The subject of the Greek verb is not explicit; the Greek simply has “he,” the Good News Translation Stephen. The statement that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit may imply that the Holy Spirit is, in some contexts, to be regarded as a gift for special occasions, this time enabling Stephen to look into heaven itself.

It is important in translating saw God’s glory not to imply that Stephen sees God himself; rather, what he sees is the “glory” or “majesty” of God. This is rendered in some languages as “the bright shining of God.” This expression is, of course, a reference to the Shekinah of God, often referred to in the Old Testament in relationship to the presence of God in the temple.

For the phrase at the right side of God see 2.33.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .