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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 7:56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/7-56.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/44_Act_07_56.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 7:56 - The Stoning of Stephen" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/7-56.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/7-56.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 56</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/7-55.htm" title="Acts 7:55">◄</a> Acts 7:56 <a href="/acts/7-57.htm" title="Acts 7:57">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/7.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Look,&#8221 he said, &#8220I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” <a href="/esv/acts/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” <a href="/bsb/acts/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” <a href="/blb/acts/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens having been opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." <a href="/kjv/acts/7.htm">King James Bible</a> And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. <a href="/nkjv/acts/7.htm">New King James Version</a> and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” <a href="/nasb_/acts/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” <a href="/nasb/acts/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> and he said, &#8220Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” <a href="/lsb/acts/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” <a href="/amp/acts/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and he said, “Look! I see the heavens opened up [in welcome] and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” <a href="/csb/acts/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! ” <a href="/hcsb/acts/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. <a href="/cev/acts/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then Stephen said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!" <a href="/erv/acts/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. <a href="/gwt/acts/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Stephen said, "Look, I see heaven opened and the Son of Man in the position of authority that God has given him!" <a href="/gnt/acts/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Look!" he said. "I see heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!" <a href="/isv/acts/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> He said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" <a href="/msb/acts/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” <a href="/net/acts/7.htm">NET Bible</a> "Look!" he said. "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" <a href="/nheb/acts/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And he said, "Look, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." <a href="/wbt/acts/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. <a href="/wey/acts/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "I can see Heaven wide open," he said, "and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand." <a href="/web/acts/7.htm">World English Bible</a> and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens having been opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God.” <a href="/blb/acts/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens having been opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." <a href="/ylt/acts/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he said, 'Lo, I see the heavens having been opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God.' <a href="/slt/acts/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and with one accord ran violently upon him. <a href="/cpdv/acts/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” <a href="/nabre/acts/7.htm">New American Bible</a> and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said, Behold I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he said, “Behold, I see the Heavens opening and The Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.<CM> <a href="/godbey/acts/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. <a href="/haweis/acts/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God. <a href="/wey/acts/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "I can see Heaven wide open," he said, "and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand." <a href="/worrell/acts/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and he said, "Behold I see Heaven opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God!" <a href="/worsley/acts/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God. <a href="/parallel/acts/7-56.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=2294" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/7.htm">The Stoning of Stephen</a> …55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56<a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: Idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">“Look,”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">he said,</a> <a href="/greek/2334.htm" title="2334: theōrō (V-PIA-1S) -- From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).">“I see</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranous (N-AMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven</a> <a href="/greek/1272.htm" title="1272: diēnoigmenous (V-RPM/P-AMP) -- To open fully. From dia and anoigo; to open thoroughly, literally or figuratively.">open</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: Huion (N-AMS) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">Son</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpou (N-GMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">of Man</a> <a href="/greek/2476.htm" title="2476: hestōta (V-RPA-AMS) -- A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.">standing</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">at</a> <a href="/greek/1188.htm" title="1188: dexiōn (Adj-GNP) -- On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.">the right hand</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.”</a> 57At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a> In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. <a href="/matthew/26-64.htm">Matthew 26:64</a> “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” <a href="/mark/14-62.htm">Mark 14:62</a> “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">Revelation 1:7</a> Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen. <a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a> The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. <a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Colossians 3:1</a> Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. <a href="/ephesians/1-20.htm">Ephesians 1:20-21</a> which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, / far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. <a href="/romans/8-34.htm">Romans 8:34</a> Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us. <a href="/1_peter/3-22.htm">1 Peter 3:22</a> who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. <a href="/matthew/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27</a> For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. <a href="/john/1-51.htm">John 1:51</a> Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Revelation 5:6</a> Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. <a href="/luke/22-69.htm">Luke 22:69</a> But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a> Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.I see.<a href="/acts/10-11.htm">Acts 10:11,16</a> And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: … <a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a> Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.<a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16</a> And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:the Son.<a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13,14</a> I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him… <a href="/matthew/16-27.htm">Matthew 16:27,28</a> For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works… <a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31</a> When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/6-11.htm">God</a> <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/acts/2-34.