Acts 6:8 – 8:1 relates the ministry, trial, and death of Stephen. Having already suggested that the gospel spread beyond the walls of Jerusalem (Acts 5:16), Luke will now show how it extends in earnest into Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). The final episode itself can be divided into three segments: the ministry of Stephen (Acts 6:8–15), the trial of Stephen (Acts 7:1–53), and the death of Stephen (Acts 7:54 – 8:1a). Ideally all three parts should be considered together but that is difficult to do given the length of Stephen’s sermon.

In terms of context, the description of Stephen’s ministry follows directly on the choosing of the Seven (Acts 6:1–7). Godly men have been appointed to ensure that church members in need are provided for so that the apostles can give themselves to the work of prayer and preaching (Acts 6:4). As a result of this plan, the Word of God continues to spread in Jerusalem, making inroads not only amongst the people but also the religious leaders with several priests coming to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ (Acts 6:7).