Acts 7, Part 2

In this latter part of his response, Stephen masterfully makes his points.  He has addressed all the charges of blasphemy:  1) he believes in the God of glory and has recounted His interaction throughout Israel's history; 2) he respects Moses and recognized him as the one God called to be the deliverer and the one who told of the Prophet and Messiah to come, who is Christ; 3) he referred to the Law as God's living words; and 4) recounted the history of the temple, starting with the tabernacle.

Then he turns the tables.  It is not Stephen who blasphemed, but rather the Sanhedrin who, like the examples of "their fathers", disobeyed and rejected the Deliverer God sent, Jesus Christ.

In their fury, the Sanhedrin now drags Stephen out of the city to stone him.   Their reactions have escalated from threats to Peter and John, to flogging of the apostles, and now to killing.  However, even in his death, Stephen is filled with the Holy Spirit, glorifying God by being like Christ in committing his spirit to God and asking forgiveness for his executioners.

And, we are introduced to Saul, who was apparently in a position of authority, as Stephen was being martyred.