While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit' - Stephen's prayer in the midst of violence is addressed to 'Lord Jesus' (Kyrie Iēsou) directly, a remarkable testimony to Jesus's divine status. 'Receive my spirit' (paralambane to pneuma mou) echoes Jesus's death prayer (Luke 23:46, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit'), establishing that Stephen follows Jesus even into death. The prayer is not to the Father but to the exalted Son, showing that Stephen's Christology identifies Jesus as worthy of worship and capable of receiving the dying. Martyrdom is communion with Christ in his passion.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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