Acts 7:48-50

Acts 7:48-50

[48] Howbeit  the most High  dwelleth  not  in  made with hands;  as  saith  the prophet,  [49] Heaven  throne,  and  earth  footstool:  what  house  will ye build  saith  the Lord:  or  what  is the place  rest?  [50] not  hand  made  all 

What does Acts 7:48-50 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Stephen hastened to clarify that the Most High God, for whom a suitable house was certainly a reasonable desire, does not restrict Himself to a habitation constructed by humans. Solomon himself had acknowledged this when he dedicated the temple (cf. 1 Kings 8:27; Isaiah 66:1-2).
"Judaism never taught that God actually lived in the temple or was confined to its environs but spoke of his "Name" and presence as being there. In practice, however, this concept was often denied. This would especially appear so to Stephen, when further divine activity was refused out-of-hand by the people in their preference for God"s past revelation and redemption as symbolized in the existence of the temple." [1]
Stephen quoted Isaiah 66:1-2 for support. He referred to Isaiah as "the prophet." As a prophet Isaiah was worthy of as much respect as Moses. Significantly the last part of Isaiah 66:2 says that God esteems those who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at His word. Stephen left this timely and powerful challenge unstated for his hearers.
"It would seem that these verses form the real thrust of Stephen"s speech. In quoting with approval Isaiah"s words, Stephen would appear to imply that, as Christ is the new Moses, he is also the new Temple. In him and through him alone can men approach God." [2]
Stephen reminded the Sanhedrin that the temple, which they venerated excessively, was not the primary venue of God"s person and work. He was arguing that Jesus was God"s designated replacement for the temple, as the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews also taught.
There have been three major interpretations of Stephen"s view of the temple: God would replace it, God had rejected it, or God is above it. All three views are implications of Stephen"s words. [1]
"Throughout his speech he has, of course, been undermining the superstition which exalted a place of worship. The first great revelations of God had, in fact, taken place in foreign lands, Ur, Sinai, Midian, long before the temple existed (2-4 , 29-34 , 44-50)." [4]