According to Stephen, Moses understood God's calling despite no mention in the Exodus. However, the Israelites rejected his involvement, and he had to flee for his life. As a result, he became an exile in the land of Midian, which sets up the following part of his story. In verses 30-34, the story describes how Moses encountered God at the burning bush. Stephen also mentions that Moses spent 40 years in Midian. Whether referring to years or days, this number often corresponds with important events of salvation. For instance, Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before being sent by God back to Egypt. Similarly, Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years before finally entering the Promised Land (verse 36).

Stephen reminds his audience that the pivotal moment in Israel's history began outside their land, much like with Abraham. God, who had promised to Abraham and was determined to fulfill that promise, is the same deity who instigated this covenant. Stephen mentions God's instruction to Moses to remove his shoes because he wants to emphasize that God sanctifies a place. This shows that God is not confined to a particular location; wherever He is, the place becomes holy. Stephen sets the stage for his main point in the speech, where he cautions his audience that their beliefs about the temple are incorrect. Moses brought salvation through the power of "wonders and signs" (v. 36). This is similar to the situation that Stephen faced, where the leaders and rulers rejected the signs and wonders performed by Jesus' followers, just as the Israelites had rejected Moses despite his miracles. Moses had predicted the coming of a prophet like himself (v. 37), who turned out to be Jesus, but sadly he was also rejected. When Moses was on the mountain receiving the law from God, the people of Israel rejected God and started worshipping a golden calf. This was the peak of their rejection of God despite being blessed with the gift of the Exodus from Egypt. Stephen suggested that the Israelites' worship of the golden calf established a habit of persistent idolatry. He cited Amos to hint that this behavior would lead to their exile in Babylon, even as they departed from Egypt.

The Tabernacle was a tent that served as a witness and was established by God. It was an integral part of Israel's history until King David's time, who wanted to build a temple, but it was built by his son, Solomon after God allowed him to do so. Stephen's message did not condemn the temple's construction or existence but instead criticized the people's attitude towards it. They had missed God. Stephen uses Solomon's statement from 1 Kings 8:27 to explain to his listeners that God does not live in houses built by humans. This shows that it is impossible to confine God, the creator, and ruler of all things, in a physical or permanent structure. The people are worried about earthly matters, but God's throne is in heaven.

Stephen started with the story of their father, Abraham, and continued until the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham through Jesus. The story of the old covenant, starting from the rejection of Moses (verses 25 and 35) and ending with the murder of Jesus, has come to a close. Through Jesus of Nazareth, God's choice of Abraham and His promises to him have reached their intended culmination. Stephen's last statement leads the listeners to almost uncontrollable anger. When Stephen announces that he sees Jesus "standing at the right hand of God" (7:55-56), the crowd reacts with mob-like behavior. This event is significant because it represents another instance of God's realm breaking into the earthly realm. A frenzied crowd is attacking Stephen, and it's unclear if this is an authorized execution or uncontrolled violence. Even if the council didn't order it, Stephen's presence before them implies that they're not likely to intervene. Some council members may even be part of the mob. However, the council can't legally put people to death, making them complicit in Stephen's demise. Stephen was taken outside the city and stoned to death, ironically following the law in Leviticus 24:14-16. Saul, a young man serving as a coat checker, observed and approved the execution. Despite the pain, Stephen's words echoed Jesus's words, making his death as remarkable as his life and sermon.