Acts 7:60 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:60 mean?

Acts 7:60 describes Stephen, as he is being killed, kneeling down and loudly asking the Lord not to hold the sin of his attackers against them. After saying this, the verse says Stephen "fell asleep," a gentle way of describing his death.

Stephen is the first Christian martyr, and this moment comes as he is being stoned by a crowd for his testimony about Jesus. Speaking directly to God, Stephen's final words echo forgiveness, even for those who are killing him. The phrase "fell asleep" is often used in the New Testament as a respectful way to refer to death, especially for believers.

The Greek behind Acts 7:60

• "Cried" (ἐκράξεν, ekraxen): This word means to shout or call out loudly. The verse emphasizes that Stephen's prayer for forgiveness was not whispered but proclaimed for all to hear, showing his sincerity and courage.
• "Sin" (ἁμαρτίαν, hamartian): This word means wrongdoing or offense. Stephen specifically asks that this particular act of violence not be counted against his killers, highlighting the depth of his forgiveness.
• "Fell asleep" (ἐκοιμήθη, ekoimēthē): This is a gentle Greek expression for dying. It reflects a view of death as temporary rest, especially in the context of Christian hope.

Why Acts 7:60 matters

• Acts 7:60 shows Stephen’s forgiveness, even in the face of death, which closely echoes Jesus’ own words on the cross and highlights a key theme of mercy in early Christian witness.
• The verse connects Stephen’s death to the larger story of Acts, marking a turning point where persecution of Jesus’ followers begins to spread.
• The use of "fell asleep" instead of a harsher term for death offers comfort and hope, suggesting that death is not the end for believers.