And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days (εἶπαν, Οὗτος ἔφη, Δύναμαι καταλῦσαι τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν οἰκοδομῆσαι αὐτόν)—The contemptuous οὗτος ('this fellow, this one') shows disrespect. They quoted Jesus's words (John 2:19) but distorted them: Jesus said, 'Destroy this temple' (imperative, challenging them); they claim He said, 'I am able to destroy' (δύναμαι, expressing ability/threat). Jesus spoke of His body's resurrection (John 2:21); they implied He threatened literal temple destruction. Truth twisted into lie through selective editing and interpretive distortion.
The charge was serious—threatening the temple meant opposing Israel's worship center, Judaism's heart. Stephen later faced similar charges (Acts 6:13-14). The 'three days' detail came from Jesus's words but divorced from resurrection context became mere boast. This demonstrates how Scripture can be weaponized through misinterpretation—Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus (4:6), misapplying it. Context matters; interpretation requires honesty. These witnesses used Jesus's own words against Him—the supreme irony since His words are life (John 6:63, 68).
Historical Context
Jesus's temple-saying (John 2:19) occurred at Passover early in His ministry (AD 27-28), three years before this trial. The witnesses dredged up old words, distorting them for accusation. The temple (ναός, naos, sanctuary proper) was Herod's magnificent structure, recently expanded—boasting ability to destroy and rebuild it in three days sounded megalomaniacal. Jews told Jesus rebuilding took 46 years (John 2:20). In AD 70, Rome literally destroyed the temple. Jesus prophesied its destruction (24:2); ironically, they accused Him of threatening what God would accomplish.
Questions for Reflection
How are Jesus's words still distorted today through selective quotation divorced from context?
When have you misused Scripture by twisting its meaning to support predetermined conclusions rather than submitting to its actual message?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days (εἶπαν, Οὗτος ἔφη, Δύναμαι καταλῦσαι τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν οἰκοδομῆσαι αὐτόν)—The contemptuous οὗτος ('this fellow, this one') shows disrespect. They quoted Jesus's words (John 2:19) but distorted them: Jesus said, 'Destroy this temple' (imperative, challenging them); they claim He said, 'I am able to destroy' (δύναμαι, expressing ability/threat). Jesus spoke of His body's resurrection (John 2:21); they implied He threatened literal temple destruction. Truth twisted into lie through selective editing and interpretive distortion.
The charge was serious—threatening the temple meant opposing Israel's worship center, Judaism's heart. Stephen later faced similar charges (Acts 6:13-14). The 'three days' detail came from Jesus's words but divorced from resurrection context became mere boast. This demonstrates how Scripture can be weaponized through misinterpretation—Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus (4:6), misapplying it. Context matters; interpretation requires honesty. These witnesses used Jesus's own words against Him—the supreme irony since His words are life (John 6:63, 68).