Stephen is falsely accused, or maybe rightly accused of being like Jesus. He is being accused very similarly to how Jesus was.

For his defense, Stephen preaches. He gives the story of Israel, starting with God appearing to Abraham. Remember, there is no Israel without God. He made them. He’s kept them. The story of Israel is God guiding and arranging, always fully in control.

God sends Abraham and then removes Abraham. He brings Abraham into Canaan, but he doesn’t inherit the land. It’s just a future promise for his descendants, even though he had none.

The story continues with the birth of Isaac and the institution of circumcision. Then comes Jacob to be named Israel, and then the patriarchs of the tribes, who sell Joseph in their jealousy.

Joseph is rescued by God, who remained with him and gave him favor with Pharoah, who offers the best of the land to Joseph’s family when they are reunited.

Their people increase and multiply and end up as slaves. As God promised Abraham, He brings them out of captivity. He sends a deliverer especially prepared for the task, though not how even Moses supposed. Moses tries to deliver by his own hands. It doesn’t work; he just makes a mess. But it’s a God-ordained mess. God has His appointed times and ways.

The Lord spoke directly to Moses and assures him that God sees and hears His people. Their affliction doesn’t go unnoticed. God delivers, but partners with Moses and sends him to His people.

God performs signs and wonders, but does them through Moses. God leads His people out of captivity, and He uses His servant in it.

The people didn’t obey Moses, rejecting him and God. God gives them over to their worship.

Stephen compares the rebellious Israelites to those condemning him as ones resisting the Holy Spirit and accuses them of killing the Christ, just as their ancestors killed the prophets who announced His coming.

Stephen sees Jesus ready to welcome him into heaven. His final words are of forgiveness for his attackers. He was just like Jesus.