Acts 7:55
IntermediateActs 7:55 · World English Bible (WEB)
“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,”
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Overview
Stephen’s Spirit-given vision of the exalted Christ at the moment of martyrdom
As Stephen is about to be killed, God opens heaven to him. He sees the glory of God and Jesus at God’s right hand, confirming that the rejected Jesus is enthroned, vindicated, and present with His suffering servant.
What Makes This Verse Confusing?
Scripture often speaks of Christ as seated at the right hand of God, emphasizing His finished work, royal authority, and heavenly reign. Here Stephen sees Jesus standing. The text does not explicitly say why He is standing, but the detail is striking: the risen Lord is not distant or passive as His witness suffers. He is revealed in honor, authority, and active attention toward Stephen.
The verse gives the posture of Jesus but does not explain its meaning. Elsewhere the New Testament commonly describes Christ as seated at God’s right hand, so the change of posture stands out without an immediate interpretation in the verse itself.
This changes the scene from merely Stephen’s suffering to Christ’s heavenly vindication of Stephen. Earth sees a condemned man; heaven reveals a faithful witness received under the gaze of the exalted Lord.
Theological Insights
Jesus is exalted at the right hand of God, sharing the place of divine honor and authority.
Believers can endure earthly rejection knowing that heaven’s verdict belongs to Christ, not to hostile human judgment.
Stephen’s vision is given as he is “full of the Holy Spirit”; the Spirit opens his eyes to the heavenly reality behind earthly violence.
In suffering, the deepest need of God’s people is not merely escape from trial, but Spirit-given sight of the glory and nearness of Christ.
Original Language
to gaze — ἀτενίζω (ἀτενής, strained, intent; τείνω), [in LXX: I Est.6:28 , 3Ma.2:26 * ;] to look fixedly, gaze (MM, see word): with dative of person(s), gaze upon : Luk.4:20 22:56 , Act.3:12 10:4 14:9 23:1 ; before εἰς, with accusative of person(s), Act.3:4 6:15 13:9 ; metaphorically, Act.1:10 7:55 11:6 , 2Co.3:7 3:13 .† (AS)
The word translated “looked up steadfastly” carries the sense of a fixed, intent gaze. Stephen is not glancing vaguely upward; his attention is drawn and held by a God-given heavenly vision.
to stand — ἵστημι , and in late writers, also ἱστάνω (Veitch, see word; Bl., §23, 2; M, Pr. , 55), [in LXX chiefly for עמד, קוּם, also for נצב ni., hi., יצב hith., etc.]. __I. Trans, in pres., impf., fut. and 1 aor. act. and in the tenses of the pass. __1. to make to stand, to place, set, set up, establish, appoint : with accusative of person(s), Mrk.7:9 , Act.1:23 6:13 17:31 , Heb.10:9 ; id. before ἐπί, wit…
The word for “standing” makes Jesus’ posture the arresting detail of the vision. Against the frequent New Testament picture of Christ seated at God’s right hand, this word highlights the Lord’s active, attentive presence at Stephen’s martyrdom.
glory — δόξα , -ης, ἡ (δοκέω), [in LXX very frequently for כָּבוֹד, also for הוֹד ,פִּפְאֶרֶת, etc., 25 words in all ;] in cl., __1. expectation, judgment, opinion ( 4Ma.5:18 ). __2. opinion, estimation in which one is held, repute ; in NT, always good opinion , hence reputation, praise, honour, glory : Luk.14:10 , Jhn.12:43 , Heb.3:3 ; opposite to αἰσχύνη, Php.3:19; to ἀτιμία, 2Co.6:8; δ. κ. τιμή, Rom.2:…
“Glory” here is not mere brightness but the revealed majesty of God. Stephen is allowed to behold, in some real measure, the divine splendor that earthly hostility cannot touch.
Lexicon & word tagging: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0)
Related Passages
Mark 16:19
parallelMark records that the risen Lord Jesus was received into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.
Hebrews 1:3
parallelHebrews speaks of Christ seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high after making purification for sins.
2 Corinthians 4:6
BackgroundActs 6:5
backgroundStephen was already described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 6:8
backgroundStephen was full of grace and power, doing wonders and signs among the people before his arrest and testimony.
Psalms 109:31
backgroundThe psalm says the Lord stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from those who condemn his soul.
Revelation 4:1-3
BackgroundHebrews 8:1
BackgroundCross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · openbible.info (CC-BY)
Key Takeaway
Acts 7:55 reveals that while Stephen is rejected on earth, heaven is open, God’s glory is unveiled, and Jesus stands in sovereign honor over His faithful witness.
Men saw Stephen as defeated; the Spirit showed him Jesus reigning.“
Analysis generated on September 6, 2026 · version 2.0
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