God’s Dwelling Place: Beyond Walls and Locations
In Acts 7:47-50, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, is speaking to the Jewish council, recounting their history. He highlights how King Solomon built a temple for God, but then reminds them that God cannot be confined to a building made by human hands. Here’s what Stephen said: "But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: ‘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 repose? Was it not My hand which made all these things?’”
Stephen is quoting the prophet Isaiah, and he’s making an important point: while the temple was significant in Israel’s history, God’s presence and glory can’t be contained in a man-made structure. The Creator of heaven and earth doesn’t live in houses built by humans. His presence is far greater than that—it fills the entire universe!
This same truth is reflected in Acts 17:24-25, where Paul speaks to the people of Athens, saying: "The God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things.”
Here, Paul emphasizes that God, being the Creator, is not dependent on human-made structures for His existence or sustenance. He is the source of life itself and does not require anything from us. Instead, He longs for our hearts and genuine worship.
This truth is further reflected in what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well. In John 4:21-24, Jesus tells her: "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Jesus’ words remind us that true worship isn’t about a specific place, whether it’s a mountain, a church, or a temple. It’s about worshiping God in spirit and truth, with a sincere heart. God is not limited by location; He is seeking those who worship Him with genuine faith, no matter where they are.
Together, these scriptures remind us that God’s presence is everywhere, and He desires a relationship with us that goes beyond rituals or physical locations. Whether we’re in a church, at home, or anywhere else, we can worship God in spirit and truth, knowing that He dwells with those who seek Him sincerely.
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”
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I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.