Acts 7 55

Acts 7:55 kjv

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Acts 7:55 nkjv

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,

Acts 7:55 niv

But 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 7:55 esv

But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Acts 7:55 nlt

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand.

Acts 7 verses

Acts 7 55 meaning

Acts 7:55 depicts Stephen, empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit, experiencing a divine vision. While being unjustly accused and about to be martyred, he gazes into the opened heavens and is granted to see the resplendent glory of God. Most profoundly, he witnesses Jesus Christ not seated, but standing at the right hand of God, a position signifying supreme honor, authority, and active intervention. This vision serves as an ultimate vindication of Stephen's message, an affirmation of Jesus' divine sovereignty, and a powerful reassurance to Stephen in his suffering, validating his immediate reception into God's presence.

Acts 7 55 Context

Acts chapter 7 contains Stephen's impassioned, lengthy, and ultimately prophetic sermon before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. He recounts the history of Israel, from Abraham through Moses and David, highlighting a consistent pattern of God's faithfulness despite Israel's frequent rebellion, rejection of divine messengers, and misunderstanding of true worship. His sermon climaxes with a direct accusation (Acts 7:51-53) that his accusers, like their ancestors, have resisted the Holy Spirit, persecuted the prophets, and ultimately murdered the Righteous One—Jesus Christ. This powerful indictment incites extreme rage among the council members (Acts 7:54), who gnash their teeth at him. It is at this precise moment of intense hostility and imminent death that Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, receives this vision of the glorified Christ. This divine encounter starkly contrasts Stephen's inner spiritual peace and heavenly perspective with the violent, earthly fury of his accusers, underscoring the spiritual battle at hand.

Acts 7 55 Word analysis

• But he (Ὁ δὲ): The Greek definite article and conjunction ho de serves as a strong adversative particle here, creating a vivid contrast between the violent rage of the Sanhedrin in the preceding verse and Stephen’s spiritual composure and divine perception. It singles out Stephen as an individual marked by God's favor and presence.
• full of the Holy Spirit (πλήρης Πνεύματος Ἁγίου - plērēs Pneumatos Hagiou): The word plērēs (full) denotes a complete indwelling and pervasive influence. It indicates that Stephen's state was not temporary but habitual (see Acts 6:3, 5). This divine filling enabled him not only to speak with prophetic insight and boldness in his sermon but also empowered him with supernatural perception for the vision. The Holy Spirit grants spiritual discernment beyond natural capabilities, allowing access to heavenly realities.
• gazed (ἀτενίσας - atenisas): This Greek participle atenisas comes from atenizō, meaning to fix one's gaze, stare intently, or look steadfastly. It's often used by Luke to describe moments of profound focus or significant revelation (Lk 4:20, Acts 1:10, 3:4). Stephen wasn't casually glancing; he was spiritually focused with an unswerving gaze, indicative of supernatural concentration facilitated by the Spirit, preparing him for the astonishing sight.
• into heaven (εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν - eis ton ouranon): The preposition eis denotes direction, indicating an active penetration, a looking into the divine realm, which was supernaturally opened for Stephen. Heaven here represents God's abode, the invisible spiritual realm that Stephen was granted temporary access to perceive.
• and saw (εἶδεν - eiden): This verb in the aorist tense implies a clear, direct, and conclusive act of seeing. It was not a hallucination or a mere imagination but a direct, divine revelation given by God, just as prophets of old saw visions (e.g., Isaiah, Ezekiel).
• the glory of God (δόξαν Θεοῦ - doxan Theou): Doxa refers to the manifest presence, splendor, honor, and renown of God. It's often associated with the radiant light, consuming fire, or cloud that historically accompanied God's presence (Shekinah glory, e.g., in the tabernacle, temple). Seeing God's glory implies a direct encounter with His majesty and essence. For Stephen, this was an unmediated glimpse into the divine majesty that usually resides in unapproachable light (1 Tim 6:16).
• and Jesus standing (καὶ Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα - kai Iēsoun hestōta): The Greek participle hestōta (standing) is critically significant here, as New Testament texts usually describe Jesus seated at God's right hand after His ascension, signifying His completed work and His rule from a position of authority and rest. Jesus standing uniquely in this verse is widely interpreted as:
  • Advocacy/Intercession: Ready to defend or intercede for Stephen, as an advocate rising to present his case.
  • Reception: Standing to welcome Stephen into His presence, ready to receive his spirit as he suffers martyrdom.
  • Approval/Solidarity: Signifying His active approval and solidarity with His suffering martyr, standing in honor and support.
  • Imminent Action/Judgment: Some scholars suggest a judicial stance, ready to act on Stephen's behalf or against his persecutors, hinting at future judgment for those who reject Him.
• at the right hand of God (ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ - ek dexiōn tou Theou): This is the traditional biblical designation of supreme honor, authority, and power. Derived from Ps 110:1, it signifies Jesus' divine exaltation, co-regency, and ultimate authority shared with the Father. Even when standing, this position underscores His ultimate divine status and authority over all creation.