Acts 8:2
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Original Language Analysis
συνεκόμισαν
carried
G4792
συνεκόμισαν
carried
Strong's:
G4792
Word #:
1 of 12
to convey together, i.e., collect or bear away in company with others
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐλαβεῖς
devout
G2126
εὐλαβεῖς
devout
Strong's:
G2126
Word #:
6 of 12
taking well (carefully), i.e., circumspect (religiously, pious)
καὶ
to his burial and
G2532
καὶ
to his burial and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίησαντὸ
made
G4160
ἐποίησαντὸ
made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μέγαν
great
G3173
μέγαν
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
10 of 12
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
Historical Context
Jewish law required burial before sunset (Deuteronomy 21:23), even for executed criminals. That these men openly mourned Stephen despite the hostile climate shows remarkable courage, as association with executed blasphemers could bring persecution upon themselves.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'devout' in times of persecution?
- How do we honor fellow believers who suffer or die for their faith?
- Why is public identification with persecuted Christians spiritually significant?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That 'devout men' gave Stephen burial honors shows not all Jerusalem Jews opposed Christianity. Their 'great lamentation' demonstrated genuine grief over martyrdom of a godly man. Proper burial was important in Jewish culture, and these men risked association with the persecuted church. Reformed theology sees God's preserving grace even in persecution - maintaining a witness and testimony through these courageous men. Their devotion prefigures the many who would face opposition to honor Christ and His servants.