Acts 7:48
Verse
Context
Sermons
T. Austin-Sparks
John Follette
George Fox
K.P. Yohannan
David ServantT. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands - Here St. Stephen evidently refers to Solomon's speech, Kg1 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house that I have builded? Both Solomon and St. Stephen mean that the majesty of God could not be contained, not even in the whole vortex of nature; much less in any temple which human hands could erect. As saith the prophet - The place referred to is Isa 66:1, Isa 66:2 : Thus saith the Lord, the heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool. Where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest, etc., with which the quotation by Stephen agrees.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Heaven is my throne,.... There is the seat of the divine Majesty; there his glory is most conspicuous; there he keeps his court, that is his palace; and there are his attendants, the angels; and from thence are the administrations of his regal power and government, over the whole world: and earth is my footstool; which is under his feet, is subject to him, and at his dispose, and which he makes use of at his pleasure: these things are not to be literally understood, but are images and figures, representing the majesty, sovereignty, and immensity of God; who is the maker of all things, the governor of the universe, and is above all places, and not to be contained in any: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord; or where can any be built for him, since he already takes up the heaven and the earth? what house can be built by men, or with hands, that can hold him, or is fit for him to dwell in? or what is the place of my rest? not in any house made with hands, but in the church among his saints, who are the temples of the living God; and this is his rest for ever, and here will he dwell, because he has chosen and desired them, and built them up for an habitation for himself,
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:48-50 One of the charges was that Stephen was speaking against the Temple (cp. 6:14). The leading priests and scribes controlled the Temple commerce and had a vital business interest in maintaining their enterprises unhindered (see Luke 19:45-48). That is why these leaders were so worried about the Temple despite the fact that God himself had said that the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands.
Acts 7:48
The Tabernacle of the Testimony
47But it was Solomon who built the house for Him.48However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Let the House Be Builded - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareUnity in the ChurchEXO 7:161CH 21:1JHN 2:19ACT 7:481CO 1:131CO 12:13EPH 3:16EPH 4:3EPH 6:12REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ongoing conflict and controversy throughout the Bible regarding God's desire to dwell among His people. He illustrates how this struggle began in the Garden of Eden and continued through the history of Israel, culminating in the New Testament with Christ's incarnation and the establishment of the Church. Sparks highlights that the true enemy seeks to divide and disrupt the unity of God's people, which is essential for His habitation among them. He calls for believers to recognize the spiritual warfare at play and to pursue unity through the Holy Spirit, as this is the key to overcoming division and fulfilling God's purpose. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining fellowship and oneness in the body of Christ amidst external and internal challenges.
Love of God
By John Follette0EXO 25:8JHN 1:14ACT 7:48ROM 8:91CO 3:161CO 6:19EPH 2:221PE 2:5REV 3:20John Follette preaches about the persistency of God's love in seeking humanity, from the creation to the coming of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God seeks to have a close relationship with us, desiring to dwell among us and in us, ultimately leading us back to our original purpose of glorifying Him. The love of God is relentless, always pursuing us to save, cleanse, fill, and bring us back into coordination with Him.
Epistle 85
By George Fox0DEU 18:15JER 10:14JER 31:34HAB 2:18JHN 5:25ACT 3:22ACT 7:48ACT 7:591CO 7:311PE 1:41JN 2:27George Fox emphasizes the importance of following the light of Christ to find rest and witness the new covenant, where personal teaching from man is not needed. He urges listeners to let the light reveal sin, worldly evils, and unrighteousness, guiding them to stand in the light to see Jesus. Fox warns against vain thoughts and idolatry, encouraging people to listen to the voice of the Son of God for true life. He references Stephen's martyrdom and Moses' prophecy to highlight the significance of hearing and obeying the prophet raised by God.
The Church Is the People
By K.P. Yohannan0World EvangelismThe ChurchMAT 8:20ACT 7:48K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that the true essence of the Church lies in its people rather than the physical buildings they occupy. He reflects on his experiences in Asia, where many Christians meet in homes due to the lack of church facilities, highlighting that Christ continues to seek a place among His followers. Yohannan critiques the American focus on church buildings, urging believers to remember the importance of supporting world evangelism and to allocate a portion of their giving for this cause. He calls for a shift in mindset, advocating for a commitment to prioritize outreach and support for growing churches in less fortunate regions. Ultimately, he challenges the church to embody the spirit of Christ by being active in spreading the Gospel rather than being preoccupied with material structures.
Day 35, Acts 7
By David Servant0ACT 6:13ACT 7:37ACT 7:48ACT 7:51ACT 7:55ACT 7:60HEB 11:24David Servant delves into the significance of Stephen's lengthy defense, explaining that it was not merely a history lesson but a convicting sermon highlighting the rejection of God-sent men like Joseph and Moses by their own people. Stephen aimed to point the Sanhedrin to Jesus through a messianic prophecy and challenged their religious traditions. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, Stephen held the Sanhedrin accountable for their actions, leaving them without excuse. His speech also revealed valuable insights into Old Testament stories, emphasizing the importance of following God's plan and timing, as seen in the examples of Moses and Stephen.
The Continuous Controversy and Conflict
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareUnity in the SpiritEXO 7:161CH 21:1JHN 2:19ACT 7:481CO 1:131CO 12:13EPH 3:16EPH 4:4EPH 6:12REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks addresses the ongoing conflict and controversy present from the beginning of the Bible, emphasizing that the central issue is God's desire to dwell among His people. He illustrates how this theme of divine habitation has been challenged throughout history, from the Garden of Eden to the early Church, highlighting the spiritual warfare that seeks to disrupt this fellowship. Sparks points out that the Church faces internal divisions and conflicts, which are often rooted in a spiritual battle against forces that oppose God's purpose. He calls for believers to recognize the importance of unity in the Spirit, as true oneness is essential for God's presence among His people. Ultimately, the sermon urges Christians to be vigilant and aware of the spiritual dynamics at play in their relationships and fellowship.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands - Here St. Stephen evidently refers to Solomon's speech, Kg1 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house that I have builded? Both Solomon and St. Stephen mean that the majesty of God could not be contained, not even in the whole vortex of nature; much less in any temple which human hands could erect. As saith the prophet - The place referred to is Isa 66:1, Isa 66:2 : Thus saith the Lord, the heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool. Where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest, etc., with which the quotation by Stephen agrees.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Heaven is my throne,.... There is the seat of the divine Majesty; there his glory is most conspicuous; there he keeps his court, that is his palace; and there are his attendants, the angels; and from thence are the administrations of his regal power and government, over the whole world: and earth is my footstool; which is under his feet, is subject to him, and at his dispose, and which he makes use of at his pleasure: these things are not to be literally understood, but are images and figures, representing the majesty, sovereignty, and immensity of God; who is the maker of all things, the governor of the universe, and is above all places, and not to be contained in any: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord; or where can any be built for him, since he already takes up the heaven and the earth? what house can be built by men, or with hands, that can hold him, or is fit for him to dwell in? or what is the place of my rest? not in any house made with hands, but in the church among his saints, who are the temples of the living God; and this is his rest for ever, and here will he dwell, because he has chosen and desired them, and built them up for an habitation for himself,
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:48-50 One of the charges was that Stephen was speaking against the Temple (cp. 6:14). The leading priests and scribes controlled the Temple commerce and had a vital business interest in maintaining their enterprises unhindered (see Luke 19:45-48). That is why these leaders were so worried about the Temple despite the fact that God himself had said that the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands.