What does Acts 6:15 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 6:15 describes a scene where Stephen, a man chosen to assist the apostles in distributing food and aid to the early Christian community, is under scrutiny by the Jewish council or Sanhedrin.

As the gathered members of the council gaze upon him, they perceive his face to have the appearance of an angel.

This description is likely figurative, meant to convey that Stephen's face reflected a sense of peace, innocence, or divine favor, contradicting the accusations levied against him.

His face seemingly radiates with a godly presence, suggesting that his cause is just and that he is being guided by a higher power.

Historical Context

This event occurs in the context of rising tensions between the Jewish authorities and the followers of Jesus after His crucifixion and resurrection.

Stephen had been performing miracles and was speaking with wisdom that the opposition could not counteract.

Accused of blasphemy against Moses and God, and of speaking against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:11-14), Stephen stood before the council to defend not only himself but the Christian gospel.

The book of Acts was authored by Luke and is generally thought to be written between A.D. 60 and A.D. 90, a time when the early church faced significant persecution and its message was spreading across the Mediterranean region.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the countenance of Stephen resembling that of an angel can signify divine approval and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Stephen's angel-like face is often seen as an external representation of his inner righteousness and might symbolize the sanctification that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Moreover, in the Bible, angels are messengers of God, and seeing Stephen's face as such might suggest that he too is a messenger of God's truth.

From a predestinarian standpoint, this could be viewed as God's sovereign hand at work, showing His election of Stephen for martyrdom and for the purpose of furthering the Christian witness.

Practical Applications

The depiction of Stephen's angelic face in the midst of his trial can inspire believers to seek a composure and faith that reflect God's peace and righteousness, even in testing times.

The verse can also serve as an encouragement to consistently live out one's faith, trusting that God's favor can manifest in various ways, underlining the importance of integrity and steadfastness.

Cross-References

• Acts 7:55-56: "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,"
• Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
• Exodus 34:29-30: "And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him."

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text is "ἀγγέλου" (angelou), which means "angel" or "messenger." The Greek term for "saw his face" (ἀτενίσαντες εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον) conveys an intent, sustained observation, indicating that the members of the council were looking very closely and deliberately at Stephen.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various religious traditions, the concept of a person’s face shining is not uncommon and often suggests divine favor or revelation.

For instance, in the Hindu tradition, gods are often depicted with radiant faces, symbolizing enlightenment and spiritual transcendence.

Similarly, in the Islamic tradition, some hadiths describe the face of the Prophet Muhammad glowing like the moon.

In the context of the Bible, Moses is another figure whose face shone with divine radiance after he received the Law from God.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific method to measure the luminosity of one's face in a spiritual context, certain psychological and physiological phenomena are related to facial appearance changes.

For instance, moments of intense emotion or conviction can sometimes cause a person's face to appear brighter due to increased blood circulation, and expressions of peace and confidence can be notable in one's demeanor.

commentaries

Different biblical scholars have interpreted this verse with varying emphases:

• John Calvin comments on this passage indicating that the members of the council could not resist the spirit by which Stephen spoke, similar to Moses' shining face.
• Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that God gave Stephen a face that shone like an angel to confound his adversaries and to show his innocence and sanctity amidst the false accusations.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes speak to the physical manifestation of the attitude of Stephen’s heart and his divine inspiration.
• The Pulpit Commentary mentions that Stephen's angelic appearance was a sign of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the courage it bestowed upon him in front of the council.