In the given text we read some of the last words of Stephen. These courageous words spoken by Stephen ultimately led to his demise that is recorded in the following verses (7:54-60).

Stephen accuses the audience of being “stiff-necked.” They were unwilling to submit themselves to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Like a stiff-necked animal resists his master by pulling the opposite direction of said master’s intended path, the people were resisting the yoke of Christ (Matthew 11:30). Stephen calls them “uncircumcised in heart and ears.” Circumcision was the special mark that set the Israelites apart as God’s chosen people. This was an effective metaphor used to show their refusal to hear, and submit to God’s teaching.

Stephen likens the audience to their fathers before them who slayed the prophets that spoke of the Just One (Matthew 23:29-30). This Just One, being Christ, had come fulfilling these prophecies. The people murdered the Just One of whom the prophets spoke (Acts 3:13-14). Stephen had been accused of blaspheming the law. However, he condemned the people before him of not keeping the law that they had received “by the direction of angels.” This statement provoked the audience to wrath. The result was the martyrdom of Stephen.