The Central Idea of the Text is that Stephen is martyred by a religious mob that was stirred to hatred by his biblical speech. Stephen threatened the theological presuppositions of his accusers as well as their religious authority. The Sanhedrin could not refute the soundness of his biblical presentation, and would not humble themselves before God or His revelation. Possessed with blinding religious arrogance that drove them to fury, they verbally began shouting at Stephen and physically covered their ears to keep from hearing his message; then, in rage, they drove him from the city and stoned him to death.