Bede : Then the high priest said. In the Greek text, it is added to Stephen; and then it is appended: "Are these things so?" — Retractions on Acts John Chrysostom : "Then," it proceeds, "said the high-priest, Are these things so?" Observe, the question is put with mildness, that he may effect some great mischief. For this reason Stephen too begins his speech in a tone of gentleness. — Homily on Acts 15 John Chrysostom : "And he said," etc. He shows here, that the promise was made before the Place, before Circumcision, before Sacrifice, before the Temple, and that it was not of their merit that these received either Circumcision or Law, but that the land was the reward of obedience alone. Moreover, that neither on the giving of circumcision does the promise receive its fulfillment. Also, that these were figures, and so was both the leaving his country at God's command - not against the law (for home and country is where God shall lead). — Homily on Acts 15 Oecumenius : "they saw his face." It even happens that someone who is in a lower rank appears graceful and splendid. Therefore, so that those to whom he was about to speak might be struck dumb by his words, he begins with a facial display, by which his words are more easily received. — Commentary on Acts