What is the meaning of Acts 7:55? But Stephen - The verse opens with a sharp contrast. While the council is enraged (Acts 7:54), “Stephen” remains calm and anchored in truth. - He has already been described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5), and “full of grace and power” (Acts 6:8). The repetition underlines that his character is settled and proven. - Like Jesus, Stephen responds to hostility without bitterness (1 Peter 2:23). His name, meaning “crown,” foreshadows the eternal reward awaiting him (2 Timothy 4:8). full of the Holy Spirit - Luke emphasizes the Spirit’s filling five times in Stephen’s story (Acts 6:3, 5, 10; 7:55). This is not a passing mood but a continual control (Ephesians 5:18). - The Spirit equips him to: • Speak irresistible wisdom (Acts 6:10). • Bear bold witness even when death looms (Acts 1:8; 4:31). • Radiate a face “like that of an angel” (Acts 6:15), hinting at divine approval (Exodus 34:29). - The verse reminds believers that courage springs from the Spirit’s fullness, not from human resolve (Zechariah 4:6). looked intently into heaven - “Looked intently” conveys fixed, unwavering attention. Stephen is not distracted by stones or shouts. - Heaven is a real, present realm, not a distant myth (Revelation 4:1). God can unveil it at any moment, as He did for Elisha’s servant (2 Kings 6:17) and John (Revelation 1:10–12). - The upward gaze models Colossians 3:1-2: “Set your minds on things above.” Earthly threats shrink when heaven fills the horizon. and saw the glory of God - This is the visible splendor that surrounded Sinai (Exodus 24:17), filled the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), and shone in Jesus on the mount (Luke 9:32). - Stephen’s vision verifies John 1:14: “We beheld His glory.” While others plug their ears (Acts 7:57), God lets His servant see what matters most. - The glory assures Stephen that God reigns, even as earthly judges condemn him (Psalm 97:1-6). and Jesus standing at the right hand of God - Scripture routinely pictures the risen Christ “seated” (Mark 16:19; Hebrews 10:12). Here He is “standing,” signaling: • Advocacy—Jesus rises to receive and defend His witness (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25). • Honor—He publicly acknowledges Stephen before the Father (Matthew 10:32). • Readiness—The Judge is poised to act (James 5:9). - “Right hand” affirms absolute authority (Psalm 110:1; Ephesians 1:20-22). Stephen’s accusers think they rule; in truth, the One with all power endorses the martyr’s testimony. - The sight of Jesus bridges heaven and earth. The first martyr beholds the firstfruits of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20) and knows death is gain (Philippians 1:21-23). summary Acts 7:55 shows a Spirit-filled believer granted a literal, open-heaven vision at the very moment men plot his death. Stephen fixes his gaze above, sees God’s glory, and beholds Jesus personally rising to welcome him. The verse assures us that: • The Spirit empowers steadfast witness. • Heaven’s realities overshadow earth’s threats. • Christ actively intercedes for His people and honors those who stand for Him. Therefore, whatever opposition arises, believers can face it with the same heaven-directed confidence Stephen displayed. |
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