(7:54–8:3) This passage narrates the Israelites’ hostile response to Stephen’s speech at 7:52–53 and the subsequent persecution of the Jerusalem church. While Stephen shares outloud his prophetic vision with the crowd, they cover their ears and attack him (7:55–57). The mob stones Stephen outside the city while he prays (7:58–60). The outbreak of persecution causes believers to flee (8:1). While Stephen is buried, Saul pursues and imprisons believers