But it was SolomonSolomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is a central figure in the history of Israel. He is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's reign marked a period of peace and prosperity for Israel, allowing him to undertake such grand projects. His role in building the Temple fulfills the promise God made to David that his son would build a house for God's name (
2 Samuel 7:12-13). Solomon's wisdom and leadership are highlighted in
1 Kings 3:5-14, where God grants him wisdom because he asked for discernment to govern the people rather than for personal gain.
who built the house
The "house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a central place of worship for the Israelites. Before the Temple, the Ark was housed in a tent, the Tabernacle, which was a temporary and mobile sanctuary. The construction of the Temple signified a shift from a nomadic to a more settled form of worship. The building of the Temple is detailed in1 Kings 6-7, describing its grandeur and the materials used, such as cedar from Lebanon and gold overlay. The Temple served as a symbol of God's presence among His people and a place where sacrifices and offerings were made.
for Him
The "Him" refers to God, emphasizing that the Temple was built for the worship and glory of God, not for Solomon's own honor. This aligns with the biblical theme that all things are ultimately for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). The Temple was a place where God's name would dwell, and it was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7). The dedication of the Temple by Solomon, as recorded in1 Kings 8, includes a prayer acknowledging God's greatness and asking for His presence and blessing upon the people of Israel. Solomon's Temple also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who referred to His body as the true Temple (John 2:19-21), indicating that God's presence would ultimately dwell in Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, Solomon is credited with constructing the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites.
2.
The House (Temple)Refers to the First Temple in Jerusalem, which Solomon built as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for Israelite worship. It symbolized God's presence among His people.
3.
Stephen's SpeechActs 7 records the speech of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, before the Sanhedrin. He recounts Israel's history, emphasizing God's presence with His people beyond physical structures.
Teaching Points
God's Presence is Not Limited to BuildingsWhile the Temple was a significant place for worship, God's presence is not confined to physical structures. Believers are encouraged to seek a personal relationship with God that transcends physical locations.
The Importance of Obedience Over RitualSolomon's building of the Temple was an act of obedience to God's command. However, God desires obedience and a heart aligned with His will more than mere ritualistic worship.
The Role of the Church TodayThe church, as the body of Christ, serves as a spiritual temple where believers gather to worship. It is essential to focus on the community and spiritual growth rather than just the physical building.
Legacy and FaithfulnessSolomon's legacy includes both his wisdom and his failures. Believers are encouraged to build a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God, impacting future generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 7:47?
2.How does Solomon's temple-building reflect God's plan for worship in Acts 7:47?
3.What lessons can we learn from Solomon's obedience in building the temple?
4.How does Acts 7:47 connect to 1 Kings 6:1-38 about the temple?
5.In what ways can we prioritize God's presence in our lives today?
6.How does Solomon's temple-building inspire us to honor God with our resources?
7.Why did Solomon build the house for God instead of David, as mentioned in Acts 7:47?
8.How does Acts 7:47 reflect on the importance of physical temples in worship?
9.What theological significance does Solomon's temple hold in the context of Acts 7:47?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 7?
11.What is building a spiritual house?
12.How can the psalmist abide in God's 'tabernacle forever' (Ps 61:4) when Jewish worship practices and structures changed over time?
13.Does God dwell in temples? (1 Kings 8:13 vs. Acts 7:48)
14.Ezekiel 43:10-11 provides specific temple measurements. Why is there no documented historical or archaeological evidence of a temple built exactly to these specifications?What Does Acts 7:47 Mean
Context ofActs 7:47Stephen is recounting Israel’s history to show that God’s redemptive plan culminates in Jesus. He reminds his listeners that David longed to build a temple (2 Samuel 7:1-7;Psalm 132:1-5), yet God said, “He is not the one to build a house for My Name” (1 Chronicles 17:4). The contrast between David’s desire and Solomon’s action sets up the verse: “But it was Solomon who built the house for Him.”
But• “But” signals a divinely guided shift: David’s heartfelt ambition submitted to God’s timing (Acts 13:22).
• The Lord’s plan supersedes even the noblest human intentions (Proverbs 19:21).
• This conjunction highlights that God, not circumstance, chose Solomon for the task (1 Kings 5:5).
It was Solomon• Solomon received wisdom and wealth to fulfill what David could not (1 Kings 3:12-14;1 Chronicles 22:9-10).
• His accession illustrates how God equips specific people for specific seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).
• The fulfillment under Solomon shows continuity in God’s covenant promises from father to son (2 Samuel 7:12-13).
Who built• Building was not merely architectural; it was obedient worship (1 Kings 6:1).
• Solomon followed God-given plans passed through David (1 Chronicles 28:11-19), underscoring that true service conforms to God’s revealed pattern (Exodus 25:9;Hebrews 8:5).
• The project spanned seven years (1 Kings 6:38), reflecting diligence and devotion.
The house• “House” here refers to the temple, a tangible testimony of God’s presence (1 Kings 8:10-11).
• It centralized worship, uniting the nation around sacrifices foreshadowing Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14).
• Yet Solomon himself affirmed, “The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You” (1 Kings 8:27), reminding Israel that God’s glory surpasses any structure (Isaiah 66:1-2).
For Him• The temple existed for God’s honor, not human prestige (Psalm 115:1).
• Every article, ceremony, and sacrifice pointed to God’s holiness and the coming Messiah (John 2:19-21).
• “For Him” emphasizes purpose: worship centred on God alone, aligning with the first commandment (Exodus 20:3).
SummaryActs 7:47 underscores that, although David conceived the idea, God appointed Solomon to construct a temple for His Name. The verse teaches that:
• God directs history, assigning roles according to His wisdom.
• Obedience involves following God’s timing and design.
• Earthly temples, while important, ultimately point to the greater dwelling of God with His people in Christ (Revelation 21:3).
Verse 47. - A house for
an house, A.V. The
οϊκος (the house) of ver. 47, which Solomon built, seems to be almost in contrast with the
σκήνωμα (the tabernacle).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
But [it was]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.SolomonΣολομῶν(Solomōn)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4672:Solomon, son of David King of Israel, and Bathsheba. Of Hebrew origin; Solomon, the son of David.[who] builtοἰκοδόμησεν(oikodomēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3618:From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.[the] houseοἶκον(oikon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3624:A dwelling; by implication, a family.for Him.αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
Links
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NT Apostles: Acts 7:47 But Solomon built him a house (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
