In this class we explore events in Luke and Acts which concerned the temple and Jesus’ prediction of its future judgment (Luke 21:5-6).

Later in Acts Paul was arrested on charges that he spoke against the temple and defiled it. We link these events with Jesus and His apostles preaching that salvation was going to Gentiles.

Rather than the temple being the place of God’s presence which the Jewish leadership linked to a sign of their hopes and well-being, its leadership was under God’s judgment. This sparked resentment and even threats of murder directed toward Christ’s apostles.

Yet the theme of salvation going to the ends of the earth, including Gentiles is consistent in Luke/Acts. We show that Luke uses various centurions from early in Luke to late in Acts who show god-fearing Gentiles who express faith in Christ.

We also explore OT passages where God’s manifest presence did fill the temple, or earlier Tent of Meeting which had restricted access. The preservation of God’s promises to Israel had the broader purpose of insuring that God’s Seed promise to Abram in Genesis 12 would ultimately bring blessing to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:3).

Now salvation is available to anyone who believes whatever the ethnicity or geographical place of residence.