This is one of two really long sections: the arrest of Stephen (a deacon, not one of the original disciples), his defense (he knew his OT), his stoning, and Saul’s approval. Obviously, persecution has now begun. Stephen imitates Jesus. I can’t imagine how painful stoning could be, but Stephen prays for those stoning him and commits his spirit to the Lord. A parallel here is with the Confirmation vow to suffer all, even death, for Christ.