Book of Acts - Chapter 7 - Verse 60

In this verse, we see the remarkable act of forgiveness displayed by Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Despite being stoned to death by a hostile mob, Stephen does not harbor any resentment or anger towards his attackers. Instead, he follows the example of Jesus, who also prayed for forgiveness for those who persecuted him. By kneeling down and crying out to the Lord to not hold this sin against his murderers, Stephen exemplifies the essence of Christian values - forgiveness, mercy, and love. Stephen's final act of forgiving his perpetrators before falling asleep in death serves as a powerful lesson for all believers, reminding us of the importance of letting go of bitterness and choosing to extend grace to those who wrong us. Through this verse, we are encouraged to emulate Stephen's spirit of forgiveness and emulate Christ's teachings in our own lives, even in the face of adversity and persecution.

In this verse, Stephen's response to being stoned to death by the enraged crowd is a powerful example of forgiveness and mercy. Despite facing a brutal death, he emulates Christ-like behavior by interceding for his persecutors. The act of kneeling down symbolizes humility and submission before God, as Stephen acknowledges the ultimate authority and sovereignty of the Lord. By crying out with a loud voice, Stephen demonstrates his fervent prayer for forgiveness on behalf of those who are inflicting harm upon him. The phrase "lay not this sin to their charge" reflects Stephen's desire for mercy and restoration rather than vengeance. Stephen's willingness to forgive even in the face of death underscores the transformative power of faith and embodies the teachings of Jesus to love one's enemies and pray for those who persecute you. The verse concludes with Stephen peacefully passing away, symbolizing his acceptance of martyrdom and his entrance into eternal rest.