Acts 7:44-50
44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.
45 Our fathers in turn received it, and they also brought it in with Joshua upon dispossing the nations that God drove out from our fathers, until the time of David.
46 David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob.
47 But it was Solomon who built a house for Him.
48 However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says:
49 ‘Heaven is My throne,
And the earth is the footstool of My feet;
What kind of house will you build for Me?’ says the Lord,
‘Or what place is there for My rest?
50 ‘Was it not My hand that made all these things?’
Stephen’s Defense (7)
The tabernacle
Next, Stephen seeks to demonstrate that God’s presence is not limited to the temple but is universal. He references the tabernacle, which preceded the temple. “Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.” (1) The people of Israel built the tabernacle in the wilderness. It was called the “tabernacle of testimony” because the “ark of the testimony” (the ark of the covenant) was placed in the Most Holy Place. The “ark of the testimony” contained two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments (Ex. 25:16). (2) The tabernacle of testimony was built according to the blueprint that God showed Moses. The purpose of the tabernacle was to manifest God’s presence within it. God’s presence appeared in the wilderness where the tabernacle was located. This means that God’s presence is not limited to Jerusalem. (3) The tabernacle was designed to be foldable and portable. (a) The people of Israel carried the tabernacle with them during their journey in the wilderness. (b) The people of Israel passed down the tabernacle from generation to generation. (c) The people of Israel brought the tabernacle into the land of Canaan during its conquest. (4) The tabernacle was used from the time of Joshua until the time of David. During David’s time, the temple had not yet been built.
The temple
“David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him.” (1) David desired to build the temple, but it was his son Solomon who actually constructed it. At this time, the temple replaced the tabernacle. Stephen is not underestimating the temple whatsoever. David, like Moses, had a blueprint revealed by God (1 Chron. 28:19). Solomon built the temple according to that blueprint. (2) However, unlike the intentions of David and Solomon (to build a house for God), God is not confined to a house made by human hands. (a) God is the creator of the universe. (b) Heaven is God’s throne, and the earth is His footstool (ref. 1 Kings 8:27, Isa. 66:1-2, Acts 17:24). Stephen is not denying worship at the temple; rather, he is emphasizing the importance of properly positioning the temple. He is asking whether we are prepared for the coming time when the temple will no longer be necessary. Our God is the Creator of the universe and is present everywhere. Blessed are those who walk with Him.
Today's prayer
God Most High, You are the Creator of heaven and earth, and You are present everywhere. Please continue to guide me today. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.