
3. How does this verse change the way we view suffering for our faith?
4. What does it mean that Stephen “fell asleep” instead of saying he “died”?
5. How can we apply Stephen’s example of boldness and forgiveness in our daily lives?