The Destruction of the Temple

We have been looking at the days and events “After Acts” – significant events in the church’s development and history. Not long ago we discussed a secular event – the burning of Rome – and how it impa. cted believers because of the concentrated persecution efforts of the Roman Empire. The church would spend the next 300 years suffering and struggling for social acceptance. Today our discussion will focus on the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple.

Now as Jesus was going out of the temple courts and walking away, his disciples came to show him the temple buildings. ² And he said to them, “Do you see all these things? I tell you the truth, not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!”

Matthew 24:1-2

New English Translation

Matthew 24:1-2 NASB

Matthew 24:1-2 ESV

Matthew 24:1-2 NCV

Matthew 24:1-2 NKJV

Matthew 24:1-2 NIV

Matthew 24:1-2 NLT

Matthew 24:1-2 MESSAGE

Matthew 24:1-2 HCSB

The Power of Rome

In April of 70 AD the Roman General, Titus, who would later become Caesar, besieged the city and left the entire population trapped inside. As the Romans tightened their noose around the city, the Zealots began fighting with other, confused and scared Jewish groups inside the gates. Anarchy, fear, starvation, and mass burnings of supplies and food reigned supreme. Many Jewish families plummeted over the walls hoping to find solace in more open spaces.

Impact of the Destruction of the City

In the very late fourth century, biblical translator and monk Jerome described the Jews returning to Jerusalem to observe the ninth day of the month of Ab, the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple. “Overcome with mourning,” he wrote, they “are prohibited from entering Jerusalem. So that they may be allowed to weep over the ruins of their own city they pay a hefty price, and those who shed Christ’s blood now shed their own tears.”

Jerusalem has always been important to Christians. Contemplating that through its streets Jesus walked, taught, performed miracles, and more importantly, suffered, died, and rose again, the significance of Jerusalem to the Christian world appears obvious. This is why Helen, the mother of Constantine, built churches there in the fourth century to commemorate the events in the life of Christ. It is why Christians from every denomination visit Jerusalem visit every year.

For Christians, the destruction of the Temple placed an emphasis upon the absence of records of David’s lineage (no way to realize who should sit on the throne), the absence of records of Levi’s lineage (no way to realize who should serve as a priest), and the absence of Temple sacrifices. In all three, Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament requirements shines in their absence.

For the Jews, the loss of the Temple was particularly devastating. The Temple was the center of their religious worship. It was also a symbol of national identity. Jews were displaced, sold into slavery, and fled from the region. They established communities throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. The different cultures shaped the Jewish experience and identity. Almost everything about Judaism underwent a shift in practice and thought. The result was the surging of Rabbinic Judaism, wrestling Jewish control from the Temple to the classroom.

For the Roman Empire, the destruction of Jerusalem secured a significant victory. The show of power strengthened the rule of Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus. The success was celebrated in Rome with a triumphal procession, as seen on the Arch of Titus. The victory consolidated the power of the Empire after the struggles of the year of Four Emperors.

Conclusions