Acts 7:37-60

“Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says …” (v48).  Stephen’s review of Israel’s history showed the greatness of God – far beyond the limited, physical Temple in Jerusalem, which never could “contain” Him.  The religious leaders were comfortable with their familiar faith and their proud history of God’s covenant. When Jesus came, preaching the kingdom in ways they didn’t understand, turning everything upside down, showing power through self-sacrifice, they rejected him.

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (v60).  Stephen understood that Jesus demonstrated God’s shocking, sacrificial love for sinners, and the whole world is different.  The love that changed us we also extend to others.