Acts 7: Stephen Stands and So Does the Son of Man
When heaven opened, Stephen saw the Son of Man standing—vindicating, receiving, and defending.
Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin begins not with argument but with a sweeping retelling of Israel’s history—a bold move, not to excuse himself but to expose the tragic consistency of their rejection. From Abraham to Moses to the prophets, Stephen outlines the story of how the people of God repeatedly turned away from the ones sent to deliver them. The undercurrent of his speech points to Jesus as the ultimate Deliverer—rejected like Joseph, opposed like Moses, yet exalted and glorified by God. When Stephen speaks of the temple, he subtly shifts the focus: God cannot be confined to buildings. His presence is not boxed in by walls of stone, and neither is His movement.
Then Stephen turns his defense into an indictment. The people have not only rejected the prophets who foretold the coming of the Righteous One—they have betrayed and murdered Him. The contrast is stark. The council is enraged; Stephen is radiant. While they gnash their teeth, he gazes into heaven and sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Not seated, as is commonly depicted—but standing. Whether as witness, judge, or welcomer, Jesus affirms Stephen publicly, while the mob violently condemns him. In this pivotal moment, as stones fall and life ebbs, Stephen becomes the first martyr—and Saul, cloaked in cold approval, watches.
Journal Entry – In the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
You are not alone when the world turns against you. You are never unseen when injustice clouds the day. I stood with Stephen not only in heaven—I was in him on earth. I gave him words not of defense, but of truth. I led him to speak of Abraham’s call, Joseph’s rejection, Moses’ commission, and the stubborn hearts of generations gone by—not to wound, but to awaken. I reminded him that no temple made by human hands could contain the glory that now dwells in him.
I filled him as the stones flew. I opened his eyes to see the Son of Man standing—not seated—ready to receive him, ready to declare his vindication before the court of heaven. His dying breath echoed the words I once gave to Jesus: “Receive my spirit” and “Do not hold this sin against them.” That was not Stephen's effort; that was My life in him. I do not lead you to survive this life in fear—I empower you to face it in peace. When rage surrounds you and injustice rises, I give you eyes that pierce through the veil, to see Jesus standing in your defense. I dwell in you now as I did in him. And just as Stephen’s words bore witness, so will yours. I will never leave you silent when My truth must be spoken.
(Acts 6:15; 7:2, 35–39, 48–56, 59–60; Luke 12:8; Isaiah 3:13–15)
Real-Life Analogy
You’ve probably had this moment: You're standing in line, waiting your turn, and a heated confrontation breaks out nearby. Someone is being wrongly accused or ridiculed, and the crowd instinctively draws back—not wanting to get involved. But then, someone steps forward. Not with rage, not with bravado—but with calm, unwavering clarity. They say what’s true, knowing full well the tension it could bring. That quiet courage? That’s a glimpse of what it means to stand filled with the Spirit. It’s not about winning the moment. It’s about bearing witness—knowing that even if no one else sees, Jesus is standing for you.
Prayer in My Voice
Lord Jesus, what a comfort it is to know You are not seated when injustice strikes Your people—you stand. Not out of alarm, but out of readiness. You see, You defend, and You receive. I praise You for the life of Stephen—not just because he died for You, but because You lived through him. I trust that You are standing in my defense too—not just when I face visible trials, but when quiet faithfulness costs more than words can say. I don’t need to strive for boldness or peace—I already have You. And You are enough.
Credit:
Insights drawn from the Grace and Truth Study Bible (Zondervan, 2022).
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