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)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name...
Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you,...
A "sign of the times" is something that shows the kinds of things that are happening, popular, important, etc., in a culture at a...
