Definition: And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Acts 7:56. It's a really rich and symbolic image! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes Jesus Christ as being equal to God. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “And said…” : This indicates that the speaker is speaking from a position of authority or observation. “…I see the heavens opened…” : The "heavens" refer to the sky, and opening them means revealing something beyond what we can normally see. It's like a massive, divine event taking place. “…and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” : This is the core of the message. “The Son of Man” is Jesus Christ. “Standing on the right hand of God” means he’s positioned near God, as if he's fully involved in divine activity. What does this symbolism mean? Historically, this verse was interpreted to signify that Jesus was not just a human being, but also divine – that He is fully God and fully human at the same time. It’s a powerful statement about His role in salvation and the relationship between humanity and God. Why is it important? This passage is a foundational moment in Christian theology. It’s considered one of the earliest and most significant examples of Jesus being elevated to a position of divinity. It's a key part of the belief that through Jesus, we can have a relationship with God like He had with God before our existence! In short: This verse portrays Jesus as having a divine connection to God – a powerful and significant statement about His unique role in salvation history. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? For example, would you like me to delve into the historical context or explore why this verse is so important?