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)
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything...
''And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others....
“To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that...
