New Testament: Acts 7.44–47

To read the Bible in a year, read Acts 7.44–60 on June 26, In the year of our Lord Christ 2024

By Don Ruhl 

Stephen explained that God commanded the Israelites to make the tabernacle in the wilderness: “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David” (Acts 7.44–45). 

For hundreds of years, Israel had the tabernacle, a tent, from the days of Moses to the days of David. Knowing that God wanted a place to dwell among the children of Israel, David thought God deserved something better, so, Stephen explained further that David: “Found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob” (Acts 7.46). 

David had good intentions, but it was not the will of God for David to build the temple, therefore, Stephen said: “But Solomon built Him a house” (Acts 7.47). 

Do you have what you believe is a good idea? Pursue it with all your might, but be prepared for God to decide that he wants someone else to complete it. That may not always happen, but, nevertheless, be prepared. 

Questions from today’s reading and devotional: 

• What did Stephen call the tabernacle? 
• What did Stephen say about the necks of those listening to him? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com