Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 is a powerful historical defense of the Gospel, demonstrating Israel’s repeated rejection of God’s messengers and culminating in their betrayal of Jesus, the Righteous One. His bold proclamation led to his martyrdom, yet his testimony became a turning point for the early Church, influencing the spread of Christianity and even preparing the way for Saul’s conversion.
The Apostle Paul was born to a Jewish family who possessed Roman citizenship in the City of Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia (modern-day Turkey) and was given the name of Saul. Some years later his family relocated to Jerusalem and he was raised as a Pharisee and studied under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel. Words: 2640 / Time to read: 14 minutes Gamaliel was respected and convinced the members of the Sanhedrin to refrain from putting to death the disciples of Christ warning that they may be “fighting against God” (Acts 5:33-39). His successful influence shows the respect…