Acts 7:56

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Complete Jewish Bible:

“Look!” he exclaimed, “I see heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Berean Standard Bible:

“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

American Standard Version:

and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} said^{G2036}, Behold^{G2400}, I see^{G2334} the heavens^{G3772} opened^{G455}, and^{G2532} the Son^{G5207} of man^{G444} standing^{G2476} on^{G1537} the right hand^{G1188} of God^{G2316}.

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Commentary for Acts 7:56

Acts 7:56 is part of Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen, a Hellenistic Jew and one of the seven deacons chosen by the early Christian community to distribute food to the needy, became a powerful preacher and performer of miracles. His bold proclamation of the Gospel and his vision of Jesus as the Son of Man at the right hand of God challenged the prevailing Jewish religious authorities and their understanding of the law and the covenant.

In the verse, Stephen exclaims that he sees the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. This vision occurs just before his martyrdom, making it a significant moment of revelation and confirmation of his faith. The phrase "Son of Man" is a messianic title used by Jesus throughout the Gospels to refer to himself, linking Stephen's vision directly to Jesus' own teachings and identity. The image of Jesus standing at God's right hand contradicts the Jewish expectation that the Messiah would be a triumphant king and instead presents him as a heavenly figure with divine authority.

Historically, this verse reflects the early Christian belief in the exaltation of Jesus and his heavenly session, a concept found in other parts of the New Testament, such as in the letters to the Hebrews and the Epistles of Paul. It also underscores the theological assertion that Jesus, as the Son of Man, is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the mediator between God and humanity. Stephen's vision thus serves as a powerful testimony to the resurrection and glorification of Jesus, affirming the Christian message in the face of opposition and persecution.

The verse captures the tension between the emerging Christian movement and the established religious order of the time. Stephen's declaration leads directly to his death by stoning, making him the first Christian martyr. His willingness to die for his beliefs reflects the commitment of the early Christians to spread the Gospel, even in the face of violent opposition. Acts 7:56 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Acts, highlighting the transformative power of faith and the continuity of Jesus' mission through his followers.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2036
   There are 901 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔπω
   Transliteration: épō
   Pronunciation: ep'-o
   Description: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from ἐρέω, ῥέω, and φημί); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Compare λέγω.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2400
   There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἰδού
   Transliteration: idoú
   Pronunciation: id-oo'
   Description: second person singular imperative middle voice of εἴδω; used as imperative lo!; --behold, lo, see.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2334
   There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θεωρέω
   Transliteration: theōréō
   Pronunciation: theh-o-reh'-o
   Description: from a derivative of θεάομαι (perhaps by addition of ὁράω); to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge)):--behold, consider, look on, perceive, see. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3772
   There are 264 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐρανός
   Transliteration: ouranós
   Pronunciation: oo-ran-os'
   Description: perhaps from the same as ὄρος (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity):--air, heaven(-ly), sky.
   
6. Strong's Number: G455
   There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀνοίγω
   Transliteration: anoígō
   Pronunciation: an-oy'-go
   Description: from ἀνά and (to open); to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications):--open.
   
7. Strong's Number: G5207
   There are 348 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: υἱός
   Transliteration: huiós
   Pronunciation: hwee-os'
   Description: apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son.
   
8. Strong's Number: G444
   There are 614 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄνθρωπος
   Transliteration: ánthrōpos
   Pronunciation: anth'-ro-pos
   Description: from ἀνήρ and (the countenance; from ὀπτάνομαι); man-faced, i.e. a human being:--certain, man.
   
9. Strong's Number: G2476
   There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵστημι
   Transliteration: hístēmi
   Pronunciation: stah'-o
   Description: a prolonged form of a primary (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare τίθημι.
   
10. Strong's Number: G1537
    There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐκ
    Transliteration: ek
    Pronunciation: ex
    Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
    
11. Strong's Number: G1188
    There are 53 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δεξιός
    Transliteration: dexiós
    Pronunciation: dex-ee-os'
    Description: from δέχομαι; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):--right (hand, side).
    
12. Strong's Number: G2316
    There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: θεός
    Transliteration: theós
    Pronunciation: theh'-os
    Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).