Connect Stephen's vision to other biblical instances of divine revelation. Stephen’s Vision of the Exalted Christ “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.” (Acts 7:55) Snapshot of What Stephen Saw • Heavens opened • “The glory of God” in clear view • Jesus—alive, bodily, and “standing” (an active posture of advocacy) • Position: “at the right hand of God,” the place of honor, authority, and judgment (cf. Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3) Shared Features with Earlier Throne Encounters 1. Heaven opened or unveiled 2. Manifest glory—overwhelming light, fire, or radiance 3. A central throne or elevated position 4. A human (or human-like) figure invested with divine authority 5. Immediate encouragement or commissioning of the witness Isaiah’s Temple Vision – Majesty Revealed “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the train of His robe filled the temple.” (Isaiah 6:1) • Glory fills the scene; seraphim proclaim holiness. • Isaiah receives courage to speak, as Stephen does. Ezekiel’s Throne-Chariot – Glory on the Move “Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne… and on the likeness of the throne was a figure like that of a man.” (Ezekiel 1:26) • Mobile throne; God not confined to the temple—prepares the way for gospel expansion beyond Jerusalem after Stephen’s martyrdom. Daniel’s Son of Man – Dominion Granted “I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven… and He was given dominion, glory, and kingship.” (Daniel 7:13-14) • Stephen literally sees the fulfillment: the Son of Man now at the Father’s right hand, holding universal authority. Jacob’s Ladder – Heaven’s Gate Opened “And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven… and behold, the LORD stood above it.” (Genesis 28:12-13) • An open corridor between realms anticipates Stephen’s pierced-open heavens. Moses and the Elders – Eating in God’s Presence “They saw the God of Israel, and under His feet was something like a pavement of sapphire.” (Exodus 24:10-11) • Human witnesses literally behold the divine, foreshadowing Stephen’s privilege. The Transfiguration – Glory Confirmed to Disciples “As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.” (Luke 9:29) • Peter, James, and John see Jesus glorified; Stephen sees the same Jesus exalted and enthroned. Paul’s Damascus-Road Encounter – Radiant Christ Appears “Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him… ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’” (Acts 9:3-5) • The risen Lord reveals Himself again, consistent with Stephen’s eyewitness testimony. John’s Patmos Vision – Heavenly Court in Full View “I looked, and behold, a throne stood in heaven… and in the midst of the throne… a Lamb standing, as though slain.” (Revelation 4:2; 5:6) • John sees what Stephen saw: the Lamb alive and central, validating both accounts. Consistent Revelation: Jesus Enthroned • From Daniel to Acts to Revelation, each scene answers Psalm 110:1—Messiah at God’s right hand. • The Father’s glory and the Son’s exaltation are always linked; there is no competing majesty. • Visions serve to vindicate faithful witnesses and to advance God’s redemptive plan. Why These Visions Matter Today • They anchor faith in historical, eyewitness realities. • They reveal a present, reigning Christ who advocates for His people. • They assure believers that earthly opposition cannot eclipse heavenly authority. • They invite steadfastness: the same glory Stephen saw awaits all who endure to the end. |
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