The Greek verb atenizō means to gaze intently, to fix one's eyes steadfastly on something, to look with focused, unwavering attention. It implies a deliberate, concentrated looking that excludes peripheral distraction.
Atenizō appears at theologically pivotal moments in Acts. Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, 'gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God' (Acts 7:55). The disciples atenizō at the ascending Christ (Acts 1:10) before the angels redirect their gaze. Peter atenizō at the lame man before his healing (Acts 3:4). Paul atenizō at the council (Acts 23:1). The word captures the spiritual posture of focused, undistracted attention — whether to divine revelation, to the person before you, or to truth being proclaimed. The Hebrews exhortation to 'fix our eyes on Jesus' (Hebrews 12:2) captures the same posture that atenizō embodies in Acts.