Voice and Vision in Acts

What is it about?

The theme of sight plays a central role throughout the book of Acts. While some scholars have identified this theme, especially with respect to visions, they typically overlook the intersection of sight and audition. This article argues that Luke pairs seeing with hearing and emphasizes the sense of hearing to an even greater degree. The article first addresses sight and visions in Acts and then focuses on Stephen’s vision in Acts 7. This is the one vision in Acts that does not involve divinely bestowed words, yet it still betrays Luke’s preference for hearing—and speaking—God’s word. The article then explores key themes that emerge from Stephen’s vision regarding the visual and verbal modes of perception in Acts as a whole. Overall, Luke’s emphasis on the spoken “word” reflects his reliance on Jewish scriptural traditions that likewise highlight listening as a key epistemological posture.

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