Bible moment
The Bible moment
Acts 7:51–56 records part of Stephen’s speech before the council. Stephen says that his hearers resist the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors resisted God’s messengers. He speaks of the Righteous One whom they betrayed and murdered. When the council members become enraged, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looks into heaven. He reports seeing God’s glory and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. Stephen calls Jesus “the Son of Man” in his report of the vision. The passage presents what Stephen said he saw; it does not provide an added explanation of the vision. This moment follows Stephen’s service in the growing church, his wise witness, and the false accusations that brought him before the council.
Look closely
What children can notice
Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looks upward and reports seeing heaven open, God’s glory, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. Show the vision respectfully with radiant light and Jesus clearly distinct from Stephen, without depicting God the Father as a generic old man.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did Stephen report seeing?
- How can we remain faithful when others oppose us?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with Acts 7:51–56 when teaching Stephen’s faithful witness. For children, explain that the vision is Stephen’s reported sight and avoid adding interpretations not stated in the passage. Pair it with discussion about courage, the Holy Spirit, and trusting Jesus during opposition. If covering the next verses, describe Stephen’s death briefly and non-graphically, emphasizing his prayers and forgiveness.
Source note
From this passage
Acts 7:51–56 · Stephen
Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looks upward and reports seeing heaven open, God’s glory, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. Show the vision respectfully with radiant light and Jesus clearly distinct from Stephen, without depicting God the Father as a generic old man.
