Acts 7:54-60 "The First Christian Martyr"

We come to the conclusion of Stephen's long speech in Acts. Instead of cries of repentance, the crowd cries for Stephen to be stoned.  The angry mob is contrasted with Stephen, who is a picture of serenity.  He is filled with the Holy Spirit.  He sees a vision of the glorified Christ at the right hand of God.  In death, he calls upon Jesus to receive his spirit and prays for the forgiveness of his murderers.  There are many parallels between Stephen and Jesus Christ.