What does seeing "Jesus standing at the right hand of God" signify? Seeing Jesus Standing—Acts 7:55-56 “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’” (Acts 7:55-56) Why Stephen’s Vision Matters • Not a metaphor—Stephen literally “saw” the risen Lord; Scripture presents it as historical fact. • The scene occurs at the moment of martyrdom, underscoring God’s nearness when His people suffer (Psalm 34:18). • Heaven is “open,” confirming that earthly courts do not have the final word; ultimate authority is God’s. What “Standing” Signifies 1. Welcome and Approval • In most passages Jesus is seated (Mark 16:19; Hebrews 1:3). • Standing pictures Him rising to receive His faithful witness—an honor guard for Stephen’s entrance into glory (John 12:26). 2. Advocacy and Intercession • Romans 8:34: “Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.” • Standing evokes the posture of a defense attorney ready to plead Stephen’s case, declaring him righteous (1 John 2:1). 3. Readiness to Judge • John 5:27: the Father “has given Him authority to execute judgment.” • Stephen’s persecutors think they are judges; Jesus’ standing warns that He alone will judge them (Acts 17:31). 4. Vindication of Christ’s Deity • Psalm 110:1 foretold, “Sit at My right hand…”; Stephen sees the fulfillment, proving Jesus is Messiah and Lord (Acts 2:34-36). • His position “at the right hand” is the place of equal power, confirming the Son shares the Father’s throne (Revelation 3:21). 5. Assurance of Ultimate Triumph • Colossians 3:1—believers are “seated with Christ” positionally; Stephen’s glimpse assures all saints of their secure destiny. • Hebrews 12:2 calls us to “fix our eyes on Jesus”; Stephen literally does so, modeling persevering faith amid hostility. Takeaways for Today • Suffering never slips past Christ’s notice; He rises in solidarity with His own. • Earthly verdicts may condemn, but heaven’s verdict—rendered by the risen Lord—stands forever. • The vision fuels courage: if Christ stands for us now, we can stand for Him before others (Matthew 10:32-33). • Our hope is anchored not in comfortable circumstances but in a living Savior who welcomes, intercedes, judges righteously, and reigns eternally. |
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