Which Old Testament scriptures support the idea presented in Acts 7:48? Acts 7:48 at a Glance “However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands.” Isaiah 66:1-2 – Heaven Is My Throne “This is what the LORD says: ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What house could you possibly build for Me? And where is the place of My rest? Has not My hand made all these things, and so they came into being?’ ” Isaiah 57:15 – The High and Exalted One “For this is what the High and Exalted One says—He who lives forever, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and humble in spirit….’ ” Solomon’s Dedication Confession • 1 Kings 8:27 – “Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.” • 2 Chronicles 6:18 – “Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You. How much less this house I have built!” God’s Word to David Before the Temple • 1 Chronicles 17:4-6 – “From the day I brought Israel out of Egypt until this day I have not dwelt in a house, but have moved from tent to tent….” • 2 Samuel 7:5-7 – parallel wording that no house had ever been required. Psalms Proclaim the Heavenly Throne • Psalm 11:4 – “The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His throne in heaven.” • Psalm 99:1 – “The LORD reigns… He sits enthroned between the cherubim.” Omnipresence in the Prophets • Jeremiah 23:24 – “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. • 2 Chronicles 2:6 – “Who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him?” Summary Connections • Every cited passage insists that no man-made structure can confine the Lord. • Isaiah 66:1-2 is directly quoted in Acts 7:48-49, anchoring Stephen’s point. • Kings, Chronicles, Psalms, and Prophets unite in portraying God as enthroned above creation, yet graciously present among the humble. • Acts 7:48 therefore echoes a consistent Old Testament testimony: the Most High transcends temples while freely choosing where and how to manifest His glory. |
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