Stephen does respond to the underlying charge that he is a renegade Jew, and by extension, that the Messianic church is composed of apostate Jews. He does this by asserting that Israelite history (from the call of Abraham to the building of Solomon’s temple) proves that his listeners are the real defectors from God. Stephen is on the offense, not trying to win any favors!
God has compassion for the troubles of his church, and the groans of his persecuted people; and their deliverance takes rise from his pity. Acts 7 and 8 (ESV)
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to...
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of...
I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our...
