Topical Encyclopedia The account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, witnessing the glory of God is a profound moment in the New Testament, illustrating the divine presence and approval of God upon His faithful servant. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 7:54-60.Context and Background Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church to serve and manage the distribution of food, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:1-6). Described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), Stephen was also known for performing great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8). His powerful preaching and wisdom, which his opponents could not withstand, led to his arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin. Accused of blasphemy against Moses and God, Stephen delivered a bold and comprehensive 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 7:51-53). The Vision of God's Glory As Stephen concluded his speech, the members of the Sanhedrin were infuriated. It is at this climactic moment that 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). This vision is significant for several reasons: 1. Divine Affirmation: The vision of God's glory and Jesus standing at His right hand served as a divine affirmation of Stephen's testimony and faithfulness. In biblical tradition, the right hand of God symbolizes power and authority. Jesus standing, rather than sitting, may indicate His active role as an advocate and His readiness to receive Stephen into His presence. 2. Heavenly Revelation: Stephen's vision provides a glimpse into the heavenly realm, affirming the reality of God's glory and the exalted position of Christ. This revelation underscores the Christian belief in the risen and ascended Lord, who intercedes for His followers. 3. Encouragement in Persecution: For the early church, Stephen's vision would have been a source of encouragement amidst persecution. It reinforced the hope of eternal life and the assurance of Christ's presence with His people, even in the face of death. Stephen's Martyrdom Following his vision, Stephen declared, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). This proclamation further enraged the Sanhedrin, leading them to drag him out of the city and stone him. As he was being stoned, Stephen called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59), echoing the words of Jesus on the cross. His final words, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60), reflect the forgiveness and grace exemplified by Christ Himself. Theological Implications Stephen's vision of the glory of God and his subsequent martyrdom hold deep theological implications. It highlights the reality of the spiritual realm and the ultimate vindication of God's servants. The event serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to witness boldly and endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Stephen's experience also foreshadows the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem, as his death marked the beginning of a great persecution that scattered the believers, leading to the furtherance of the Gospel (Acts 8:1-4). In summary, the exhibition of God's glory to Stephen is a pivotal moment that underscores the presence and power of God in the life of a believer, offering a profound example of faith, courage, and divine assurance in the face of persecution. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 7:55But 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, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Martyrdom of Stephen. In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xxiv. 36, "He Himself Stood in ... Acts vi. 8 General Conference of 1824 Proofs that the Union was Without Confusion. The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ... Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Acts XI Resources What is the meaning of “from glory to glory” in 2 Corinthians 3:18? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the glory of God? | GotQuestions.org Why will God not give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8)? | GotQuestions.org Glory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Glory of God: Described As Great Glory of God: Enlightens God's People Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ Glory of God: Exhibited in his Name Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Glory of God: God is Jealous of Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold Glory of God: The Earth is Full of Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Glory of God: The People of God Glory of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory of the Church Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory of the Gospel Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Gospel, Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory of the Wicked: Ends in Destruction Glory: Christ Is, to his People Glory: Eternal of God's People Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory: Eternal: Accompanies Salvation by Christ Glory: Eternal: Afflictions of Ministers Are, to Saints Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Present Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Inherited by Saints Glory: Eternal: Present Afflictions not Worthy to be Compared With Glory: Eternal: Procured by the Death of Christ Glory: Eternal: Saints Afore Prepared To Glory: Eternal: Saints Called To Glory: Eternal: Saints Prepared Unto Glory: Eternal: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Eternal: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Spiritual is Given by Christ Glory: Spiritual is Given by God Glory: Spiritual is the Work of the Holy Spirit Glory: Temporal is Given by God Glory: Temporal of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory: Temporal of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory: Temporal: Ends in Destruction Glory: Temporal: Seek Not, from Man Glory: Temporal: The Devil Tries to Seduce By Glory: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: The Gospel Ordained to Be, to Saints Glory: The Joy of Saints is Full of Select Readings: The Glory of God The Glory of God: Enlightens the Church The Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Holiness The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Majesty The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Name The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Power The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Works The Glory of God: Exhibited to His Church The Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses The Glory of God: Exhibited to Stephen The Glory of God: God is Jealous The Glory of God: Highly Exalted The Glory of God: Plead in Prayer The Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold The Glory of God: The Earth is Full of The Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |