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 7:55KJV
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Acts 7:55 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:55 mean?

Acts 7:55 describes Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looking up into heaven and seeing the glory of God, with Jesus standing at God’s right hand. This moment shows Stephen experiencing a divine vision just as he is about to be killed for his faith.

Stephen is speaking before the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) after giving a long speech about Israel’s history and their rejection of God’s messengers. As the council becomes enraged, Stephen, instead of focusing on his danger, sees a vision of God’s majesty and Jesus in a position of honor and authority. This vision is unique, as Jesus is described as standing (not sitting) at God’s right hand, possibly highlighting his active role as Stephen’s advocate.

The Greek behind Acts 7:55

  • πνεύματος ἁγίου (pneumatos hagiou, “Holy Spirit”): The phrase means Stephen is completely under the influence and guidance of God’s Spirit, not just acting on his own.
  • ἀτενίσας (atenisas, “looked up stedfastly”): This word carries the sense of fixing one’s gaze intently, suggesting Stephen’s attention is fully on the heavenly vision, not distracted by his surroundings.
  • δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ (doxan tou theou, “the glory of God”): The word for “glory” here refers to the visible splendor or majesty of God, not just an abstract idea.
  • Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα (Iēsoun hestōta, “Jesus standing”): The verb for “standing” is notable, as Jesus is often described as sitting at God’s right hand; here, the standing posture may suggest readiness to receive or support Stephen.

Why Acts 7:55 matters

  • Acts 7:55 clarifies that Stephen’s courage and vision come directly from being filled with the Holy Spirit, not from his own strength.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ active presence and support for believers, especially in moments of suffering or trial.
  • This vision connects Stephen’s experience to the broader story of Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation, reinforcing the Christian claim that Jesus is alive and honored by God.

Where else these words appear

“stedfastly” Greek G816 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • Acts 13:9 Then Saul,(who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

“full” Greek G4134 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 14:20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
  • Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
  • Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

“being” Greek G5225 · used in 47 verses

  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,