All through Acts chapter 7, Stephen is giving a defense in response to the religionist of His day trying desperately to hang on to the status quo.  They feel threatened that Jesus and His followers were going to bring change to their religious structures including the Temple and the Law.  Instead of embracing the change that Christ brings, they resort to lies and the spreading of fear in order to hang on to what they are accustomed.  Stephen takes a stand for faith and justice.  He lives and dies for Christ and Christ alone.

Know that you are loved,
gaj