Keraia
Acts 7

Acts 7:48

The Tabernacle of the Testimony · Acts 7:44–53
Read Acts 7

Translations

Modern
However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:
Traditional
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
Literal
But the Most High does not dwell in hand-made houses. As the prophet says:
Latin
Sed non Excelsus in manufactis habitat, sicut propheta dicit:

Interlinear

Greek
English
However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:

Notes

Acts 7:48–50

One charge against Stephen was that he spoke against the temple (see 6:14). The leading priests and scribes managed the temple's business and wanted to protect their interests (see Luke 19:45–48). This is why these leaders were concerned about the temple, even though God said that the Most High does not live in temples made by human hands.

Acts 7:1–53

  • Stephen answered the accusations by speaking about his Lord (see Luke 21:12–17). Instead of defending himself, he became a witness in God's legal case against them. This revealed how contrary they were and their lack of loyalty. Stephen gave a history of Israel's past and reminded them of their repeated rejections of those who announced God's messages.

  • Stephen's review of Israel's history has three main parts:

    1. The work of the patriarchs. This refers to Abraham and those descended from him who founded the nation of Israel (Acts 7:2–16).

    2. The ministry of Moses (7:17–43).

    3. The role of the tabernacle and the temple (7:44–50).

      Stephen ended his historical survey with a strong criticism of his people's lack of obedience. Like a prophet, he challenged them to stop resisting the Holy Spirit. He told them to turn to God with grief for their sins (repentance) and faith.

Events

Parallels

Exodus 40:1–33 Hebrews 9:1–10

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

Apocalypse of James Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Circumcision Courts and Trials Hellenism Jerusalem Council Most High Paul the Apostle Persecution Peter, the Apostle Stephen

Topics

Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense God is Declared to Be: Most High God: Onnipresent God: Presence of God: Ubiquitous Government: Constitutes Select Readings: Stephen's Defense the First Temple was but a Temple Built with Hands