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Acts 6:15

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 6:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Acts 6:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council,
13and set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law:
14for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us.
15And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
← Acts 6:14Acts 7:1 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And all that sat in the council, etc.] The whole sanhedrim, looking steadfastly on him; to observe whether his countenance altered, his tongue stammered, or he trembled in any part of his body, neither of which appeared; but on the contrary, they saw his face, as if it had been the face of an angel. The Ethiopic version adds, “of God”; there was such a calmness and serenity in it, which showed his innocence and unconsciousness of guilt; and such a beauty and glory upon it, that he looked as lovely and amiable as the angels of God, who when they appeared to men, it was in very glorious and splendid forms: his face might shine as Moses’s did, when he came down from the mount; or in some degree…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“as . . . the face of an angel--a play of supernatural radiance attesting to all who beheld his countenance the divine calm of the spirit within. Next: Acts Chapter 7”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Looking stedfastly on him - Fixing the eyes intently on him. They were probably attracted by the unusual appearance of the man, his meekness, his calm and collected fearlessness, and the proofs of conscious innocence and sincerity. The face of an angel - This expression is one evidently denoting that he manifested evidence of sincerity, gravity, fearlessness, confidence in God. It is used in the Old Testament to denote special wisdom, 2 Samuel 14:17; 2 Samuel 19:27. In Genesis 33:10, it is used to denote special majesty and glory, as if it were the face of God. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, it is said that the skin of his face shone so that the children of Israel were afraid to come…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“As the face of an angel - Covered with supernatural lustre. They reckoned his preaching of Jesus to be the Christ was destroying Moses and the law; and God bears witness to him, with the same glory as he did to Moses, when he gave the law by him. Next: Acts Chapter 7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:15 His face became as bright as an angel’s, just as Moses’ face had (6:14; see Exod 34:32-35). Stephen, like Moses, was bringing God’s instruction to Israel (see also 2 Cor 3:7-18).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“saw: Exo 34:29-35; Ecc 8:1; Mat 13:43, Mat 17:2; Co2 3:7, Co2 3:8, Co2 3:18 Next: Acts Chapter 7”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification