The Prayer of Stephen in the Bible (Acts 7)
Quick Summary
The prayer of Stephen in Acts 7 is a powerful moment in the early church, reflecting both Christ-like forgiveness and deep faith. As the first Christian martyr, Stephen's final words reveal a heart fully aligned with Jesus even in the face of death.
Introduction
Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve in the early church (Acts 6:5), was known for his wisdom and spirit-filled preaching. His bold proclamation of the gospel before the Sanhedrin led to his arrest and trial. In Acts 7, Stephen delivers a sweeping speech that recounts Israel’s history and confronts the religious leaders with their rejection of God's messengers—culminating in their rejection of Jesus.
This provokes outrage. The crowd drags Stephen outside the city and stones him. But in his final moments, Stephen prays two brief yet profound prayers that echo the words of Christ from the cross.
Stephen's First Prayer: A Vision of Glory
"But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!'" (Acts 7:55–56, NRSV)
Stephen’s first prayer is not a request but a declaration, a vision of the risen Christ standing (not sitting) at the right hand of God. This moment of divine revelation affirms Stephen's testimony and encourages the early church with the promise of Christ's presence.
The image of Jesus standing rather than seated (as in Hebrews 1:3) has drawn much theological reflection. Many scholars interpret this posture as one of advocacy or welcome: Christ rising to receive his faithful servant. Stephen's prayerful vision shifts the narrative from violence to victory, showing that his death is not the end but a witness.
Stephen's Second Prayer: Echoes of Jesus
"Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he died." (Acts 7:60, NRSV)
This prayer mirrors Jesus' words on the cross: "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Stephen, like his Lord, intercedes for his killers. It is a prayer of extraordinary grace and forgiveness, revealing the depth of his spiritual maturity.
In this moment, Stephen becomes the first true imitation of Christ in martyrdom. His dying words demonstrate that the Spirit of Jesus lives within him. And in praying aloud for his enemies, Stephen plants seeds of transformation—perhaps most notably in the young man named Saul (Acts 7:58) who would later become the Apostle Paul.
Theological Significance
Stephen’s prayer is not long or elaborate, but its brevity adds to its power. He calls upon Jesus directly, affirming the divinity and lordship of Christ. This distinguishes early Christian prayer from traditional Jewish prayer, which would not have invoked the name of Jesus in such a personal way.
His cry for forgiveness is more than personal piety—it marks a turning point in Christian witness. Stephen exemplifies how believers are to suffer with grace, entrust their lives to God, and forgive as Christ forgave.
Commentator I. Howard Marshall notes: “Stephen dies as he lived, full of the Spirit and bold in faith, modeling the cost of discipleship.”
Lessons for Today
Stephen's prayer challenges and inspires believers today:
Christ-centered focus: Even in death, Stephen sees Jesus. His prayer reminds us to fix our eyes on Christ in all circumstances.
Forgiveness in adversity: Stephen forgives while stones are hurled. His prayer calls us to extend grace even in our hardest moments.
A witness that speaks beyond death: Stephen’s final words echoed in the ears of Saul, who would become Paul. We never know how our faithfulness may impact others.
FAQ
Q: Why is Stephen's prayer significant in Christian history?
A: As the first Christian martyr, Stephen's Christ-like prayer sets a pattern for faithful witness and forgiveness.
Q: Does Stephen's prayer imply salvation for his persecutors?
A: While his prayer does not guarantee their salvation, it reflects a spirit of intercession and hope for their repentance, much like Jesus' prayer on the cross.
Q: Why does Stephen address Jesus instead of the Father?
A: This direct appeal to Jesus reflects early Christian belief in Christ's divinity and mediating role, affirming his lordship in life and death.
Q: How does Stephen's death influence the early church?
A: His martyrdom marks the beginning of widespread persecution, but also galvanizes the spread of the gospel (Acts 8:1). His prayerful death becomes a model for others.
