Why did the temple veil tear in Luke 23:45? Text of the Event “and the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.” (Luke 23:45) Parallel Reports “At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Matthew 27:51) “And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mark 15:38) What the Veil Was Exodus 26:31-33 and 2 Chronicles 3:14 describe a massive, multi-layered curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, embroidered with cherubim, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Josephus (War 5.5.4) records that the veil in Herod’s Temple was roughly 40 cubits (≈60 ft / 18 m) high and a handbreadth thick (≈7–9 cm). The Mishnah (Shekalim 8:5) confirms its weight was such that 300 priests were assigned merely to immerse it on the Day of Atonement. Human hands could not have ripped it “from top to bottom” without ladders, machinery, and time. Historical Corroboration • Papyrus 75 (c. A.D. 175–225), Codex Vaticanus (B), and Codex Sinaiticus (א) unanimously include the tearing. • Josephus (Ant. 15.11.3) notes that great curtains were visible even from outside the sanctuary, allowing eyewitness verification. • The Babylonian Talmud (Yoma 39b) states that “forty years before the Temple was destroyed, the doors of the sanctuary opened by themselves,” a Jewish admission that extraordinary events began circa A.D. 30—the year of the Crucifixion on a conservative timeline. Timing and Direction The tear occurred at “about the ninth hour” (3 p.m.) when the Passover lambs were being slaughtered (Mark 15:34–38). All three Gospels stress it began at the top, the divine side, not from the bottom where men stand. A Supernatural Act, Not Earthquake Damage Matthew does record an earthquake (27:51), yet fabric does not shear neatly top-to-bottom by seismic force, nor would quakes discriminate between veil and walls. The veil’s mounting rods and golden hooks (Exodus 26:32-33) remained intact; only the curtain split—precisely, instantly, and in two pieces. The priests, scheduled for the evening incense, would have seen open access into the Holy of Holies—an unthinkable sight. Theological Significance—Access Granted Hebrews 9:6-8 teaches the veil signified that “the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet disclosed.” When Christ’s flesh (symbolized by the veil, Hebrews 10:19-20) was torn, He opened “a new and living way” so “we may approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). The single annual entry of a high priest (Leviticus 16) was replaced by continual, priest-like access for every believer (1 Peter 2:5). Fulfillment of the Old Covenant Jeremiah 31:31-34 predicted a New Covenant in which the law would be written on hearts, sins forgiven, and intimate knowledge of God universal. Jesus declared, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). The torn veil formally ended the sacrificial system’s necessity; Calvary’s once-for-all atonement (Hebrews 7:27) rendered animal offerings obsolete. Judgment and Prophetic Warning Daniel 9:26 foretold that Messiah would be “cut off” and “the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.” The supernatural rending foreshadowed the Temple’s destruction in A.D. 70 (predicted by Christ in Luke 19:41-44; 21:6). God Himself signaled that the earthly sanctuary’s role was finished and its judgment imminent. Christ’s High-Priestly Ministry Unlike Aaronic priests, Jesus “holds His priesthood permanently” (Hebrews 7:24-25). By entering “the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands” (Hebrews 9:11), He appears for us in heaven. The earthly veil, once a barrier, became a visual sermon: access now rests in a Person, not a place. Addressing Naturalistic Objections 1. Fabric age or earthquake? The thick, newly replaced veil (Mishnah, Yoma 54a, records periodic renewals) would not slit with age. 2. Mythic accretion? Earliest manuscripts and multiple independent witnesses (Synoptics, Hebrews) attest the event within decades. 3. Allegory? Jewish leadership tried to suppress resurrection testimony (Matthew 28:11-15) yet never denied the tearing; open Temple service was daily public. Practical Worship Consequences No geographic “holy place” supersedes Christ; believers become God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). Corporate worship now centers on Word, prayer, and the Lord’s Table, not sacrifice (Acts 2:42). Summary The veil’s rending was a divine, historical, and observable miracle announcing: • Christ’s sacrificial death perfectly atoned for sin. • The Old Covenant sacrificial and priestly systems were fulfilled and set aside. • Direct access to God is permanently available through the risen Messiah. • Impending judgment on the Temple and priestly order was certain. All Scripture, archaeology, external testimony, and theological coherence converge: the torn veil was God’s unmistakable proclamation that “It is finished” (John 19:30). |
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