Do End-Time Prophecies Require a Rebuilt Jewish Temple?
Dr. Bob Thiel joins Steve Dupuie on Bible News Prophecy to examine the Temple Institute, the history of the first and second temples, New Testament uses of the Greek words naos and hieron, Christians as the temple of God, end-time animal sacrifices, the abomination of desolation, and his conclusion that a physical Jewish temple is not required for biblical prophecy to be fulfilled.
The Temple Institute and the Desire to Rebuild
Steve Dupuie opens by asking whether Jewish groups currently want to build a temple. Dr. Bob Thiel identifies the Temple Institute as one such organization and discusses a newsletter that cites Deuteronomy 12:5–7 and asks supporters to help rebuild the temple. Thiel notes, however, that the quoted passage speaks about a chosen place of worship and sacrifice without explicitly requiring a temple building.
The First and Second Temples in Biblical History
Thiel reviews the history of Solomon’s temple, its destruction by Babylon, the construction of the second temple after Cyrus’s decree, Herod’s later expansion, and the temple’s destruction by Roman forces in AD 70. He connects the latter event with Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24 that not one stone would remain upon another. The transcript itself cautions that these historical dates are preserved as stated by the speakers and should be independently verified when used as formal historical citations.
Christians as the Temple of God
When Steve asks whether a holy Jewish temple can be built in the present age, Thiel answers no. He turns to passages in 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians that describe believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit and the temple of the living God. In his interpretation, the New Testament identifies Spirit-filled Christians, including Christian Jews, as God’s holy temple rather than a future Jewish building.
Naos and Hieron: Two Greek Words for Temple
Thiel distinguishes between two Greek words translated as “temple.” He says hieron usually refers to a physical temple complex, while naos may refer to the inner sanctuary, Christ’s body, or the community of believers. He points to John 2, where Jesus says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” and the passage explains that He was speaking of His body. Thiel uses this distinction to support his view that prophetic references to God’s temple need not describe a rebuilt Jewish structure.
A Spiritual Building With Christ as the Cornerstone
The discussion continues with Ephesians 2, where Christians are described as a building founded on the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Thiel interprets the growing “holy temple in the Lord” as the church collectively rather than a physical sanctuary. He also draws on 1 Peter to describe Christians as a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, and special people.
Christ’s Sacrifice and the Question of Holiness
Thiel argues that New Testament teaching about Christ’s sacrifice makes a restored system of temple sacrifices unnecessary for Christians. Referring to Hebrews 9, he describes Christ as High Priest of a greater tabernacle not made with human hands. From this, he concludes that a Jewish religious building may be constructed, but it would not constitute God’s holy temple in the New Testament sense.
Animal Sacrifices Without a Temple
Steve asks whether Daniel’s end-time prophecies concerning sacrifices require a temple. Thiel says they do not. He cites biblical examples of sacrifices offered before Solomon’s temple existed and after the first temple was destroyed but before the second temple was completed. According to Thiel, an altar, priestly leadership, religious implements, willingness, and government permission would be sufficient for sacrifices to resume.
The Abomination of Desolation and the “Holy Place”
The final discussion concerns Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 about the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place. Thiel emphasizes that Jesus said “holy place,” not “holy temple.” He refers to the Greek terms topos for “place” and hagios for “holy,” arguing that the phrase may describe a location rather than a particular building. He therefore rejects the assumption that this prophecy requires a rebuilt Jewish temple.
Living as God’s Holy People
Thiel closes by urging Christians not to wait for a temple that, in his view, God would recognize as holy in this age. Instead, he says Christians themselves are called to be God’s holy people and should live accordingly. The episode concludes with a reference to the Bible News Prophecy website and the Continuing Church of God’s free literature.
