In his speech before the Sanhedrin, Stephen makes it clear that God has always been at work in this world. As confirmation he tells the story of God’s revelation to Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and Solomon. In each case it was clear that God is not limited to the land of Israel or the temple. Abraham was called out of Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. Joseph was sold into slavery and served in Egypt. Moses lived in Midian, modern-day Saudi Arabia. And though Solomon lived in Jerusalem, God nevertheless made it clear at the building of the temple that he does not live in a house built by human hands.

In each of these examples Stephen is refuting the idea that God is limited to the temple in Jerusalem and that he may only be worshipped at that temple. God has always been at work to save a people for himself. He is much bigger than the temple. He is present wherever he chooses to be. And he has always been at work to do good for those who belong to him. His promises to Abraham are evident in the way he treated the Israelites.

Though not explicitly mentioned, the God of glory has also done something recently in the sight of all Jerusalem. He has given his Son, the Righteous One, Jesus. He is greater than Abraham, answering a call not only to leave for another land but to suffer for his enemies. He is greater than Joseph; standing at the right hand of God, he has the power to forgive all those who betrayed him and save them from eternal death. He is greater than Moses, for he came to make God known in a much fuller way and, as the great High Priest, to mediate between God and man. Finally, he is greater than Solomon, not building a temple but being a temple. His body was destroyed and raised from the grave so that we can know God.

God has always been at work to gather and save a people for himself. He is much bigger than what we think or imagine. He is not limited to any one part of this world.