Acts 7:60
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 7:60
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.
Chapter Context
Acts 7 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, wisdom, righteousness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-60: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 7:60
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.
Analysis
Stephen's dying prayer mirrors Christ's crucifixion prayer (Luke 23:34), demonstrating how deeply Jesus' teaching on loving enemies had transformed him. The Greek 'koimaō' (fell asleep) is Luke's euphemism for death, emphasizing Christian hope in resurrection. The phrase 'lay not this sin to their charge' uses accounting language - Stephen asks God not to 'reckon' or 'impute' this sin to his murderers. This radical forgiveness fulfills Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:44) and likely impacted Saul of Tarsus, who witnessed this martyrdom and later became Paul the apostle.
Historical Context
Stephen was stoned circa AD 34-35, becoming Christianity's first martyr (Greek: martys, witness). Among the witnesses holding the executioners' garments was Saul of Tarsus (Acts 7:58). The stoning occurred outside Jerusalem's walls, as Jewish law required. Stephen's martyrdom catalyzed severe persecution that scattered believers, paradoxically spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1-4).
Reflection
- How does Stephen's example challenge your response to those who oppose or harm you for your faith?
- In what ways might your forgiveness of others serve as a witness that plants seeds for their eventual conversion?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark