What is the 'cleansing of the Temple' narrative?

The cleansing of the Temple is an event described in all four canonical gospels of the Christian New Testament, detailing Jesus's expulsion of merchants and money changers from the Temple in Jerusalem.

Which canonical gospels recount the cleansing of the Temple?

The cleansing of the Temple narrative is found in all four canonical gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

What actions did Jesus take during the cleansing of the Temple?

According to the Gospels, Jesus expelled merchants and money changers from the Temple, overturned their tables, and poured out their money. He also drove out livestock and spoke against their commercial activities.

What did Jesus accuse the merchants of turning the Temple into?

In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew and Mark), Jesus accused the merchants of turning the Temple into 'a den of thieves.' In the Gospel of John, he referred to it as 'a market.'

When does the cleansing of the Temple event occur in the Gospels?

The event is placed near the end of Jesus's ministry in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), but it occurs near the beginning of Jesus's public ministry in the Gospel of John.

What is the historical consensus on the cleansing of the Temple event?

Most historians agree that an actual event of this nature took place, although some scholars suggest the Gospel accounts might refer to two separate incidents due to differences in placement and detail.

What was the purpose of the money changers in the Second Temple?

Money changers were present in the Temple to convert standard Greek and Roman currency into Jewish and Tyrian shekels, which were the accepted forms of currency for paying Temple taxes and making purchases for sacrifices.

What was the purpose of the livestock sold in the Temple courtyard?

The livestock, such as sheep and oxen, were sold for use in animal sacrifices within the Temple. Dove sellers specifically provided doves for the poor, particularly women, who could not afford more expensive sacrifices.

What was the estimated number of pilgrims in Jerusalem for Passover, according to Josephus?

According to a census cited by the historian Josephus, the number of attendees at the Passover Festival in Jerusalem exceeded 2.5 million pilgrims.

What did Jesus use to drive out the merchants and animals from the Temple?

The Gospel of John states that Jesus made a scourge of small cords to drive out the merchants and animals from the Temple.

What specific accusation did Jesus make regarding the Temple authorities and widows?

In the Gospels of Mark and Luke, Jesus accused the Temple authorities of thieving and specifically mentioned that they victimized poor widows.

Where within the Temple complex did the buying and selling primarily occur?

The buying and selling of animals and the activities of money changers took place in the outermost court of the Temple, known as the Court of the Gentiles.

What was the immediate impact of Jesus's sanction on commerce in the Temple?

Jesus's action, described as putting an embargo on people carrying merchandise through the Temple, would have significantly disrupted all commerce occurring within its precincts.

How did Jesus respond to the Temple leaders who questioned his actions and the children's praise?

When questioned by Temple leaders about the children shouting 'Hosanna to the Son of David,' Jesus responded by quoting Psalm 8:2, stating, 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise,' which his followers interpreted as an admission of his divinity.

What is the debate surrounding the chronology of the Temple cleansing?

Scholars debate whether the cleansing of the Temple was a single event or two separate incidents, as suggested by the differing placements and details in the Gospel of John compared to the Synoptic Gospels.

When did Herod the Great begin the reconstruction of the Temple, according to Josephus?

According to the historian Josephus in his 'Antiquities of the Jews,' Herod the Great began the temple reconstruction in the 18th year of his reign, which was 22 BC.

Based on the 46 years of construction mentioned in John's Gospel, what is the estimated timeframe for Jesus's visit?

Considering the Temple had been under construction for 46 years, the visit described in the Gospel of John is estimated to have occurred between AD 24 and AD 29.

What is E.P. Sanders's perspective on the historicity of Jesus's actions in the Temple?

E.P. Sanders considers it 'overwhelmingly probable' that Jesus did something in the Temple and spoke about its destruction, though he notes that the analysis of the incident carries significant ambiguity.

What does Professor David Landry suggest about the significance of the Temple cleansing?

Professor David Landry suggests that the importance of the episode is highlighted by the fact that it occurred within a week of Jesus's death, functioning as a 'trigger' for his execution according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

What did Sanders and Ehrman state about the currency conversion in the Temple?

Sanders and Bart D. Ehrman noted that Greek and Roman currency was converted into Jewish and Tyrian money within the Temple precincts.

What is a common interpretation of Jesus's motivation for the cleansing, according to Marvin L. Krier Mich?

While a common interpretation is that Jesus reacted to the money changers cheating people, Marvin L. Krier Mich observes that the Temple establishment cooperated with the aristocracy in exploiting the poor, suggesting a deeper socio-economic critique.

What was the significance of burning debt records in the archives during the First Jewish-Roman War?

The burning of debt records was one of the initial acts of the First Jewish-Roman War, and it aligns with the idea of challenging economic exploitation, potentially linking to Jesus's actions in the Temple.

How did Pope Francis interpret the cleansing of the Temple?

Pope Francis viewed the cleansing of the Temple not as a violent act but as a prophetic demonstration, emphasizing the symbolic and spiritual message conveyed by Jesus's actions.

According to D. A. Carson, why were Jesus's actions in the Temple not immediately met with arrest?

D. A. Carson suggests that the Temple guards did not arrest Jesus immediately because the crowd supported his actions, indicating a potential for widespread unrest if Jesus had been apprehended.

What does Maurice Casey suggest about the Temple authorities' reaction to Jesus's actions?

Maurice Casey suggests that the Temple authorities were likely afraid that confronting Jesus and his disciples would incite a revolt or cause bloodshed, leading them to delay action.

What do scholars in the Jesus Seminar question regarding the Temple cleansing incident?

Scholars in the Jesus Seminar question the historicity of the incident as described in the Gospels, particularly in light of the vastness of the temple complex, though they generally believe Jesus performed some anti-temple act and spoke against the temple.

What is John Dominic Crossan's argument about Jesus's intention during the Temple cleansing?

John Dominic Crossan argues that Jesus's action was not about cleansing the Temple of corruption but was a radical protest against the institution of animal sacrifice, which he believed offered a false sense of transactional forgiveness compared to genuine repentance.

Who was the first to interpret the Johannine passage of the Temple cleansing metaphorically, and what was their interpretation?

Origen, in the 3rd century, was the first to comment on the passage. He denied its historicity and interpreted it metaphorically, seeing the Temple as the soul of a person being freed from earthly concerns by Jesus.

What was John Chrysostom's view on the historical authenticity of the Temple cleansing?

John Chrysostom defended the historical authenticity of the passage, but he believed that while Jesus used a whip, it was to demonstrate his divinity and was not an act to be imitated by others.

How did Theodore of Mopsuestia and Cosmas Indicopleustes interpret the event?

Theodore of Mopsuestia and Cosmas Indicopleustes supported the view that the event was non-violent and historical, noting that Jesus whipped animals but only spoke to the merchants and overturned their tables.

How did Augustine of Hippo use the cleansing of the Temple narrative?

Augustine of Hippo referred to the cleansing of the Temple to justify rebuking others for their sinful behavior, advocating for intervention through various means, including gentle persuasion and fear.

How did medieval figures like Pope Gregory VII and Bernard of Clairvaux utilize the Temple cleansing story?

Pope Gregory VII used the passage to justify his policy against simoniacal clergy, comparing them to merchants. Bernard of Clairvaux invoked it to justify the Crusades, suggesting that fighting 'pagans' with the same zeal as Jesus showed against merchants was a path to salvation.

How did John Calvin relate the Temple cleansing to his own actions?

John Calvin, in line with earlier interpretations, used the purification of the Temple to defend himself when accused of complicity in the burning of Michael Servetus, a theologian who disputed the doctrine of the Trinity.

What does Andy Alexis-Baker conclude about the violence described in the Temple cleansing narrative?

Andy Alexis-Baker, after grammatical analysis, concludes that the original text does not describe a violent act by Jesus against the merchants, suggesting that the common English translations might be more complex than the original Greek implies.

What is the nature of later narratives about the Temple cleansing, such as the Toledot Yeshu?

Later narratives, like the Toledot Yeshu, are generally regarded as legendary and are often considered parodies or interpretations that differ significantly from the canonical accounts.

What does the Toledot Yeshu claim about Jesus's entry into the Temple?

The Toledot Yeshu claims that Jesus entered the Temple not alone, but with 310 of his followers.

What did Epiphanius claim about James and John the Beloved in relation to the Temple?

Epiphanius claimed that James wore the high priest's breastplate and diadem when entering the Holy of Holies, and that John the Beloved served as a sacrificing priest wearing the high priest's mitre.

What does the Toledot Yeshu portray Jesus as doing with the 'shem hamephorash'?

In the Toledot Yeshu, Jesus is portrayed as robbing the 'shem hamephorash,' which is described as the 'secret name of god,' from the Holy of Holies.

How frequently is the cleansing of the Temple depicted in Christian art?

The cleansing of the Temple is a commonly depicted event in Christian art, often appearing within cycles illustrating the Life of Christ.

Which artist is noted for painting multiple versions of the cleansing of the Temple?

The artist El Greco is noted for painting several versions of the cleansing of the Temple.

What is depicted in the artwork 'Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple' by Scarsellino?

The artwork by Scarsellino, titled 'Driving of the Merchants From the Temple,' visually represents the event of Jesus expelling merchants from the Temple.

What does the image caption for El Greco's Washington version describe?

The image caption describes El Greco's painting as 'Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple (El Greco, Washington D.C.)'.

What is depicted in the artwork 'Casting out the money changers' by Giotto?

The artwork by Giotto, titled 'Casting out the money changers,' illustrates the scene of Jesus expelling individuals involved in commerce from the Temple.

What is shown in the artwork 'Christ Expelling the Money-Changers from the Temple' by Nicolas Colombel?

The artwork by Nicolas Colombel illustrates Christ expelling the money changers from the Temple.

What does the artwork 'Christ Cleansing the Temple' by Bernardino Mei portray?

The painting by Bernardino Mei is titled 'Christ Cleansing the Temple' and depicts this biblical event.

What is depicted in the artwork 'Expulsion of the merchants from the temple' by Andrei Mironov?

The artwork by Andrei Mironov captures the scene of the expulsion of merchants from the temple.

What does Rembrandt's 1626 artwork show regarding Jesus's actions?

Rembrandt's 1626 artwork depicts Jesus, positioned in the top left, lashing out at money changers with a whip.

What does Enrique Simonet's artwork titled 'Cleansing of the Temple' illustrate?

The painting by Enrique Simonet titled 'Cleansing of the Temple' visually represents the biblical event.

What is depicted in the cleansing of the temple from the Rossano Gospels?

The Rossano Gospels, dating from the 6th century, contain an illustration of the cleansing of the temple, referencing verses from Psalms, Hosea, and Isaiah.

Cleansing Of The Temple Wiki: The Temple's Reckoning: Jesus's Confrontation in Jerusalem

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Event Overview

The Sacred Space

The cleansing of the Temple narrative recounts an event where Jesus expelled merchants and money changers from the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This occurred during a period of significant pilgrimage, with vast numbers of people converging for Passover.

Commercial Activities

The Temple courtyard was filled with livestock vendors and money changers. These individuals facilitated the purchase of sacrificial animals and the conversion of foreign currency into the required Tyrian shekels for Temple taxes, essential for the functioning of the religious economy.

Jesus's Rebuke

According to the canonical Gospels, Jesus confronted these activities, accusing the merchants of transforming the Temple into a "den of thieves" or a "market." This act is presented as a powerful demonstration of his authority and a critique of the commercialization of sacred space.

Chronological Context

Dating the Event

Scholarly debate exists regarding the precise timing and potential duplication of this event across the Gospels. The Gospel of John places it early in Jesus's ministry, while the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) position it near the end. Historical analysis, referencing Herod the Great's Temple construction timeline (initiated around 22 BC), suggests the event occurred between AD 24 and 29.

Temple Construction

Josephus notes that the Temple complex was under continuous reconstruction until its destruction in AD 70. The Gospel of John mentions the Temple had been under construction for forty-six years, aligning with the estimated timeframe of Jesus's public ministry.

Single or Dual Occurrence?

Some theologians, like Thomas Aquinas and Augustine of Hippo, proposed that Jesus performed similar actions on two separate occasions. This interpretation attempts to reconcile the differing details and timings presented in the Gospel of John versus the Synoptic Gospels.

Scholarly Interpretation

Historicity and Significance

Scholars like E.P. Sanders consider it highly probable that Jesus acted within the Temple, though the exact details remain ambiguous. The event is often viewed as a critical catalyst, potentially triggering the sequence of events leading to Jesus's arrest and crucifixion within a week, as noted by scholars like David Landry.

