‘And they stoned Stephen, calling on the Lord, and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

But as they stoned him, Stephen looked up to heaven and prayed to ‘the Lord', calling out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”. He had no doubt in his heart, only joy, and concern for those who were doing this to him. We can compare here Jesus' own words on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Stephen, exalted in spirit, wanted it known that he was going like his Master. The parallel is significant. It equates the Father and the Lord Jesus, both of Whom are seen as receiving the spirits of the godly when they die.

‘Lord Jesus.' Thus use of Lord here is very significant. Throughout his speech ‘the Lord' has been cited from the Old Testament and has meant Yahweh. Here he now refers the same title to Jesus. he has no doubt Whom the One He has seen really is.

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