Topical Bible: Vision of Stephen of Christ

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The Vision of Stephen of Christ is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. This vision is a pivotal moment in early Christian history, illustrating the profound faith and divine revelation experienced by Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

Biblical Account

The account of Stephen's vision is found in Acts 7:54-60. Stephen, one of the seven deacons chosen to serve the early church (Acts 6:5), was a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). He was known for performing "great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). His powerful preaching and wisdom, however, led to opposition from certain members of the Jewish community, who accused him of blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11).

During his trial before the Sanhedrin, Stephen delivered a bold speech, recounting Israel's history and accusing the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the Righteous One, Jesus Christ (Acts 7:51-52). His words enraged the council, leading to the climactic moment of his vision.

The Vision

As the members of the Sanhedrin were "gnashing their teeth at him," Stephen, "full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:54-55). He declared, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). This vision is unique in the New Testament, as it is one of the few instances where Jesus is described as standing, rather than sitting, at the right hand of God, suggesting a posture of advocacy or readiness to receive Stephen.

Theological Significance

Stephen's vision holds deep theological significance. It affirms the exaltation of Christ, who is depicted as the divine Son of Man, a title with messianic implications rooted in Daniel 7:13-14. The vision underscores the reality of Christ's heavenly reign and His role as an intercessor for believers. Stephen's experience also serves as a powerful testament to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who enabled him to witness boldly even in the face of death.

Martyrdom and Legacy

Following his vision, Stephen was dragged out of the city and stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr. As he was being stoned, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" and "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:59-60), echoing the words of Jesus on the cross. His martyrdom marked a turning point for the early church, leading to increased persecution but also to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem.

Stephen's vision and subsequent martyrdom have inspired countless Christians throughout history to remain steadfast in their faith, even unto death. His example of forgiveness and unwavering commitment to Christ continues to be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 7:55,56
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Stephen's vision
... to be taken into account that Scripture usually represents the Christ as seated ... words,
'the Lord also working with them,' so Stephen's vision brought together ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/stephens vision.htm

A Glorious vision.
... Of Stephen it is written: "He being full of the Holy ... But what does this glorious
vision mean to us? ... us sit down together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus (Eph ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/a glorious vision.htm

The Resurrection of Christ.
... single exception of Paul, who expressly represents his vision of Christ ... promise,
"the other Paraclete" descended upon them; and Stephen saw Christ in heaven ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 19 the resurrection of.htm

Dr. Philip Schaff on the Resurrection.
... with the single exception of Paul, who expressly represents his vision of Christ ...
the other Paraclete" descended upon them; and Stephen, saw Christ in heaven ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/dr philip schaff on the.htm

The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant
... context and from the remembrance of the vision, and from ... between this intrusting
of the spirit by Stephen to his ... Christ on the Cross speaks to God; Stephen, on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the death of the master.htm

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
... in the heart of man by a vision of the ... but Paul never preached forgiveness through
the death of Stephen. Such a view of Christ's death may beget martyrs, but ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of jesus christ.htm

Whether the Fulness of Grace is Proper to Christ?
... proper to Christ, but is communicated to others by Christ. ... So, too, Stephen is said
to be full of grace ... are in common in heaven, viz.: vision, possession and ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the fulness of grace.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... He had witnessed Stephen's forbearance toward his enemies and his ... The brightness
of Christ's glory had been too ... the blackness of night settled upon his vision. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

The First Christian Martyr
... The scene before him faded from his vision. ... the glory of the courts of God, and Christ,
as if ... In words of triumph Stephen exclaimed, "Behold, I see the heavens ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 10 the first christian.htm

The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ...
... the Acts of the Apostles, [2107] where Stephen and the ... on the contrary, God, the
Father of Christ, is said to ... eye, but understanding Him with the vision of the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iv the god of the.htm