Acts 6:15
Verse
Context
Sermons
Richard Wurmbrand
Jim Cymbala
Shane IdlemanShane Idleman
David Wilkerson
John Bunyan
William M. ClowSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Saw his face, as it had been the face of an angel - Sayings like this are frequent among the Jewish writers, who represent God as distinguishing eminent men by causing a glory to shine from their faces. Rabbi Gedalia said that, "when Moses and Aaron came before Pharaoh, they appeared like those angels which minister before the face of the Lord; for their stature appeared greater, and the splendor of their faces was like the sun, and their eyes like the wheels of the sun; their beard like clusters of grapes, and their words like thunder and lightning; and that, through fear of them, those who were present fell to the earth." The like is said of Moses, in Debarim Rabba, fol. 75. that "when Sammael (Satan) came to Moses, the splendor of his face was like the sun, and himself resembled an angel of God." The reader may find several similar sayings in Schoettgen. It appears that the light and power of God which dwelt in his soul shone through his face, and God gave them this proof of the falsity of the testimony which was now before them; for, as the face of Stephen now shone as the face of Moses did when he came down from the mount, it was the fullest proof that he had not spoken blasphemous words either against Moses or God, else this splendor of heaven had not rested upon him. The history of the apostolic Church is a series of wonders. Every thing that could prevent such a Church from being established, or could overthrow it when established, is brought to bear against it. The instruments employed in its erection and defense had neither might nor power, but what came immediately from God. They work, and God works with them; the Church is founded and built up; and its adversaries, with every advantage in their favor, cannot overthrow it. Is it possible to look at this, without seeing the mighty hand of God in the whole? He permits devils and wicked men to work - to avail themselves of all their advantages, yet counterworks all their plots and designs, turns their weapons against themselves, and promotes his cause by the very means that were used to destroy it. How true is the saying, There is neither might nor counsel against the Lord!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
as . . . the face of an angel--a play of supernatural radiance attesting to all who beheld his countenance the divine calm of the spirit within. Next: Acts Chapter 7
John Gill Bible Commentary
And all that sat in the council,.... The whole sanhedrim, looking steadfastly on him; to observe whether his countenance altered, his tongue stammered, or he trembled in any part of his body, neither of which appeared; but on the contrary, they saw his face, as if it had been the face of an angel. The Ethiopic version adds, "of God"; there was such a calmness and serenity in it, which showed his innocence and unconsciousness of guilt; and such a beauty and glory upon it, that he looked as lovely and amiable as the angels of God, who when they appeared to men, it was in very glorious and splendid forms: his face might shine as Moses's did, when he came down from the mount; or in some degree as Christ's did at his transfiguration; and this might, as it ought to have been, taken as an acquittance of him by God, from the charge of blasphemy, either against God or Moses: the Jews (q) say of Phinehas, that when the Holy Ghost was upon him, his face burned or shone like lamps, and Stephen was now full of the Holy Ghost, Act 6:5. (q) Ceseph. Misna in Maimon. Hilch. Teshuba, c. 9. & Vajikra Rabba, sect. 1. fol. 146. 1. & sect. 21. fol. 163. 1. Next: Acts Chapter 7
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:15 His face became as bright as an angel’s, just as Moses’ face had (6:14; see Exod 34:32-35). Stephen, like Moses, was bringing God’s instruction to Israel (see also 2 Cor 3:7-18).
Acts 6:15
The Arrest of Stephen
14For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How to Organize an Underground Church - Part 3
By Richard Wurmbrand2.4K28:50Underground ChurchMAT 5:11MAT 10:37MAT 16:24LUK 14:26LUK 14:33ACT 6:15ACT 9:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of evil and its opposition to good. He emphasizes that while the devil may make mistakes and is not almighty like God, he can still be a powerful force of wickedness. The preacher shares his own experience of communist torture and how it can be spiritually used to strengthen one's faith. He also highlights the importance of living in the present moment and not worrying about the future. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the resistance of liberal and modernist theologians to torture, questioning their lack of conviction in their beliefs.
When the Spirit Falls
By Jim Cymbala73124:07Holy SpiritACT 2:47ACT 6:3ACT 6:8ACT 6:10ACT 6:15ACT 8:4ACT 8:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and being controlled by Him. He uses examples from the Bible, such as the story of Philip, to illustrate how being filled with the Spirit can lead to revival and the ability to do miraculous things. The preacher also highlights the need for believers to prioritize spending time with God and studying His Word. He concludes the sermon by praying for God's blessings and protection for the congregation.
God's Will, Simple but Not Easy
By Shane Idleman55741:47GEN 12:1ACT 6:15
This sermon emphasizes that God's will is simple but not easy to follow. It explores the story of Stephen in Acts 6, highlighting how faith and obedience can lead to persecution but also reveal God's presence. The sermon delves into the concept of trusting and obeying God, even in challenging circumstances, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Abraham and Joseph who faced trials but ultimately found favor through their trust in God's sovereignty.
God's Will - Simple but Not Easy
By Shane Idleman941:47Trust and ObedienceGod's WillGEN 12:1ACT 6:15Shane Idleman emphasizes that while God's will is fundamentally simple—trust and obey—it is often challenging to follow. He illustrates this through the story of Stephen in Acts 6, who, despite being filled with faith and power, faced opposition and false accusations. Idleman highlights that God's guidance often requires stepping into the unknown, as exemplified by Abraham's call to leave his homeland without knowing his destination. He encourages believers to embrace challenges as part of God's will, reminding them that obedience leads to clarity and that God is their ultimate reward, not material inheritance. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in God's sovereignty and to be open to His leading, even when it is uncomfortable.
What Story Does Your Face Tell?
By David Wilkerson0Inner PeaceCountenancePSA 42:11PSA 43:5PRO 21:29ACT 6:151PE 5:7David Wilkerson emphasizes that our facial expressions serve as a reflection of our inner state, declaring that our countenance reveals the joy or turmoil within us. He highlights how the presence of Christ in our hearts should positively influence our demeanor, contrasting the peace of a believer with the stress and worry that can harden one's face. Wilkerson encourages Christians to be mindful of the messages their faces convey to the world, as they can either reflect the love of God or the weight of sin and anger. He cites examples from scripture, including King David and Stephen, to illustrate how a transformed heart leads to a radiant countenance. Ultimately, he reassures believers of God's unconditional love and care, which should uplift their spirits and expressions.
Refined
By John Bunyan0Suffering for RighteousnessSpiritual RefinementZEC 13:9ACT 6:15ROM 5:31PE 3:14John Bunyan emphasizes that suffering for righteousness is a source of happiness and spiritual growth, as it refines believers much like fire refines precious metals. He asserts that affliction enhances one's holiness and character, making them shine brighter in their faith. Bunyan warns that while some may falter under pressure, true righteousness is strengthened through trials, leading to a more profound Christian identity. He encourages believers to embrace their sufferings as a means of becoming more godly and reflective of Christ's character.
Praying Like Christ
By William M. Clow0EXO 34:29PSA 34:5MAT 17:2ACT 6:152CO 3:18William M. Clow delves into the transfiguration of Jesus, emphasizing how prayer can lead to a transformation of one's inner being, illuminating their face with the radiance of God's presence. He contrasts our imperfect prayers with Jesus' perfect trust and unclouded assurance in God, highlighting the potential for believers to experience a similar transfiguration through deep communion with God. Just as Moses and Stephen's faces shone with heavenly light due to their encounters with God, Christ's transfiguration reveals the inner ecstasy of His spirit as He fully consecrated Himself to God's will during prayer.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Saw his face, as it had been the face of an angel - Sayings like this are frequent among the Jewish writers, who represent God as distinguishing eminent men by causing a glory to shine from their faces. Rabbi Gedalia said that, "when Moses and Aaron came before Pharaoh, they appeared like those angels which minister before the face of the Lord; for their stature appeared greater, and the splendor of their faces was like the sun, and their eyes like the wheels of the sun; their beard like clusters of grapes, and their words like thunder and lightning; and that, through fear of them, those who were present fell to the earth." The like is said of Moses, in Debarim Rabba, fol. 75. that "when Sammael (Satan) came to Moses, the splendor of his face was like the sun, and himself resembled an angel of God." The reader may find several similar sayings in Schoettgen. It appears that the light and power of God which dwelt in his soul shone through his face, and God gave them this proof of the falsity of the testimony which was now before them; for, as the face of Stephen now shone as the face of Moses did when he came down from the mount, it was the fullest proof that he had not spoken blasphemous words either against Moses or God, else this splendor of heaven had not rested upon him. The history of the apostolic Church is a series of wonders. Every thing that could prevent such a Church from being established, or could overthrow it when established, is brought to bear against it. The instruments employed in its erection and defense had neither might nor power, but what came immediately from God. They work, and God works with them; the Church is founded and built up; and its adversaries, with every advantage in their favor, cannot overthrow it. Is it possible to look at this, without seeing the mighty hand of God in the whole? He permits devils and wicked men to work - to avail themselves of all their advantages, yet counterworks all their plots and designs, turns their weapons against themselves, and promotes his cause by the very means that were used to destroy it. How true is the saying, There is neither might nor counsel against the Lord!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
as . . . the face of an angel--a play of supernatural radiance attesting to all who beheld his countenance the divine calm of the spirit within. Next: Acts Chapter 7
John Gill Bible Commentary
And all that sat in the council,.... The whole sanhedrim, looking steadfastly on him; to observe whether his countenance altered, his tongue stammered, or he trembled in any part of his body, neither of which appeared; but on the contrary, they saw his face, as if it had been the face of an angel. The Ethiopic version adds, "of God"; there was such a calmness and serenity in it, which showed his innocence and unconsciousness of guilt; and such a beauty and glory upon it, that he looked as lovely and amiable as the angels of God, who when they appeared to men, it was in very glorious and splendid forms: his face might shine as Moses's did, when he came down from the mount; or in some degree as Christ's did at his transfiguration; and this might, as it ought to have been, taken as an acquittance of him by God, from the charge of blasphemy, either against God or Moses: the Jews (q) say of Phinehas, that when the Holy Ghost was upon him, his face burned or shone like lamps, and Stephen was now full of the Holy Ghost, Act 6:5. (q) Ceseph. Misna in Maimon. Hilch. Teshuba, c. 9. & Vajikra Rabba, sect. 1. fol. 146. 1. & sect. 21. fol. 163. 1. Next: Acts Chapter 7
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:15 His face became as bright as an angel’s, just as Moses’ face had (6:14; see Exod 34:32-35). Stephen, like Moses, was bringing God’s instruction to Israel (see also 2 Cor 3:7-18).