Acts 7:60He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them!" When he had said this, he fell asleep.
The setting
Jerusalem, ~34 AD. Outside the city walls near the Damascus Gate. Stephen, bloodied and broken from stones, kneels in his final moments while an angry mob surrounds him.
The emotion here: witnessing execution with grief but recording divine grace
The original word
koimaō (ἐκοιμήθη) — literally 'fell asleep,' early Christian euphemism for death showing belief in resurrection
Why it matters
This was likely the first Christian execution after Jesus, setting the precedent for systematic persecution
Read with care
What most readers miss in Acts 7:60
Stephen's prayer mirrors Jesus' exact words - he's consciously following his Master's example even in death
Common misconceptionPeople think Stephen was being 'nice' or weak. He was actually demonstrating the supernatural power to love enemies - something impossible without divine help.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Acts 7:60
Bible Genome reading
Acts 7:60 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Acts 7:60 comes from the book of Acts, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Stephen. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 95% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include forgiveness, death. Notable phrases: don't hold this sin against them; fell asleep. This verse is a prayer.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Acts 7:60 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "resting"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.