Stephen performs signs and speaks with wisdom that his opponents cannot successfully refute. A dispute develops, and false witnesses accuse him of speaking against Moses, God, the temple, and the law.

Stephen is brought before the council. Asked whether the charges are true, he responds with a long retelling of Israel’s history.

He speaks of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, the wilderness, the tabernacle, David, and Solomon. Again and again, his speech emphasizes that God’s activity cannot be confined to one place and that Israel has repeatedly resisted those sent to it.

Stephen eventually turns the accusation toward his hearers, charging them with resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and killing the Righteous One.

The council becomes enraged.

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looks upward and says he sees the glory of God and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand.

His opponents rush him, drag him outside the city, and stone him. The witnesses place their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

As he dies, Stephen calls on Jesus to receive his spirit and asks that the sin not be held against his killers.

Acts immediately notes Saul’s approval and describes severe persecution breaking out against the church. Stephen’s death appears to silence one witness, but the scattering that follows carries the message into new regions.