Acts 6:15

KJV

And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} all {G537} that sat {G2516} in {G1722} the council {G4892}, looking stedfastly {G816} on {G1519} him {G846}, saw {G1492} his {G846} face {G4383} as it had been {G5616} the face {G4383} of an angel {G32}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone sitting in the Sanhedrin stared at Stephen and saw that his face looked like the face of an angel.

Berean Standard Bible

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

American Standard Version

And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 6:15 vividly portrays Stephen, standing accused before the Jewish Sanhedrin, as his face supernaturally radiates with a divine glow, appearing "as it had been the face of an angel." This miraculous manifestation serves as a powerful divine vindication of Stephen's character and ministry, starkly contrasting with the false accusations leveled against him, and signaling God's profound presence and approval amidst intense hostility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 6 marks a significant transition in the early church, moving from internal organizational challenges (the Hellenist widows' complaint) to external persecution. Stephen is introduced as one of the seven deacons chosen to address the food distribution issue, but he quickly emerges as a powerful evangelist "full of faith and the Holy Spirit" and "full of grace and power" ([Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - Stephen's Selection") and [Acts 6:8](/acts/6-8 "Acts 6:8 - Stephen's Power")). His public ministry, characterized by "great wonders and signs," provokes intense opposition from various synagogues, whose members are unable to refute his wisdom and the Spirit by which he speaks ([Acts 6:9-10](/acts/6-9-10 "Acts 6:9-10 - Opposition to Stephen")). Unable to win intellectually, they resort to suborning false witnesses, accusing Stephen of blasphemy against Moses, God, the Temple, and the Law ([Acts 6:11-14](/acts/6-11-14 "Acts 6:11-14 - False Accusations Against Stephen")). Verse 15 directly precedes Stephen's lengthy and profound sermon in [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Sermon and Martyrdom"), setting the stage for his eloquent defense and ultimate martyrdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Stephen's trial takes place before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council in Jerusalem. This body, comprised of seventy-one members including chief priests, elders, and scribes, held significant authority under Roman rule, particularly in matters of Jewish law and religion. The accusations of blasphemy against Moses and the Temple were extremely serious, carrying the death penalty under Jewish law. The Sanhedrin's authority to execute was limited by Roman oversight, but they could, and did, condemn individuals to death, often then seeking Roman approval or inciting a mob. The reference to Stephen's face appearing "as an angel" would have resonated deeply with Jewish listeners, recalling instances like Moses' radiant face after encountering God on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' Radiant Face")), which signified divine approval and a direct encounter with God's glory. This visual sign would have been a profound, undeniable testimony to Stephen's divine favor in a court determined to condemn him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Vindication and Empowerment**, demonstrating that God actively intervenes to affirm His servants, even in the face of grave injustice and persecution. Stephen's radiant face is a visible sign of God's presence and approval, echoing the Spirit's empowerment described earlier in [Acts 6:3-8](/acts/6-3-8 "Acts 6:3-8 - Stephen's Spirit-filled Ministry"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Suffering and Glory**, where faithfulness to Christ, even unto suffering, is met with divine glory and affirmation. This foreshadows Stephen's ultimate vision of Christ in [Acts 7:55-56](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Christ"), where his earthly suffering culminates in heavenly glory. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Continuity and Transformation of God's Work**, showing how the Spirit's power, once manifested through Moses, now shines through Stephen, a new covenant messenger, indicating a new era of God's redemptive plan unfolding through Christ and His church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stedfastly (Greek, _atenízō'_):** Derived from a compound word meaning "to stretch," this verb signifies an intense, fixed, and unwavering gaze. It implies that the council members were not merely glancing at Stephen but were staring intently, unable to look away from the profound and captivating sight before them. This emphasizes the undeniable and striking nature of the transformation they witnessed.
* **face (Greek, _prósōpon'_):** This term refers to the countenance, aspect, or appearance. In this context, it denotes the visible manifestation of Stephen's inner state and divine indwelling. The transformation of his "face" is not just a superficial change but a profound revelation of God's glory shining through him, making his very presence a testimony.
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** Meaning "messenger," this word primarily refers to a celestial being who serves as God's emissary. In biblical tradition, angels are often associated with divine glory, purity, and the manifestation of God's presence. To say Stephen's face was "as the face of an angel" implies a supernatural radiance, a divine glow, and perhaps even an aura of holiness and authority, akin to how God's messengers appear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all that sat in the council,":** This phrase identifies the audience and setting: the entire Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish court, convened to judge Stephen. Their collective presence underscores the gravity and official nature of the proceedings, making their shared observation of Stephen's transformed appearance all the more significant and undeniable.
* **"looking stedfastly on him,":** This describes the intense focus of the council members. The Greek word `atenízō` (stedfastly) conveys a fixed, unwavering gaze, indicating that Stephen's presence was so compelling or unusual that it commanded their undivided attention. This deliberate observation makes their subsequent perception of his face a direct and undeniable eyewitness account.
* **"saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.":** This is the climactic observation. Despite the hostile environment and the false accusations, the council members witnessed a supernatural phenomenon: Stephen's countenance was supernaturally illuminated, radiating with a divine glory reminiscent of an angel's appearance. This simile powerfully conveys God's divine vindication of Stephen, affirming his innocence and God's presence with him, even as he stood accused. It served as a visible sign of divine approval, a silent yet potent testimony against his accusers.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 6:15 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stating that Stephen's face was "as it had been the face of an angel." This comparison evokes images of divine glory, purity, and the presence of God's messengers, immediately elevating Stephen's status from accused blasphemer to divinely endorsed prophet. This also creates a strong sense of **Irony**, as Stephen, accused of blasphemy against God, is visibly affirmed by God Himself through this miraculous manifestation. His face, meant to be seen as that of a criminal, instead shines with divine approval. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the greater glory Stephen would soon experience in [Acts 7:55](/acts/7-55 "Acts 7:55 - Stephen's Vision of Glory"), where he sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand. The radiant face is a preliminary glimpse of the heavenly reality that awaits him and a testament to the spiritual power at work through him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 6:15 profoundly illustrates the divine vindication and empowerment of God's faithful servants, even in the midst of severe opposition and false accusation. Stephen's radiant face is a tangible sign of God's presence and approval, serving as a powerful, silent testimony against his accusers. It highlights the truth that God is with those who stand for Him, bestowing upon them a supernatural peace and glory that transcends their earthly circumstances. This manifestation of divine glory through a human being underscores the active work of the Holy Spirit, not only in empowering Stephen's ministry but also in outwardly affirming his character and message, demonstrating that his suffering is not a sign of divine abandonment but rather a path through which God's glory can be revealed.

