Acts 7:47 – “But it was Solomon who built a house for him.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Stephen continues his speech before the Jewish leaders, explaining how King Solomon built the first permanent temple for God.

Before this, Israel worshiped God in the tabernacle, a portable tent that moved with them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. David had wanted to build a temple for God, but God told him that his son, Solomon, would be the one to build it (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

The temple was a major milestone in Israel’s history, as it became the center of worship, sacrifices, and God’s presence. However, Stephen was leading to a deeper truth—while Solomon built the temple, God was never truly contained in a building. The Jewish leaders placed too much emphasis on the temple itself, forgetting that true worship is about a relationship with God, not a location.

Stephen was preparing to show that Jesus replaced the temple as the true meeting place between God and His people.

Historical Context

1. Solomon’s Temple – Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem around 960 B.C. It was a magnificent structure, symbolizing God’s presence among His people (1 Kings 6:1-38).
2. God’s Warning About the Temple – Even when Solomon built it, God made it clear that He could not be contained in a building (1 Kings 8:27).
3. The Temple’s Importance to the Jews – By Stephen’s time, the Jewish leaders had turned the temple into an idol, treating it as the ultimate sign of God’s favor rather than understanding its true purpose.
4. Stephen’s Trial Before the Sanhedrin – Stephen was accused of speaking against the temple (Acts 6:13-14), but he was simply pointing out that God’s presence is not tied to a structure.

Theological Implications

1. God Allowed the Temple, But He Never Needed It – Solomon built a house for God, but God had already said He did not need a physical building (2 Samuel 7:5-7).
2. The Temple Was a Shadow of Something Greater – The temple was important, but it pointed forward to Jesus, the true presence of God among His people.
3. Religious Structures Are Not More Important Than Obedience – The Jewish leaders had turned the temple into an idol, missing the fact that true worship is about knowing God personally.
4. Jesus Replaces the Physical Temple – After Jesus came, the temple was no longer necessary, because He Himself became the way people connect with God.

Literary Analysis

Stephen is continuing his logical progression through Israel’s history:

• God’s presence was in the tabernacle.
• David wanted to build a temple.
• Solomon actually built the temple.
• But the temple was never God’s final plan.

The phrase “built a house for him” is significant. It acknowledges Solomon’s achievement, but it is also limited—building a structure does not mean God is contained there.

Stephen was skillfully setting up his final argument—that God’s presence is now in Jesus, not in a building.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – God tells David that Solomon will build the temple.
• 1 Kings 6:1-14 – Solomon begins the construction of the temple.
• 1 Kings 8:27 – Solomon admits that God cannot be contained in a building.
• Isaiah 66:1-2 – God declares, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me?”
• John 2:19-21 – Jesus says, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days,” referring to Himself.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• God’s presence is not limited to a church building. Many people treat church buildings as sacred, but God is not confined to a location—He dwells within His people.
• Religious achievements do not replace true worship. Just as the Jews focused too much on the temple, people today can focus on traditions, denominations, or rituals instead of a personal relationship with God.
• God’s plans are greater than human ideas. Solomon built the temple, but God had a bigger plan—to dwell with His people through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
• We must not make an idol out of religious institutions. The Jewish leaders were too attached to a building, just as some today value religious symbols more than knowing God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God allowed the temple to be built, not because He needed it, but because He meets people where they are. Even though God is beyond buildings, He chose to dwell among His people in a way they could understand.

This shows that God desires to be close to His people—not as a distant ruler, but as a present, loving God who wants to be known personally.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the True Dwelling Place of God – The temple was a temporary house for God, but now, Jesus is where God’s presence is fully revealed (Colossians 2:9).
2. Jesus Replaces the Physical Temple – The Jewish leaders were focused on the temple, but Jesus made it clear that true worship is about spirit and truth (John 4:21-24).
3. Jesus Fulfills God’s Promise to David – God promised David a lasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16), and Jesus, the Son of David, is the eternal King (Luke 1:32-33).
4. Jesus Is the New Way to Worship – Instead of going to a temple, we now have direct access to God through Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that God does not dwell in buildings made by human hands?
2. Have you ever put too much focus on religious structures or traditions instead of knowing God personally?
3. How does Jesus replace the need for a physical temple?
4. What does this passage teach us about true worship?
5. How can we experience God’s presence in daily life rather than just in church services?

Solomon built a house for God, but God’s presence was never meant to be contained in a building. Today, God’s presence is found in Jesus and in the hearts of His people. Are we focusing on external religion, or are we truly seeking God’s presence?