And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Stephen sees Jesus standing at God's right hand, not sitting as is often described. This isn't just a minor detail; it suggests Jesus is rising in active welcome and assistance for his faithful martyr, Stephen, who is facing death.
And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Stephen's powerful defense of Jesus is met with furious rage, he experiences a divine vision. While his accusers are overwhelmed by anger and stop their ears, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looks up to heaven and sees a glorious sight. This vision, occurring just before his martyrdom, reveals Jesus standing at God's right hand, confirming his vindication and exaltation.
Stephen’s enemies are raging, their hearts filled with malice. Yet, in this moment of intense opposition, Stephen’s eyes are opened to a reality far grander than their anger.
Stephen sees the heavens opened. This isn't just a physical opening, but a divine unveiling. It signifies a direct, spiritual perception granted by God, allowing Stephen to see beyond the earthly realm into God's glorious presence.
Beyond Physical Sight
This vision isn't something that can be seen with ordinary eyes. It’s a supernatural enablement, a gift of spiritual sight. While Stephen’s accusers are blinded by their own fury, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, receives the extraordinary ability to perceive God's reality.
A Triumphant Reality
This opening of the heavens is a profound reassurance. It means God is present, active, and that His kingdom is not being overthrown by earthly opposition. For Stephen, it's a glimpse of the eternal victory awaiting him and all who remain faithful.
Amidst a hostile crowd and facing a brutal death, Stephen doesn't just see God's glory; he sees a specific, powerful figure. Who is this figure, and why is his posture significant?
Stephen identifies Jesus as 'the Son of Man' standing at the right hand of God. This title, primarily used by Jesus himself in the Gospels, connects directly to Old Testament prophecy (Daniel 7:13) and emphasizes Jesus' humanity and his role as the representative of humanity before God.
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A Familiar Title, A Powerful Witness
This title was not commonly used by the apostles after Jesus' ascension. Stephen’s use of it here is significant, echoing Jesus' own words when he was condemned (Matthew 26:64). It’s a bold declaration that the one they condemned is now exalted.
Standing, Not Sitting: An Attitude of Action
While Scripture often speaks of Jesus 'sitting' at God's right hand, signifying his reign and authority, here he is seen 'standing'. This posture suggests action – rising to welcome Stephen, to aid him, and to affirm his faithfulness unto death. It's an image of advocacy and imminent intervention, a divine greeting for a loyal follower.
Understand the original words
ouranos · Greek Noun
The atmospheric or celestial expanse, often used in Scripture to represent the dwelling place of God and the spiritual realm that intersects with human history.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, referring to the promised Savior who possesses divine authority and sovereignty, yet shares in human nature. It was Jesus' favorite self-designation, emphasizing both His divinity and His role as the representative of humanity.
dexios · Greek Noun/Adjective
The place of supreme authority, honor, and power. In a biblical context, it signifies Christ's exaltation and current rule as the mediator at the Father's side following His ascension.
Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand, as he is being stoned, powerfully asserts Jesus' divine authority and vindication before the very council that condemned Him.
c. 33 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus, the central figure of Stephen's speech and the one Stephen sees in his vision, is crucified by Roman authorities at the urging of Jewish leaders.
c. 33-34 AD
Early Ministry of Stephen
Stephen, a Hellenistic Jew and one of the first seven deacons, boldly preaches the Gospel in Jerusalem, challenging the authority of the religious establishment.
c. 34 AD— this verse
Stephen's Trial and Stoning
Stephen is arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts Jewish history before declaring his vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand.
c. 34 AD
Saul's Consent to Stephen's Death
Saul (later Paul) is present and consents to Stephen's execution, marking a pivotal moment in his own life and in the early persecution of Christians.
c. 34-36 AD
Persecution of the Church
Following Stephen's martyrdom, a severe persecution breaks out against the church in Jerusalem, scattering believers to other regions.
This passage describes a vision of 'one like a son of man' who receives authority and glory, directly connecting to Stephen's use of this title and the vision of the Son of Man in exaltation.
Matthew 26:64Jesus himself uses the title 'Son of Man' and speaks of being 'seated at the right hand of Power,' echoing Stephen's vision and confirming the blasphemy charge from the religious leaders' perspective.
Psalm 110:1This psalm, which speaks of the Lord saying to His anointed, 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool,' is a foundational text for understanding the exaltation of Christ at God's right hand, which Stephen witnesses.
Revelation 1:13-18The description of the glorified Christ in Revelation, with His dazzling appearance and declaration of being the 'First and the Last' who 'died, and behold, I am alive forevermore,' parallels Stephen's vision of Jesus in heavenly glory, alive and active.
Ezekiel 1:1The prophet Ezekiel also experienced a vision of the heavens opening and saw 'visions of God,' similar to Stephen's experience of seeing the heavens opened and God's glory.
ellicottActs 7:56: "And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
(56) Behold, I see the heavens opened. —It is manifest that the vision was given to the inward spiritual eye, and not to that of sense. No priest or scribe saw the glory of the opened heavens, and, therefore, the words which declared that Stephen saw them seemed to them but an aggravation of guilt that was already deep. ( See Note on Matthew 3:16 .) And the Son of man.—The words call f…
vincentActs 7:56: "And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
I see (θεωρῶ)See on Luke 10:18.The Son of manA title never applied to Christ by any of the apostles or evangelists, except here by Stephen. See on Luke 6:22.
Stephen sees Jesus standing at God's right hand, not sitting as is often described. This isn't just a minor detail; it suggests Jesus is rising in active welcome and assistance for his faithful martyr, Stephen, who is facing death.
As Stephen's powerful defense of Jesus is met with furious rage, he experiences a divine vision. While his accusers are overwhelmed by anger and stop their ears, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looks up to heaven and sees a glorious sight. This vision, occurring just before his martyrdom, reveals Jesus standing at God's right hand, confirming his vindication and exaltation.
As Stephen's powerful defense of Jesus is met with furious rage, he experiences a divine vision. While his accusers are overwhelmed by anger and stop their ears, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looks up to heaven and sees a glorious sight. This vision, occurring just before his martyrdom, reveals Jesus standing at God's right hand, confirming his vindication and exaltation.
"And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”" — Stephen sees Jesus standing at God's right hand, not sitting as is often described. This isn't just a minor detail; it suggests Jesus is rising in active welcome and assistance for his faithful mar…
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Last reviewed October 2026