King James Version
What Does Acts 7:59 Mean?
“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Context
57
Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
59
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
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.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Acts 7:59 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Acts 7:59
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge