Stephen is charged with talking in opposition to the Temple and the regulation. How does he defend himself? By giving the non secular leaders a historical past lesson.
Right here is the purpose of Stephen’s historical past lesson right now: to remind the Jewish leaders that land is holy if God makes it holy.
Stephen sees a sample of Israel encountering God’s presence exterior of the Promised Land. Beginning with Abraham, Stephen says, “the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham whereas he was nonetheless in Mesopotamia” (v. 2). Whereas he focuses on God’s promise to provide his folks the land, Stephen emphasizes that this promise contains 400 years through which his folks won’t dwell within the Promised Land, however underneath oppressive rulers in Egypt. So God raises up Moses, who meets God in a burning bush. Moses hears God’s voice, and it says to him, “the place the place you might be standing is holy floor” (v. 33). On Mount Sinai, he encounters God once more, who provides him directions for the tabernacle. As Israel travels by way of the wilderness, the tabernacle is God’s holy place. Mesopotamia, Burning bush, Mount Sinai, tabernacle: all holy locations, all exterior the Promised Land.
Then, he drives his level dwelling by observing that the Temple was not even constructed till Solomon’s reign (v. 46), and by quoting Isaiah 66:1-2, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool.”
The implication is evident: wherever God is, that place is holy. A holy place might embody a geographic location or the development of a constructing, however these aren’t what make it particular or sanctified — solely God’s presence and favor can try this. One wants to concentrate to the motion of the Spirit, and the Spirit has come down upon the apostles, and the apostles are performing indicators and wonders. The ministry of the Temple, and of all holy locations, is being manifested amongst believers in Jesus, constructed brick by brick within the lives of his followers.
Dr. Jim Watkins is affiliate dean of educational affairs at Nashotah Home Theological Seminary. He lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, together with his spouse, 4 boys, a canine, a cat, and many houseplants.
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Nashville, Tennessee
The Diocese of Mundu – Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan
