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I see the heavens opened; God not suffering any distance to hinder this refreshing sight.
The Son of man; so Christ is frequently called; and St. Stephen would by this inform them, how vain they were in striving against Christ or his truth.
Standing on the right hand of God, as an Advocate, Soldier, or Captain for Stephen; or as one showing the prize unto him, which he was now running for, and had need to be encouraged with the sight of. But it seems strange that St. Stephen should tell the Jews of this heavenly vision, being they did not see it, although in the same place with him; but this he might do.
1. Out of his ardent love to Christ, desiring to magnify him.
2. To invite his enemies to repentance, now heaven was opened, and Christ’s arms were stretched out to receive them.
3. To hinder any from being afraid to own Christ and his truths.
4. To terrify the most obdurate amongst them, by showing them their Judge, and minding them of his avenger.
5. That he might assert himself to be an eye witness of Christ’s being risen again from the dead, which they made such difficulty to believe.