Connect Acts 7:56 with Daniel 7:13-14; how do these passages relate? Setting the Scene > “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” > ‑- Acts 7:56 > “I kept watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the nations and peoples of every language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” > ‑- Daniel 7:13-14 Shared Heavenly Imagery • Same title: “Son of Man” • Same locale: God’s immediate presence in heaven • Same posture of authority: at (or approaching) the divine throne • Same outcome: universal dominion granted to the Son of Man Daniel’s Prophecy in Brief • Daniel sees a courtroom in heaven. • The Ancient of Days (Father) confers everlasting dominion on the Son of Man (Messiah). • The kingdom is global, eternal, indestructible (cf. Psalm 72:8; Isaiah 9:6-7). Stephen’s Vision as Fulfillment • Stephen is shown what Daniel foretold: the Son of Man now holds that heavenly authority. • Unlike Daniel’s scene of approach, Stephen sees Jesus already enthroned and actively standing to receive His witness (Hebrews 7:25). • The opened heavens verify that Daniel’s courtroom is no mere symbol—it is present reality (Hebrews 9:24). Why Jesus Is “Standing” • Advocate: He rises to welcome and vindicate His martyr (1 John 2:1). • Judge: Standing denotes readiness to render verdict on those condemning Stephen (John 5:22-27). • Honor: The heavenly court stands to acknowledge superior authority (Daniel’s “dominion and glory”). Right Hand—A Position of Absolute Authority • Psalm 110:1 foretells, “Sit at My right hand…”; Acts 7 shows the promise kept. • Seated or standing, the right hand signals identical sovereignty (Ephesians 1:20-22; Hebrews 10:12-13). • Dominion of Daniel 7 now exercised until every enemy is subdued (1 Corinthians 15:25). Connecting Other New-Testament Echoes • Jesus cites Daniel 7 before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62). • Revelation 5:6-13 pictures the same coronation, extending it to worship by every creature. • The Great Commission rests on this granted authority (Matthew 28:18). Takeaways for the Church • The Son of Man Daniel saw and Stephen beheld is the exalted, living Jesus—our reigning King. • Heavenly authority, already bestowed, guarantees the gospel’s advance and the believer’s ultimate vindication (Philippians 2:9-11). • Persecution cannot thwart the kingdom Daniel described; it only ushers saints into the presence Stephen witnessed (2 Corinthians 5:8). |
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