Does God dwell in temples made with hands?
No. Even though Solomon built the first temple on earth, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands. As the prophet says, heaven is His throne and earth His footstool; no house built by man can contain Him, for His hand made all things.
Les teaches that Stephen is rehearsing Israel’s history, moving through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David until he comes to Solomon, who built the Lord a house—the first temple. But Stephen cites the prophet: the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands. Heaven is God’s throne and earth His footstool; no house can be built for Him, since His hand made all these things. Stephen is driving home that the crucified Messiah was the promised Son of God, the King of Israel, the Son of David, fulfilling Old Testament promises. He also calls them stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart, lacking the heart circumcision that is part of salvation in any dispensation.
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,