Topical Bible: Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Disciples Preach In

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Herod the Great's Temple, often referred to as the Second Temple, was a grand reconstruction of the original temple built by Zerubbabel. Herod's ambitious project began around 20-19 BC and was not fully completed until decades after his death. This temple stood as a central place of worship and a significant cultural and religious hub for the Jewish people during the time of Jesus and the early church.

Historical Context

Herod's Temple was an architectural marvel of its time, designed to impress both Jews and Gentiles. It was built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, expanding the platform and enhancing the structure with white marble and gold. The temple complex included the Holy Place, the Holy of Holies, and various courts, including the Court of the Gentiles, which was accessible to non-Jews.

Biblical Significance

The temple played a crucial role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It was here that Jesus was presented as a child (Luke 2:22-38), and where He later taught and performed miracles (Matthew 21:14). Jesus also prophesied the temple's destruction, which occurred in AD 70 (Matthew 24:1-2).

Disciples Preach in the Temple

After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the temple became a focal point for the early Christian community. The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly preached the gospel within its courts. The Book of Acts records several instances of apostolic preaching and teaching in the temple:

1. Peter and John: Following the healing of a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful, Peter and John seized the opportunity to preach to the gathered crowd. Acts 3:11-12 states, "While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in Solomon’s Colonnade. And when Peter saw this, he addressed the people: 'Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we have made this man walk?'"

2. Daily Teaching: The apostles continued to teach and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ in the temple courts. Acts 5:42 notes, "Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."

3. Confrontation with Authorities: The temple also became a place of confrontation between the apostles and the Jewish authorities. The Sanhedrin, the ruling council, was alarmed by the growing influence of the apostles' teaching. Acts 5:27-28 records, "They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. 'We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,' he said. 'Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.'"

Impact on Early Christianity

The temple served as a strategic location for the dissemination of the gospel message. It was a place where Jews from various regions gathered, providing the apostles with a diverse audience. The temple's significance in Jewish life made it an ideal setting for the apostles to connect the teachings of Jesus with the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

The preaching of the disciples in Herod's Temple marked a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity. It demonstrated the boldness and conviction of the early believers, who, despite opposition, continued to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The temple, once a symbol of the old covenant, became a platform for the proclamation of the new covenant, as the apostles declared the fulfillment of God's promises through His Son.

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Acts 5:20,21,42
Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
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Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... from communion with Saturninus, and with Ursacius and Valens, disciples of Arius ...
Such language was, of course, in great measure conventional; we know from ...
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