The idolatry that eventually led God's people into Babylonian captivity started in the desert when they made the golden calf (Ex 32). They did not obey Moses, who had received God's living words. In their hearts they turned back to Egypt and to the idol-worshiping culture of their slave life.

The tabernacle in the desert was made by Moses according to God's pattern. It was brought into the promised land by Joshua. King David did not build the temple--his son Solomon did. Solomon knew that God is not confined to any house. Stephen had been accused of speaking against the temple and the law (6:13). He taught them the Bible: God cannot be confined in a building. He pointed out that they were the law-breakers. They had rejected the Bible by not obeying it and were slaves to pride, self-righteousness, and jealousy, like their ancestors.

The high priests were enraged. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, exclaimed that he could see Jesus at the right hand of God. They responded by stoning him. Stephen entrusted his spirit to Jesus, and in his final act, got on his knees and prayed for their forgiveness. He had Jesus’ image on the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them.”