As Stephen stood face to face with his judges, to answer to the charge of blasphemy, a holy radiance shone upon his countenance, and "all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." Those who exalted Moses might have seen in the face of the prisoner the same holy light that radiated from the face of that ancient prophet. Many who beheld this light trembled and veiled their faces, but the stubborn unbelief and prejudice of the rulers did not waver.

Idet Stefanus stod ansigt til ansigt med sine jøder, for at besvare blasfemiske anklager, skinnede en hellig glans over hans ansigt, ”og alle de, som sad i rådet, stirrede på ham, og hans ansigt var, for dem at se, som en engels ansigt.” Dem som ophøjede Moses kunne have set fangen i det samme hellige lys, som udstrålede fra den ældgamle profets ansigt. Mange som beskuede dette lys skælvede og tilslørede deres ansigter, men herskernes hårdnakkede vantro og fordomme vaklede ikke.