The significance of vision is encompassed in the impact it had on early believers and those who would follow. The irony of this vision is in the fact that both Jesus and Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin staring death in the face to inform the Sanhedrin of who would be in authority when they too stared death in the face. Jesus was to prophecy his position of authority at the right hand of God the father, and Stephen would be witness to the fulfillment of this prophecy. As it goes Jesus said to the Sanhedrin “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven”(Matthew 26:64, NASB). Stephen’s vision is a continuation of this prophecy, referencing Jesus current position of authority in…show more content… It is written of Stephen, “being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts7:55, NASB). This is confirmation that “Jesus is indeed now risen and exalted to his position of authority at God’s right hand.” This confirmation was not only an encouragement to Stephen before his death, or an encouragement to early believers, but an encouragement to all believers ad infinitum. His stance is often an issue of debate, some alleging that his position represents Jesus not yet being seated and others saying that he is standing in judgment of those condemning Stephen. Regardless, Jesus has been placed in a position of great authority in this vision. It is also said that “this is the only instance in the New Testament where the term is spoken by another than Jesus himself.” In this vision, the church is encouraged, being reminded that the Lord is truly
