The affirmation that God is both Creator and Lord of heaven and earth leads naturally to the conclusion that he does not live in temples made by men. Made by men (literally “handmade”) designates that which is material in contrast with what is spiritual.

In some languages it is difficult to find a general expression for everything in it. Obviously this does not refer to buildings or tools (which are man-made) but primarily to plants and animals. Therefore it may be necessary in some languages to say “God, who made the world and created all the plants and animals in it.”

The expression Lord of heaven and earth may be rendered as “the Lord who rules heaven and earth.” In this instance, of course, heaven is “the sky.” Temples are relatively common in most parts of the world, but where they are not known one can always employ “houses made especially for God” or “houses made especially for worshipping God.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .