Stephen’s arguments and explanation of the Old Testament is of such a calibre that the men who listened and debated with him were unable to provide good reasons as to why his conclusions should have been rejected. They were silenced by his words but not persuaded.1 A similar response was shown to the teaching of Jesus (Luke 20:26, Luke 20:39–40). In terms of his wisdom and the Spirit, Jesus promised the help of the Spirit (Luke 12:12) and wisdom (Luke 21:15) to his disciples if they should be called upon to defend themselves.2
10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.