Economic and Religious Critique

Scholars such as James F. McGrath and Marvin L. Krier Mich highlight the dual role of the money changers (facilitating Temple taxes) and animal sellers (providing sacrifices). Some interpretations suggest Jesus's action was a protest against the Temple's economic system and its potential exploitation of the poor, aligning with prophetic traditions critiquing transactional forgiveness.

Prophetic Demonstration

Pope Francis characterizes the event not as violence, but as a prophetic demonstration. This aligns with the ancient prophetic practice of enacting messages. The reaction of the crowd, potentially supporting Jesus, may have deterred immediate intervention by Temple authorities, as suggested by D.A. Carson.

Alternative Perspectives

Some scholars, including those associated with the Jesus Seminar, question the literal historicity of the event as described, citing the vastness of the Temple complex. John Dominic Crossan posits that Jesus's act was a radical protest against animal sacrifice itself, rather than mere corruption within the system.

Artistic Depictions

A Recurring Motif

The cleansing of the Temple is a frequently depicted theme in Christian art, illustrating Jesus's righteous anger and divine authority. Numerous artists across centuries have interpreted this dramatic moment.

Cleansing of the Temple. Unknown artist

Casting out the money changers by Giotto

Christ driving the money changers from the temple by Jan Sanders van Hemessen

Christ Expelling the Money-Changers from the Temple by Nicolas Colombel

Christ Cleansing the Temple by Bernardino Mei

Expulsion of the merchants from the temple by Andrei Mironov

Jesus lashes out at money changers with a whip. Rembrandt (1626).

Cleansing of the Temple by Enrique Simonet

The cleansing of the temple, from the Rossano Gospels, 6th century.

The cleansing of the temple, from the Monreale Cathedral mosaics.

Casting out the money changers, by Carl Bloch

The merchants chased from the temple, by James Tissot

Notes & Citations

Source References

This section details the sources used in the creation of this document, providing academic references for the information presented.

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References

Matthew 21:12â17

Mark 11:15â19

Luke 19:45â48

John 2:13â16

John 2:15â16

Matthew 21:12â13

Mark 12:40

Luke 20:47

Mark 12:42

Luke 21:2

Mark 11:16

Matthew 21:14â16

Psalm 8:2

KÃ¶stenberger, Kellum & Quarles 2009, pp. 140â141.

Alexander, P. 'Jesus and his Mother in the Jewish Anti-Gospel (the Toledot Yeshu)', in eds. C. Clivaz et al., Infancy Gospels, TÃ¼bingen: Mohr Siebeck GmbH & Co. KG, 2011, pp. 588â616.

Goldstein, Morris. Jesus in the Jewish Tradition. New York, NY: The Macmillan Company, 1950, p. 152.

Eisenman, Robert, Maccabees, Zadokites, Christians, and Qumran: A New Hypothesis of Qumran Origins. Nashville, TN: Grave Distractions Publications, 2013, p. 10.

Zindler, Frank R. The Jesus the Jews Never Knew. Cranford, NJ: American Atheist Press, 2003, pp. 318â319, 428â431.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Cleansing of the Temple Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not theological or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation, interpretation, or study of religious texts or historical events. Always consult with qualified scholars or religious authorities for definitive guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Temple's Reckoning

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Event Overview 📜

🏛️ The Sacred Space

💰 Commercial Activities

🗣️ Jesus's Rebuke

Chronological Context ⏳

🗓️ Dating the Event

🏗️ Temple Construction

🔄 Single or Dual Occurrence?

Scholarly Interpretation 🧐

⚖️ Historicity and Significance

💸 Economic and Religious Critique

🕊️ Prophetic Demonstration

❓ Alternative Perspectives

Artistic Depictions 🎨

🖼️ A Recurring Motif

Related Topics 🔗

📖 Biblical Context

🏛️ Temple History

🖼️ Christian Art History

Notes & Citations 📝

📚 Source References

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Event Overview

The Sacred Space

Commercial Activities

Jesus's Rebuke

Chronological Context

Dating the Event

Temple Construction

Single or Dual Occurrence?

Scholarly Interpretation

Historicity and Significance

Economic and Religious Critique

Prophetic Demonstration

Alternative Perspectives

Artistic Depictions

A Recurring Motif

Related Topics

Biblical Context

Temple History

Christian Art History

Notes & Citations

Source References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice