Stephen Is Killed

⁵⁴ When the leaders heard this, they became furious [^Lin their hearts]. They were so mad they were ·grinding [gnashing] their teeth at Stephen. ⁵⁵ But Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right ·side [or hand; ^Cthe place of highest honor beside a king]. ⁵⁶ He said, “Look! I see heaven open and the Son of Man [^Ca title for the Messiah; Dan. 7:13–14] standing at God’s right ·side [or hand].” [^CNormally portrayed as “sitting” at God’s right side (Ps. 110:1), Jesus is standing either to give testimony to Stephen’s faithfulness, or to welcome him into God’s presence.]

⁵⁷ Then they shouted loudly and covered their ears and all ·ran [rushed together; or rushed with one intent] at Stephen. ⁵⁸ They ·took [dragged] him out of the city and began to ·throw stones at him to kill [stone] him [^Cthe customary way to execute a criminal]. And ·those who told lies against Stephen [or his accusers; those who provided testimony; ^Lthe witnesses] left their coats ·with [^Lat the feet of] a young man named Saul [^Clater known as Paul]. ⁵⁹ While they were ·throwing stones [stoning him], Stephen ·prayed [^Lcalled out], “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ He fell on his knees and cried in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” After Stephen said this, he ·died [^Lfell asleep; ^Cfor believers death is temporary, like sleep].