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Right</a> <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/john/1-51.htm">Wide</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/9-20.htm">God</a> <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/9-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/acts/10-11.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/8-32.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/acts/8-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Wide</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 7</div>1. <a href="/acts/7-1.htm">Stephen, permitted to answer to the accusation of blasphemy,</a> 2. <a href="/acts/7-2.htm">shows that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the fathers,</a> 20. <a href="/acts/7-20.htm">before Moses was born, and before the tabernacle and temple were built;</a> 37. <a href="/acts/7-37.htm">that Moses himself witnessed of Christ;</a> 44. <a href="/acts/7-44.htm">and that all outward ceremonies were ordained to last but for a time;</a> 51. <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">reprehending their rebellion, and murdering of Christ, whom the prophets foretold.</a> 54. <a href="/acts/7-54.htm">Whereupon they stone Stephen to death, </a> 59. <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">who commends his soul to Jesus, and humbly prays for them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/acts/7.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Look, he said The word "Look" is a call to attention, an imperative that demands immediate focus. In the Greek, the word is "ἰδού" (idou), which is often used in Scripture to draw attention to something significant or divine. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, is urging his audience to witness a revelation of profound importance. This moment is not just a personal vision but a divine unveiling meant to affirm the truth of his testimony.I see heaven open The phrase "I see heaven open" signifies a divine revelation. The Greek word for "open" is "ἀνεῳγμένην" (aneōgmenēn), suggesting an ongoing state of openness. This imagery of an open heaven is reminiscent of other biblical accounts where God reveals His glory and purposes, such as Jacob's ladder (<a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12</a>) and Jesus' baptism (<a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16</a>). It symbolizes access to divine mysteries and the presence of God, affirming that Stephen is in communion with the divine realm even as he faces earthly persecution.and the Son of Man The title "Son of Man" is deeply rooted in Jewish eschatology and is used by Jesus to refer to Himself, drawing from <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a>. In Greek, it is "ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (ho huios tou anthrōpou). This title emphasizes both the humanity and the exalted role of Jesus as the Messiah. Stephen's vision of Jesus as the "Son of Man" is a powerful declaration of Jesus' divine authority and fulfillment of messianic prophecy, reinforcing His identity as the Savior and Judge.standing at the right hand of God The image of Jesus "standing at the right hand of God" is rich with theological significance. In Greek, "standing" is "ἑστῶτα" (hestōta), which contrasts with the more common depiction of Jesus sitting at God's right hand, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a>. The act of standing may indicate Jesus' active role as an advocate or His readiness to receive Stephen into glory. The "right hand of God" is a position of power and honor, affirming Jesus' divine authority and His role as the mediator between God and humanity. This vision provides Stephen with assurance and strength, knowing that his faithfulness is recognized and honored by Christ Himself.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm" title="And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, see, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him:">Matthew 3:16</a>.)And the Son of man.--The words call for notice as the only certain instance outside the Gospels of the use of the name which they record to have been constantly used by our Lord in speaking of Himself. (See Note on <a href="/matthew/8-20.htm" title="And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.">Matthew 8:20</a>.) As the speech of Stephen was delivered at least some years before any Gospel was written, and as the whole character of the speech reported, even in its apparent inconsequence and inaccuracy, is against the theory that it was put by the historian into the martyr's lips, its occurrence here is evidence in favour of the Gospel narrative, as showing that the title, which a few years afterwards, for some reason or other, the disciples ceased to use, was at that earlier date familiar. As uttered by Stephen before the Sanhedrin, it had the special emphasis of reminding them of the words which had been spoken by the Son of Man Himself (<a href="/matthew/26-64.htm" title="Jesus said to him, You have said: nevertheless I say to you, Hereafter shall you see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.">Matthew 26:64</a>). It was from their point of view a repetition of what they had then condemned as blasphemy. In <a href="/revelation/1-14.htm" title="His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;">Revelation 1:14</a> we have possibly another instance.Standing on the right hand of God.--Our Lord's own language (<a href="/matthew/26-64.htm" title="Jesus said to him, You have said: nevertheless I say to you, Hereafter shall you see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.">Matthew 26:64</a>), and that of the Church following it (e.g., <a href="/ephesians/1-20.htm" title="Which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,">Ephesians 1:20</a>; <a href="/hebrews/8-1.htm" title="Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;">Hebrews 8:1</a>), has commonly spoken of Him as sitting at the right hand of God. It was not, we may believe, without significance that He was manifested to Stephen's gaze as standing in the attitude of one who rises to help and welcome a follower who had shown himself faithful even unto death. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 56. - The Son of man. Our Lord's usual designation of himself (see <a href="/matthew/8-10.htm">Matthew 8:10</a>; <a href="/matthew/26-64.htm">Matthew 26:64</a>; etc.; and also <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13</a>), but nowhere but here spoken of Jesus by any other. <a href="/commentaries/acts/7-56.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Look,” Ἰδοὺ (Idou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! he said, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “I see θεωρῶ (theōrō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2334.htm">Strong's 2334: </a> From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge). heaven οὐρανοὺς (ouranous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. open διηνοιγμένους (diēnoigmenous) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1272.htm">Strong's 1272: </a> To open fully. From dia and anoigo; to open thoroughly, literally or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Son Υἱὸν (Huion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. of Man ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. standing ἑστῶτα (hestōta) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2476.htm">Strong's 2476: </a> A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications. at ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the right [hand] δεξιῶν (dexiōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1188.htm">Strong's 1188: </a> On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand. of God.” Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/7-56.htm">Acts 7:56 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/7-56.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 7:56 And said Behold I see the heavens (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/7-55.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 7:55"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 7:55" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/7-57.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 7:57"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 7:57" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>