41. So the people made an idol that looked like a calf. Then they brought sacrifices to it. They were very happy with what they had made with their own hands.
42. But God turned against them and let them continue worshiping the army of false gods in the sky. This is what God says in the book that contains what the prophets wrote: ‘People of Israel, you did not bring me blood offerings and sacrifices in the desert for 40 years;
43. You carried with you the tent for worshiping Moloch and the image of the star of your god Rephan. These were the idols you made to worship. So I will send you away beyond Babylon.’ Amos 5:25-27
44. “The Holy Tent was with our ancestors in the desert. God told Moses how to make this tent. He made it like the plan that God showed him.
45. Later, Joshua led our ancestors to capture the lands of the other nations. Our people went in and God made the other people go out. When our people went into this new land, they took with them this same tent. Our people received this tent from their fathers, and our people kept it until the time of David.
46. God was very pleased with David. He asked God to let him build a Temple for the people of Jacob.
47. But Solomon was the one who built the Temple.
48. “But the Most High God does not live in houses built by human hands. This is what the prophet writes:
49. ‘The Lord says, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is where I rest my feet. So do you think you can build a house for me? Do I need a place to rest?
50. Remember, I made all these things!’” Isaiah 66:1-2
51. Then Stephen said, “You stubborn Jewish leaders! You refuse to give your hearts to God or even listen to him. You are always against what the Holy Spirit wants you to do. That’s how your ancestors were, and you are just like them!
52. They persecuted every prophet who ever lived. They even killed those who long ago said that the Righteous One would come. And now you have turned against that Righteous One and killed him.