Acts 7:56

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:56 captures Stephen's final, profound heavenly vision as he faces martyrdom, declaring that he sees "the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." This pivotal moment not only validates Stephen's testimony and provides him divine comfort but also offers a powerful theological statement affirming the exalted status, active intercession, and supreme authority of Jesus Christ, who reigns triumphantly over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic climax of Stephen's lengthy defense before the Sanhedrin, recounted in [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Sermon and Martyrdom"). Having meticulously detailed Israel's history of rebellion against God and their prophets, Stephen delivers a scathing rebuke to his audience, accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit and murdering the Messiah ([Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's Rebuke of the Sanhedrin")). As their fury reaches a boiling point, God grants Stephen this extraordinary vision, a divine interruption that immediately precedes his stoning ([Acts 7:58-60](/acts/7-58-60 "Acts 7:58-60 - Stephen's Stoning")). The vision functions as a heavenly affirmation of Stephen's witness, providing immense solace and strength in his final moments, while simultaneously condemning his persecutors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Stephen stood trial before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and judicial council, whose members included Sadducees and Pharisees. His accusations of rejecting God's prophets and murdering the Messiah, coupled with his claim of seeing Jesus at God's right hand, would have been perceived as ultimate blasphemy by his Jewish audience. For them, the idea of a crucified man being exalted to God's right hand was anathema, directly challenging their understanding of Messiah and the singularity of God. The title "Son of Man" carried significant weight from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"), where it denotes a divine, authoritative figure. Stephen's application of this title to Jesus, combined with the imagery of divine exaltation, was a direct and provocative challenge to the Sanhedrin's authority and their rejection of Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** Stephen's vision powerfully contributes to several key themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Vindication and Presence**, demonstrating that even in the face of earthly rejection and violent persecution, God is intimately present with and actively vindicates His faithful servants. This serves as a heavenly affirmation of Stephen's witness and a divine response to his unjust condemnation. Secondly, the vision unequivocally declares **The Exalted Christ**, affirming Jesus' divine authority and supreme position. By seeing "the Son of man standing at the right hand of God," Stephen proclaims Jesus' messianic identity and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation, a truth that infuriated his audience who rejected Jesus' claims to divinity. Lastly, the "heavens opened" signifies **Heavenly Revelation**, a direct, unmediated glimpse into God's throne room, a rare and profound act of divine grace given to an individual facing martyrdom. This underscores the reality of the spiritual realm and the ultimate victory of faith over earthly suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **see (Greek, _theōréō'_):** G2334 - Stephen's declaration of "I see" is not merely a mental image or a subjective impression, but a direct, profound spiritual perception. This verb implies a careful, discerning observation, indicating a genuine, divinely granted vision rather than a hallucination. It emphasizes the objective reality of what Stephen is witnessing.
* **heavens opened (Greek, _ouranós anoígō'_):** G3772, G455 - The "heavens" refer to the abode of God, the spiritual realm. "Opened" signifies a dramatic, supernatural parting of the veil between the earthly and heavenly realms. This phrase indicates a direct, unmediated divine revelation, allowing Stephen a unique glimpse into God's throne room and the spiritual realities that transcend his physical suffering. It implies a moment of divine intervention and transparency.
* **standing (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** G2476 - This word is particularly significant because most New Testament passages describe Jesus as "sitting" at the right hand of God (e.g., [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus Seated at God's Right Hand")), a posture signifying completed work, authority, and rest. Jesus being "standing" in Stephen's vision is unique and suggests an active, dynamic posture. It could imply rising to welcome Stephen, rising to intercede for him, or rising in readiness for judgment against his persecutors, emphasizing Jesus' active engagement in that very moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, Behold, I see":** Stephen's immediate and emphatic declaration of his vision. The interjection "Behold" (Greek: _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the extraordinary nature of what he is about to reveal, underscoring its divine origin and undeniable truth. It is a prophetic utterance of what he is witnessing.
* **"the heavens opened":** This phrase describes the breaking through of the divine realm into human experience. It signifies a unique, direct, and powerful revelation from God, allowing Stephen to perceive spiritual realities that are normally hidden. This opening of the heavens is a hallmark of significant divine encounters in biblical narrative.
* **"and the Son of man standing":** Stephen identifies the figure as "the Son of Man," Jesus' preferred self-designation, which powerfully links Him to the authoritative, glorified figure prophesied in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). The posture of "standing" is distinct from the more common "sitting" at God's right hand, suggesting an active, engaged posture, perhaps rising to welcome Stephen, to intercede on his behalf, or to prepare for judgment.
* **"on the right hand of God":** This is a profound statement of Jesus' supreme authority, power, and honor. In ancient cultures, the right hand was the position of highest favor and strength. To be at "the right hand of God" is to share in God's ultimate sovereignty and power, unequivocally declaring Jesus' divine exaltation and His co-equality with God.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 7:56 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Vision**, a supernatural revelation granted to Stephen, directly connecting the earthly persecution with heavenly realities. This vision functions as a divine validation of Stephen's testimony and a source of profound comfort. **Symbolism** is rich throughout the verse: "the heavens opened" symbolizes direct divine access and revelation, while "the right hand of God" powerfully symbolizes supreme authority, power, and honor. The title "Son of Man" itself is a profound **Symbol** with deep Old Testament roots, linking Jesus to the prophetic figure of [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion") and emphasizing His dual nature as both human and divine. Finally, there is a stark **Contrast** between the violent, earthly rage of the Sanhedrin and the peaceful, glorious heavenly vision granted to Stephen, highlighting the spiritual triumph over physical suffering and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Stephen's vision in Acts 7:56 offers a profound theological statement about the nature of Christ and the reality of God's active presence amidst suffering. It unequivocally affirms Jesus' divine identity as the "Son of Man," a title rich with Old Testament messianic prophecy, now exalted to the highest position of authority at God's right hand. This vision serves as divine vindication for Stephen's testimony, demonstrating that God is intimately involved in the lives of His faithful, even in their darkest hours of persecution. It underscores the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over earthly opposition and provides a glimpse into the glorious reality that awaits those who remain steadfast in their faith, reinforcing the New Testament's consistent declaration of Christ's supreme sovereignty.

* [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed at His Right Hand")
* [Mark 14:62](/mark/14-62 "Mark 14:62 - Jesus' Prophecy of the Son of Man")
* [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:56 offers profound comfort and a powerful challenge for believers today. Stephen's unwavering gaze heavenward, even as he faced imminent death, reminds us that our ultimate hope and vindication come not from earthly powers but from God alone. This vision assures us that Jesus Christ, our exalted Lord, is not a distant figure but is actively engaged in the affairs of His people, ready to welcome, intercede for, and ultimately vindicate His own. It challenges us to cultivate a heavenly perspective, prioritizing eternal realities over temporal trials, and to stand firm in our convictions despite opposition or suffering. Stephen's example calls us to courage in adversity, knowing that our faithful endurance and witness are seen and honored by our sovereign God, who is always present and powerful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Stephen's vision of Jesus "standing" at God's right hand offer comfort or challenge to your own faith in times of difficulty?**
* **In what ways can cultivating a "heavenly perspective" help you endure difficult circumstances or opposition for your faith today?**
* **What does Stephen's final act of witness, empowered by this vision, teach us about the power of a life fully surrendered to Christ, even unto death?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus described as "standing" instead of "sitting" at the right hand of God?**

Answer: While many New Testament passages (e.g., [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus Seated at God's Right Hand") and [Ephesians 1:20](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20 - Christ Seated in the Heavenly Realms")) describe Jesus as "sitting" at the right hand of God—a posture signifying His completed work of redemption, His position of rest, and His established authority—Stephen's vision uniquely portrays Him as "standing." This distinct posture has led to several interpretations among scholars. Some suggest it indicates Jesus rising to welcome Stephen into glory, much like a host would rise to greet an honored guest, signifying a personal reception. Others propose it symbolizes Jesus rising to intercede on Stephen's behalf, demonstrating His active advocacy for His persecuted saints (compare [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Ongoing Intercession")). Still others believe it represents Jesus rising in readiness for judgment against those who were persecuting Stephen, or simply an active engagement in the moment, rather than a static position. Regardless of the precise interpretation, it emphasizes Jesus' dynamic, active involvement and supreme authority in that pivotal moment of Stephen's martyrdom, highlighting His ongoing reign and personal care for His followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Stephen's vision in [Acts 7:56](/acts/7-56 "Acts 7:56 - Stephen's Vision of the Son of Man") is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, revealing Jesus as the ultimate "Son of Man" prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"), now fully exalted to the position of supreme authority at the "right hand of God." This vision confirms that Jesus, who was rejected and crucified by humanity, has been gloriously vindicated by the Father and now reigns as Lord of all. His "standing" posture, unique in the New Testament, powerfully illustrates His active intercession for His saints ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), His readiness to welcome them into glory ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")), and His sovereign oversight of all events, even the martyrdom of His faithful witness. Stephen's death, mirroring Christ's own self-giving sacrifice ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), becomes a powerful testimony to the resurrected and ascended Lord, whose presence empowers believers to face persecution with unwavering faith, knowing that their ultimate hope and vindication are found in Him, the one who sits (or stands) at the right hand of the Majesty on high ([Hebrews 8:1](/hebrews/8-1 "Hebrews 8:1 - Christ, Our High Priest in Heaven")). This vision bridges the Old Testament prophecies of a coming divine figure with the New Testament reality of Jesus' completed work and ongoing reign, demonstrating Him as the central figure of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate object of our faith and worship.

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 26:64

Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Matthew 26:65

Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Revelation 19:11

¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Acts 10:11

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Matthew 3:16

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Acts 10:16

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.