The account of the lynch stoning of Stephen (the first martyr for the cause of Christ) has
many lessons for us to glean, but the posture of Jesus, when Stephen sees Him at the right hand of God, is of particular interest. Everywhere else in Scripture, it depicts Jesus (after His ascension and exaltation) as “sitting at the right hand of God” (cf. Luke 22:69; Mark 14:62; 16:19; Acts 2:34; Heb. 1:3; 12:2). Stephen’s glimpse into heaven is the only time in Scripture that Jesus was portrayed as “standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55-56). Why was Jesus standing?
Scripture does not answer that question for us; we do not know the reason for the change in Jesus’ posture. But, let us propose a few things. When one of Jesus’ friends and faithful servants is taking a stand for Him and is about to be assaulted for His cause, do you think Jesus can just “sit by” as a “spectator”? Is it possible that Jesus rose to His feet to cheer and encourage His bold defender? Is it possible that at that very moment Jesus had risen to His feet to “confess before [His] Father” this one who was confessing Him? Is it possible that Jesus arose to receive and welcome the spirit of His blessed champion? We do not know the reason, but what an intriguing, encouraging and hopeful view of the Son of Man at that moment!