What is Stephen doing in Acts 7 when he speaks?
In Acts 7, Stephen is rehearsing all of Israel’s history, beginning with Abraham and continuing down to the slavery in Egypt. He recounts the nation’s past, tracing God’s dealings with the patriarchs and their descendants as the content of his speech.
Les explains that in Acts chapter 7, Stephen is rehearsing all of Israel's history, coming up from Abraham and down all the way to the slavery in Egypt. Les points out that this historical review is where the Old Testament alludes to the Second Coming allegorically, or by symbol, especially in the life of Moses and the life of Joseph. Stephen's speech thus recounts Israel's past as a foundation for that truth.
Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.