Acts 6:15
And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 17
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνεδρίῳ
the council
G4892
συνεδρίῳ
the council
Strong's:
G4892
Word #:
10 of 17
a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal
εἶδον
saw
G1492
εἶδον
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
11 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόσωπον
face
G4383
πρόσωπον
face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
13 of 17
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 17
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
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 8:1Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.Matthew 13:43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.Matthew 17:2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Historical Context
As Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin facing false accusations (Acts 6:11-14), this visible manifestation of God's glory silently rebuked his accusers. The same council that condemned Jesus now faced divine testimony through Stephen's transfigured appearance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God manifest His presence through believers facing unjust persecution?
- What does Stephen's transformed appearance teach about God's sustaining grace in trials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Stephen's angelic face during trial recalls Moses' radiant countenance after encountering God (Exodus 34:29), suggesting divine approval and presence. This supernatural sign to his accusers demonstrated God's vindication of his testimony. The Greek implies sustained transformation, not momentary change.