an address, which on critical analysis appears to have been
extemporaneous, nevertheless it is strikingly logical and impressive in
argument. The delivery was abruptly terminated, however, by a murderous
assault.[1423] In effective epitome Stephen traced the history of the
covenant people from the time of Abraham down, showing that the
patriarchs, and in turn Moses and the prophets, had lived and ministered
in progressive preparation for the development of which those present
were witnesses. He pointed out that Moses had foretold the coming of a
Prophet, who was none other than Jehovah, whom their fathers had
worshipped in the wilderness, before the tabernacle, and later in the
temple; but, he affirmed, "the most High dwelleth not in temples made
with hands," the most gorgeous of which could be but small to Him who
said: "Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool."[1424]

It is plain to be seen that Stephen's speech was not one of vindication,
and far from a plea in his own defense; it was a proclamation of the
word and purposes of God by a devoted servant who had no thought for
personal consequences. In forceful arraignment he thus addressed his
judges: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do
always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of
the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them
which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been
now the betrayers and murderers." Maddened at this direct accusation,
the Sanhedrists "gnashed on him with their teeth." He knew that they
thirsted for his blood; but, energized by the Holy Ghost, he looked
steadfastly upward, and exclaimed in rapture: "Behold I see the heavens
opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."[1425]
This is the first New Testament record of a manifestation of Christ to
mortal eyes by vision or otherwise, subsequent to His ascension. The
priestly rulers cried aloud, and stopped their ears to what they chose
to regard as blasphemous utterances; and, rushing upon the prisoner with
one accord, they hurried him outside the city walls and stoned him to
death. True to his Master, he prayed: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit";
and then, crushed to earth, he cried with a loud voice: "Lord, lay not
this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

So died the first martyr for the testimony of the risen Christ. He was
slain by a mob comprizing