Acts 6:15

Authorized King James Version

And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἀτενίσαντες
looking stedfastly
to gaze intently
#3
εἰς
on
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#4
αὐτοῦ
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
ἅπάντες
all
absolutely all or (singular) every one
#6
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
καθεζόμενοι
that sat
to sit down
#8
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
συνεδρίῳ
the council
a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal
#11
εἶδον
saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#12
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πρόσωπον
face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#14
αὐτοῦ
him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#15
ὡσεὶ
as it had been
as if
#16
πρόσωπον
face
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#17
ἀγγέλου
G32
of an angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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