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Stephen, Deacon & Martyr---did he ever say, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"?

I was pretty sure that Acts 7, that tells the story of Stephen, the deacon and first martyr of the Church, had Stephen say, right when he died, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Now of course I realize that this was spoken by Jesus (Lk 23.34). But I was also sure that this was spoken by Stephen as well. I looked it up today and found nothing, not even in the KJV, which some times has a different reading than the newer bible versions. He does say something similar, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them (ESV)." But it wasn't the wording I had in mind.

Did anyone else in the NT say this, besides Jesus?
 

1689Dave

Well-Known Member
I was pretty sure that Acts 7, that tells the story of Stephen, the deacon and first martyr of the Church, had Stephen say, right when he died, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Now of course I realize that this was spoken by Jesus (Lk 23.34). But I was also sure that this was spoken by Stephen as well. I looked it up today and found nothing, not even in the KJV, which some times has a different reading than the newer bible versions. He does say something similar, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them (ESV)." But it wasn't the wording I had in mind.

Did anyone else in the NT say this, besides Jesus?
Stephen prayed asking God not to hold this sin against them. “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:60) (KJV 1900)

But I believe this would be the mindset of any Christian martyr. That is, loving your enemies as your own self while giving your life as Jesus did, in love for God.
 

Aaron

Member
Site Supporter
And loving martyrdom so much you allow the victimization of your neighbors.
But I believe this would be the mindset of any Christian martyr. That is, loving your enemies as your own self while giving your life as Jesus did, in love for God.
 
How about if we keep personal comments out of this thread--isn't this what PMs are for?

That way, I will be more likely to have someone post an answer to my question.
 

kyredneck

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
the story of Stephen

...was foretold by 'The Prophet':

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in theirs synagogues they will scourge you;
18 yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak.
20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.
21 And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name`s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. Mt 10

12 But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name`s sake.
13 It shall turn out unto you for a testimony.
14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer:
15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
16 But ye shall be delivered up even by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name`s sake.
18 And not a hair of your head shall perish.
19 In your patience ye shall win your souls. Lu 21

Now of course I realize that this was spoken by Jesus

...and since it was Christ that gave him the Spirit and a mouth to speak [Acts 6:10], who's really talking here?:

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7

Who really said that?
 
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kyredneck

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
As an aside, compare:

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge . And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7


...with:

2 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name`s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be

saved . Mt 10

18 And not a hair of your head shall perish.
19 In your patience ye shall win your souls. Lu 21


I have to think Stephen was delivered from the full brunt of the stoning, jmho.
 

1689Dave

Well-Known Member
...yea, I see the resemblance, not sure if it breaks any rules though, if so...
I'm just Dave trying to share the treasures God has blessed me with over the last 40 years. I'm not everyone's cup of tea but Jesus said it would be like this.
 

Earth Wind and Fire

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I'm just Dave trying to share the treasures God has blessed me with over the last 40 years. I'm not everyone's cup of tea but Jesus said it would be like this.
LOL.... Dave, as you can see, Crabtown Boy was controversial and if you resemble him, not a big problem (for me anyway). Others went to the mat with him however.

In all, don’t sweat the small stuff :Wink
 

TCassidy

Late-Administator Emeritus
Administrator
Wait a minute. If EVERYBODY is an outsider, doesn't that make all of us insiders? :D:D:D
 
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