Acts 7:50
Hath not my hand made all these things?
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χείρ
hand
G5495
χείρ
hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
3 of 7
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Cross References
Jeremiah 32:17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:Acts 14:15And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
Historical Context
This echoes the creation account in Genesis and God's question to Job (38-41). Stephen's use of Isaiah shows continuity of prophetic witness against empty ritualism divorced from heart reality across Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- If God made everything, what can we possibly offer Him that is our own?
- How does God's creative sovereignty establish the foundation for salvation by grace alone?
- In what ways do we subtly try to bring God something we think He needs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The concluding question 'hath not my hand made all these things?' asserts God's sovereignty as Creator of all. Since God created everything, nothing we build or offer adds to His glory - all belongs to Him already. This dismantles human pride and establishes the foundation for grace: if God made everything, our righteousness is filthy rags and salvation must be entirely His work. The Reformed doctrine of sola gratia (grace alone) rests on this truth - we contribute nothing to our salvation because we possess nothing God has not first given.