Acts 7

“Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands” (v48).  Stephen’s sermon referred to the long story of God’s dealings with Israel, revealing human sin and God’s saving mercy.  God made covenants with individuals like Abraham, Joseph, Moses and David, yet God’s promises and salvation were not anyone’s possession and could not be manipulated.   He “does not dwell in houses made by hands.”  Don’t be like your ancestors, said Stephen (v52), who rejected the salvation God offered them because of hardness of heart.

"Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (v60).  Stephen’s last words exposed God’s heart, revealed in Christ: though we do not deserve it, God offers forgiveness.