Acts 7:55 – “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.”

Extended Explanation

This verse occurs at a dramatic moment in Stephen’s life—just before he is stoned to death for his bold proclamation of the gospel. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, had become enraged by Stephen’s speech. But while they were consumed by hatred and anger, Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and given a heavenly vision.

Stephen “looked up to heaven” and saw “the glory of God” and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This vision was a direct confirmation that Jesus is alive, reigning in power, and present with His followers.

There is something unique about this moment—Jesus is standing. In most references to Jesus at God’s right hand, He is described as seated (Mark 16:19, Hebrews 1:3). But here, Jesus is standing, as if to welcome Stephen into His presence. This moment shows that Jesus is personally involved in the suffering of His people, strengthening them in their final moments.

Stephen’s vision was not just for his own encouragement—it was a powerful declaration that Jesus is the exalted Lord, reigning in heaven, even though the Jewish leaders rejected Him.

Historical Context

1. Stephen’s Trial Before the Sanhedrin – Stephen was arrested and falsely accused of speaking against the temple and the law (Acts 6:13-14). But instead of defending himself, he preached a long sermon, showing how Israel had always resisted God’s messengers—including Jesus.
2. The Jewish Leaders’ Hatred Toward Jesus and His Followers – The Sanhedrin had already rejected Jesus and played a role in His crucifixion. Now, they were treating Stephen in the same way, proving they were continuing in their ancestors’ rebellion.
3. The Right Hand of God in Jewish Understanding – The right hand was a position of power and authority. Jesus standing at the right hand of God symbolized His victory over death, His role as Judge, and His divine authority.
4. The Beginning of Christian Persecution – Stephen’s execution marked the first time a follower of Jesus was killed for his faith. This event would spark a wave of persecution against Christians (Acts 8:1-3).

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is Alive and Reigning in Heaven – Stephen’s vision proves that Jesus is not dead—He is alive, victorious, and seated at the right hand of God.
2. The Holy Spirit Strengthens Believers in Times of Trial – Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit in his moment of greatest suffering. This reminds us that God does not abandon His people, even in persecution.
3. Jesus Cares for His Suffering People – The fact that Jesus was standing suggests that He was actively involved, welcoming Stephen into His presence. This is a comforting reminder that Jesus sees and cares for His people in their trials.
4. The Glory of God is Greater Than the Suffering of This World – Stephen was facing a violent and unjust death, yet he was focused on the glory of God. His example shows that our suffering is temporary, but God’s glory is eternal.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, contrasts two powerful images in this verse:

• The rage of the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:54) vs. the peace and vision of Stephen.
• Earthly persecution vs. heavenly glory.
• The rejection of Jesus by men vs. the exaltation of Jesus by God.

The phrase “full of the Holy Spirit” highlights Stephen’s close relationship with God. The vision is not something Stephen imagined—it was a real, supernatural revelation given by the Spirit.

The phrase “Jesus standing at the right hand of God” is the climax of Stephen’s speech. He had just accused the Jewish leaders of rejecting God’s chosen ones. Now, God was confirming that Jesus truly is His Chosen One.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 16:19 – “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God.”
• Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, showing His power and authority.
• Psalm 110:1 – A prophecy about the Messiah sitting at God’s right hand.
• John 14:2-3 – Jesus promises to prepare a place for His followers in heaven.
• Romans 8:34 – Jesus intercedes for believers at God’s right hand.
• Revelation 2:10 – Jesus tells believers to be faithful even to death, and He will give them the crown of life.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• Jesus is actively involved in our lives. He is not distant—He sees, He cares, and He stands for His people in times of trial.
• The Holy Spirit strengthens us in difficult times. Stephen faced death, but he was not afraid because he was filled with God’s Spirit.
• No suffering compares to the glory of God. Stephen saw heaven, reminding us that no matter what we go through, God’s glory is greater.
• Persecution is part of following Jesus. The world rejected Jesus, and it will reject His followers. But we can be confident that He is with us through it all.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s deep love and care for His people.

• God does not abandon His children in their trials. Even as Stephen was facing death, God gave him a vision of heaven to strengthen him.
• Jesus is our advocate before the Father. His standing at God’s right hand reminds us that He intercedes for us and welcomes us into His presence.
• God’s glory outweighs earthly suffering. Stephen’s suffering was real, but God’s presence was greater than his pain.

God’s love is not just about protecting us from trials—it is about sustaining us through them and bringing us into His eternal presence.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Glorified King – Stephen’s vision confirms that Jesus is exalted and reigning at the right hand of God.
2. Jesus is the Righteous Judge – By standing at God’s right hand, Jesus is seen as the ultimate Judge over all people (John 5:22).
3. Jesus Strengthens His Followers in Persecution – Just as Jesus suffered rejection and death, Stephen was following in His footsteps (John 15:18-20).
4. Jesus Welcomes His Faithful Servants – Jesus standing suggests that He was welcoming Stephen into heaven, showing that death is not the end for believers (John 14:3).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does knowing that Jesus is reigning in heaven give you confidence in difficult times?
2. Why do you think Jesus was standing instead of sitting at the right hand of God?
3. What does this passage teach us about suffering for our faith?
4. How can we be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives like Stephen was?
5. What does this verse reveal about the reward for those who remain faithful to Christ?