How does Stephen's vision in Acts 7:56 strengthen your faith in Jesus' divinity? Setting the Scene Acts 7 records Stephen’s Spirit-filled defense before the Sanhedrin. As hostility crescendos, heaven opens to grant him—and us—a clarifying glimpse of ultimate reality. The Text “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) Key Observations • Stephen sees a real, present Jesus—not a memory, metaphor, or vision of a merely human martyr. • Jesus bears the messianic title “Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13-14), inseparably tied to divine authority. • The location is the Father’s right hand—the seat of equal honor, authority, and power. Divine Identity Affirmed by Heavenly Position • Psalm 110:1 prophesies, “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand….’” Peter applies the verse to Jesus (Acts 2:34-36). Stephen’s vision repeats the same reality, anchoring Jesus in the throne room of God. • Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” explicitly linking that seat to divine essence: “He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature.” • No created being occupies this position; only One who shares the Father’s glory can. Prophetic Fulfillment • Daniel 7:13-14 foresaw “One like a Son of Man” receiving everlasting dominion. By calling Jesus that very figure, Stephen identifies Him with the divine Son who rules eternally. • Jesus had predicted this exact scene to the Sanhedrin: “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power” (Mark 14:62). The fulfillment occurs before their eyes in Stephen’s testimony, underlining His deity. Stephen’s Worship and Prayer • As stones fly, Stephen prays, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59) • Ecclesiastes 12:7 states that the spirit returns to God at death. By entrusting his spirit to Jesus, Stephen acknowledges Jesus as God. • He echoes Jesus’ own words on the cross (Luke 23:46), further aligning Jesus with the Father’s role as the receiver of spirits. Harmony with the Rest of Scripture • Colossians 1:17-19—Jesus is before all things, and “in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” • Revelation 5:13—every creature worships “Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb.” Stephen’s snapshot matches heaven’s ceaseless worship scene. • John 1:1-3—“the Word was God…all things were made through Him.” A Creator-God belongs at God’s side; Stephen sees precisely that. Personal Faith Strengthened Today • Assurance: If Jesus reigns at God’s right hand, His promises are backed by omnipotence. • Intercession: Hebrews 7:25 says He “always lives to intercede.” Seeing Him stand for Stephen reminds us He actively advocates for us. • Hope in persecution: The vision shows suffering believers where their ultimate vindication lies—next to the Father, in the presence of the divine Son. • Worship focus: Our hearts can confidently adore Jesus as fully God, knowing Scripture’s eyewitness—from Stephen’s dying gaze—confirms His divinity beyond dispute. |
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