Definition: And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 7:59 together. It’s a really important moment in the early history of Christianity. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Stephen is being stoned: In this verse, we see a group of Jewish people – likely followers of Jesus – are attacking Stephen, who was a young prophet and leader. They’re throwing stones and insults at him. They’re calling upon God: This is the crucial part. They’re begging or praying to God for help, for strength, and for protection. It's a desperate plea. Saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit": This is what Stephen is actually saying. He’s pleading with God to give him power and strength to continue his work – to preach the gospel (the good news about Jesus). What it means in simpler terms: Stephen was feeling overwhelmed and scared. He realized he needed help, not just from himself, but from a higher power. He’s essentially saying, “Lord, please give me your strength and courage to continue doing what I'm doing.” It shows his deep faith and belief in Jesus. Why it's significant: This is one of the earliest recorded instances where people are directly addressing God as a source of power and encouragement. It’s a powerful expression of faith and demonstrates that Stephen was deeply connected to his divine purpose. --- Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a sign of impending danger for Stephen. However, it's also seen as a moment of profound spiritual connection between Stephen and God. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this event in more detail?