Acts 6:15

Luke may have intended to stress Stephen’s fullness with the Holy Spirit that resulted in his confidence, composure, and courage by drawing attention to his face. Moses’ face similarly shone when he descended from Mt. Sinai after seeing God (cf. Acts 7:55-56; Exodus 34:29; Exodus 34:35). Perhaps Stephen’s hearers recalled Moses’ shining face. If so, they should have concluded that Stephen was not against Moses but like Moses. Stephen proceeded to function as an angel (a messenger from God), as well as looking like one, by bringing new revelation to his hearers, as Moses had. The Old Covenant had come through angelic mediation at Mt. Sinai (Deuteronomy 33:2 LXX; cf. Hebrews 2:2). Now revelation about the New Covenant was coming through one who acted like and even looked like an angel.