7:54 7:54

Acts 7:55

7:56 7:56

Bible Versions

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
But {G1161} he, being {G5225} full {G4134} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, looked up stedfastly {G816} into {G1519} heaven {G3772}, and saw {G1492} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} standing {G2476} on {G1537} the right hand {G1188} of God {G2316},
But he, full of the Ruach HaKodesh, looked up to heaven and saw God’s Sh’khinah, with Yeshua standing at the right hand of God.
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Acts 7:55 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment in the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Faced with an angry Sanhedrin and imminent death, Stephen receives a profound divine vision, underscoring his unwavering faith and God's powerful presence even in extreme persecution.

Context

This verse is the climax of Stephen's defense before the Jewish high council, where he had boldly recounted Israel's history, highlighting their repeated rejection of God's prophets and ultimately, the Messiah Himself. His powerful sermon, culminating in a sharp rebuke (Acts 7:51-53), enraged his listeners, setting the stage for his violent death. In this moment of intense hostility, Stephen's focus shifts from his accusers to heaven, providing a profound testimony to divine vindication and hope.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Empowerment: Stephen is described as "full of the Holy Ghost." This phrase signifies not merely a spiritual feeling but a complete supernatural empowerment, enabling him to perceive heavenly realities and face persecution with courage. This is a recurring theme in the book of Acts, demonstrating how believers are equipped for God's work, even in the face of adversity (Acts 1:8).
  • Heavenly Vision and God's Glory: Stephen's "stedfast" gaze into heaven reveals the "glory of God," a manifestation of God's majestic presence and radiant splendor. This vision serves as a divine affirmation of Stephen's message and a comfort in his suffering, echoing similar encounters with God's glory seen by prophets in the Old Testament.
  • Jesus' Unique Posture: The most striking detail is Stephen seeing "Jesus standing on the right hand of God." Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is typically depicted as seated at the right hand of God, signifying His completed work of atonement and His position of authority and rest (Hebrews 1:3). Stephen's vision of Jesus standing is often interpreted as Christ rising to welcome His faithful martyr, to intercede on his behalf, or as a posture of readiness to act in judgment or vindication. It powerfully conveys Christ's active involvement and presence with His persecuted followers.

Linguistic Insights

The term "stedfastly" (KJV) comes from the Greek word atenizō, meaning "to gaze intently" or "to fix one's eyes upon." This emphasizes Stephen's unwavering focus and spiritual discernment, not a casual glance but a profound, concentrated perception of the divine realm.

Practical Application

Acts 7:55 offers immense encouragement to believers facing opposition or suffering for their faith. It reminds us that:

  • The Holy Spirit empowers us in times of trial, granting spiritual insight and strength to endure.
  • Even in the darkest moments, God's presence and glory can be revealed, offering comfort and assurance.
  • Jesus is not a distant Lord but actively present with His people, standing ready to support and vindicate those who suffer for His name. Stephen's vision provides a powerful image of Christ's solidarity with His persecuted church, offering hope in the face of death and a glimpse of the heavenly reward awaiting the faithful (Revelation 21:4).

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.

  • Mark 16:19

    ¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

  • Hebrews 1:3

    Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

  • Acts 6:5

    And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

  • Acts 6:10

    And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

  • Acts 6:8

    ¶ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
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