* [Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' Radiant Face")
* [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Reflecting God's Glory")
* [Matthew 17:2](/matthew/17-2 "Matthew 17:2 - The Transfiguration of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Stephen's trial and the miraculous radiance of his face offer profound lessons for contemporary believers facing adversity. This account reminds us that our true vindication comes from God, not from human courts or public opinion. When we stand firm in our faith and witness, even amidst false accusations or intense scrutiny, God's presence can be tangibly manifested through us, bringing an inexplicable peace and even a visible spiritual glow that confounds our detractors. Stephen's calm, radiant appearance, despite the hostile environment and the looming threat of death, testifies to an inner peace and confidence rooted in his unwavering faith and intimate connection with God. This calls us to cultivate a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will empower us to remain steadfast, articulate our faith boldly, and even use our character and demeanor to display God's glory, transforming moments of trial into opportunities for divine witness. Our ultimate hope and confidence should rest in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He is able to sustain us, affirm us, and ultimately bring us into His eternal glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might Stephen's radiant face have impacted the Sanhedrin members, and what does this suggest about the power of God's presence in difficult situations?**
* **In what ways can believers today manifest God's presence or glory, even without a visible angelic glow?**
* **How does Stephen's experience encourage you to remain steadfast and bold in your faith when facing opposition or misunderstanding?**
* **What does Stephen's inner peace, evident in his outward appearance, teach us about cultivating spiritual resilience in the face of adversity?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Stephen's face to appear "as the face of an angel"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful simile indicating a supernatural phenomenon where Stephen's face radiated with a divine glow or splendor, akin to how angels are often depicted as shining or glorious beings. It signifies God's profound presence, favor, and approval upon Stephen, serving as a visible testament to his innocence and the divine truth of his message, despite the false accusations. It recalls instances like [Moses' radiant face](/exodus/34-29-35 "Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' Radiant Face") after being in God's presence, signifying a direct encounter with divine glory.

**Was this a common occurrence for early Christians, or was it unique to Stephen?**

Answer: While the specific manifestation of a glowing, "angelic" face is unique to Stephen in the New Testament narrative, the concept of believers being filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to speak with wisdom and boldness, even performing signs and wonders, was common among early Christians, as seen in [Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - Pentecost and the Holy Spirit") and [Acts 4:31](/acts/4-31 "Acts 4:31 - Spirit-filled Boldness"). Stephen's experience, however, highlights an extraordinary divine affirmation in a moment of extreme persecution, underscoring God's special favor upon him as he stood as a witness.

**How does this event relate to Stephen's subsequent martyrdom?**

Answer: Stephen's radiant face in [Acts 6:15](/acts/6-15 "Acts 6:15 - Stephen's Angelic Face") serves as a powerful prelude to his sermon in [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Sermon and Martyrdom") and his subsequent martyrdom. It visually confirms his divine calling and purity of heart, setting the stage for his Spirit-filled defense. His angelic appearance foreshadows the heavenly vision he receives just before his death, where he sees "the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God" ([Acts 7:55](/acts/7-55 "Acts 7:55 - Stephen's Vision of Christ")). This sequence emphasizes that his suffering and death were not a defeat but a glorious transition, divinely affirmed from beginning to end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 6:15, with Stephen's face shining "as it had been the face of an angel," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Stephen, standing accused before the Sanhedrin, mirrors Jesus' own trial before the same body, where He too faced false accusations and hostility ([Matthew 26:57-68](/matthew/26-57-68 "Matthew 26:57-68 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")). Stephen's radiant face is a visible manifestation of divine glory and vindication, a premonition of the ultimate glory that awaited him, and a powerful echo of Christ's own **Transfiguration**, where His "face did shine as the sun" ([Matthew 17:2](/matthew/17-2 "Matthew 17:2 - The Transfiguration of Jesus")). This divine radiance in Stephen underscores that the glory of God, once uniquely manifest in Christ, is now, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, reflected in His faithful followers, particularly in moments of suffering and witness. Stephen's experience, culminating in his vision of Christ standing at the right hand of God ([Acts 7:55-56](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Christ")), demonstrates that true glory and vindication are found in union with the risen Christ, who empowers His disciples to bear witness to Him even unto death, transforming their suffering into a display of His own eternal splendor and ultimate triumph over sin and death.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:43

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Ecclesiastes 8:1

¶ Who [is] as the wise [man]? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.

Matthew 17:2

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Exodus 34:29

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

Exodus 34:35

And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

2 Corinthians 3:7

But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away: