Was Jesus standing or sitting at God's right hand in Stephen's vision?
In Stephen's vision, Jesus was standing at God's right hand, not sitting. Stephen declared he saw the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. This contrasts with Hebrews 1 and Psalm 110, which say He sat down at the Majesty's right hand.
Les explains that Stephen saw Him standing rather than sitting, and this is not a mistranslation. While Hebrews 1 and Psalm 110 say Jesus sat down at the right hand of Majesty, Stephen's vision shows the Son of Man standing. Les suggests we should think about why. He points back to Acts 3:19-20: after His resurrection and ascension, Jesus is alive, God raised Him from the dead, called Him back to heaven, but He is ready to return quickly and set up the Kingdom, though the tribulation must first run its course.
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
More Questions
Why did Stephen's vision show Jesus standing at God's right hand?
To a Jewish hearer, the Son of Man standing at God's right hand meant he was ready to return and deal with his people, not just seated in authority.
Why were the religious leaders angered when Stephen said he saw Jesus standing at God's right hand?
The fact that Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, rather than just seeing Jesus in heaven, is what aroused the religious leaders' anger; the explanation Les gives is found in Psalms 67 and 68.
What did the Jewish council do when Stephen said he saw Jesus standing at God's right hand?
When Stephen said he saw the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God, his Jewish hearers cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, rushed at him with one accord, and stoned him.