Acts 7:52

Which of the prophets? Here is an echo of Christ’s own words (Matt. 5:12; Luke 11:47; 13:34). For comment on the history of such persecution of prophets see on Matt. 5:12; 23:37 (cf. 1 Thess. 2:15; cf. on 2 Chron. 36:16).

Shewed. Rather “announced.”

The Just One. Or, “Righteous One.” This high title is also used of the Lord in chs. 3:14; 22:14 The name had already been applied in Jewish literature to the expected Messiah (Enoch 38:2), and may have been suggested by Isa. 11:4, 5. Pilate’s wife used the description in referring to Jesus (Matt. 27:19). The early church seems to have accepted it, and an example of its application may be seen in 1 John 2:1, where the Greek word for “righteous” is the same as that used here for “Just One.” The Christ who had been condemned as a malefactor was distinguished from all men as the “Righteous One,” the “Just One.” By an impartation of this same righteousness, Stephen stood out in contrast with the men who were about to execute him in wicked fury.

Have been. Rather, “have become.”

Betrayers and murderers. Reading in the faces of his tormentors the fate that is soon to be his own, Stephen reminds them of their former actions with respect to Christ.