Acts 7:59
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπικαλούμενον
calling upon
G1941
ἐπικαλούμενον
calling upon
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
5 of 13
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγοντα
saying
G3004
λέγοντα
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
δέξαι
receive
G1209
δέξαι
receive
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
10 of 13
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 23:46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.Psalms 31:5Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.Acts 22:16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.Acts 2:21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.Acts 9:14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:Joel 2:32And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Historical Context
As Christianity's first martyr faced stoning outside Jerusalem's walls, Stephen consciously followed Christ's example in death. His prayer to Jesus (not the Father) affirms the early church's worship of Christ as divine.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Stephen's prayer teach about Jesus' role in believers' death and afterlife?
- How can Christians develop similar confidence and calm when facing death?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Stephen's prayer 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit' demonstrates faith in Jesus' deity and power to receive departing souls—a prerogative belonging to God alone. This echoes Jesus' words on the cross ('Father, into thy hands,' Luke 23:46), showing Stephen's Christlike response to death. His calm commitment reveals assured hope of resurrection.