And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Ver. 59. And they stoned Stephen] Bembus wrote a dainty poem concerning Stephen, and therein hath this verse, much admired by Melancthon.
" Ibat ovans animis, et spe sua damna levabat. "
He saw heaven through that shower of stones. Becket's friends advised him to have a mass in honour of St Stephen, to keep him from the hands of his enemies. He had so, but it profited him not.
Lord Jesus, receive, &c.] Luther's last prayer was this, "My heavenly Father, thou hast manifested unto me thy dear Son Jesus Christ. I have taught him, I have known him; I love him as my life, my health, and my redemption, whom the wicked have persecuted, maligned, and with injury affected: draw my soul to thee." After this he said, "I commend my spirit into thy hands, thou hast redeemed me, O God of truth," &c.
Lord, lay not this sin, &c.] Ne statuas. Set it not upon their score, or account. St Augustine is of opinion that this prayer of St Stephen's was of avail for St Paul's conversion. He stood when he prayed for himself, he kneeled when he prayed for his enemies; to show (saith one) the greatness of his piety, and of their impiety, not so easily forgiven. He was more sorry for their riot than for his own ruin.