Topical Bible: Temple of the Corpse of Jesus

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The term "Temple of the Corpse of Jesus" is not a direct biblical phrase but can be understood within the context of Christian theology and the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament narrative and the theological implications of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Biblical Context

The Gospels provide a detailed account of the events leading to the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After Jesus' crucifixion, His body was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. This tomb, often referred to as the sepulcher or burial place, can be seen as a temporary "temple" where the body of Jesus lay before His resurrection.

In the Gospel of John, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body. Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus at night, accompanied Joseph. They wrapped Jesus' body with spices in linen cloths, as was the Jewish burial custom (John 19:38-40). The body was then placed in a new tomb in a garden near the crucifixion site (John 19:41-42).

Theological Significance

Theologically, the concept of the "Temple of the Corpse of Jesus" can be linked to the idea of Jesus as the ultimate temple. In John 2:19-21 , Jesus speaks of His body as a temple: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews misunderstood Him, thinking He referred to the physical temple in Jerusalem, but Jesus was speaking of His body. This metaphor highlights the transition from the physical temple as the center of worship to Jesus Himself as the focal point of God's presence and redemptive work.

The burial of Jesus in the tomb signifies the temporary nature of death's hold over Him. The tomb, as a "temple," becomes a place of divine mystery and power, where the greatest miracle of Christianity—the resurrection—would occur. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death and His identity as the Son of God.

Resurrection and Fulfillment

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the fulfillment of His prophecy and the ultimate demonstration of His divine authority. On the third day, women who visited the tomb found it empty, and an angel announced that Jesus had risen (Matthew 28:5-6). This event transformed the tomb from a place of death to a symbol of eternal life and hope for believers.

The empty tomb serves as a testament to the power of God and the truth of Jesus' promises. It marks the beginning of a new covenant, where believers are invited to become living temples of the Holy Spirit, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19 : "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?"

Conclusion

While the phrase "Temple of the Corpse of Jesus" is not explicitly found in Scripture, it encapsulates the profound theological truths surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The tomb, as a temporary resting place for Jesus' body, becomes a powerful symbol of His victory over death and the new life offered to all who believe in Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:61
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 27:40
And saying, You that destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself. If you be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
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John 2:19
Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Death of Jesus
... opened the way, the veil of the temple was rent ... Jewish prejudice prevented the Romans
from leaving Jesus' body to ... of the fact, "he granted the corpse to Joseph ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 33-41 the death of.htm

Jesus Hanging on the Cross Between Two Thieves.
... of his garments; the trumpets in the Temple no longer ... and compassion I cast my eyes
upon Jesus,"Jesus my Redeemer ... of his body was that of a corpse ready for ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xli jesus hanging on.htm

Before Caiaphas
... by bribing the Roman guards to lie about the corpse. And the heart of Jesus was
tried by the disgraceful ... spoken at the first cleansing of the temple, which the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 53-65 before caiaphas.htm

The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross.
... Blessed Mother; she became white as a corpse, but as ... was about a quarter past twelve
when Jesus was crucified ... the cross was lifted up, the Temple resounded with ...
/.../chapter xxxviii the nailing of.htm

The Certainty and Joy of the Resurrection
... the ceremonial of the Passover was the presentation in the Temple of a ... answered,
and never will be"What became of that sacred corpse if Jesus Christ did ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the certainty and joy of.htm

Cont. With Jairus Cont.
... upon the bed or to embrace the corpse; Jesus, in His ... and strange hope for humanity
which Jesus thus asserted ... sufficed Him twice to cleanse the Temple, He put ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 cont with jairus.htm

What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus
... Egypt and the first visit to the temple by the ... In these traits which are wanting
in the Jesus picture of ... epidemic; afterward, however, not a human corpse but a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beth/the miracles of jesus/iii what we can say.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... been dead; but as soon as there is a corpse in the ... believe." May God bring you to
faith for Jesus' sake ... word was sufficient in itself to build the temple of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

First Attempts on Jerusalem.
... a miniature court of Rome around the temple, living on ... colleagues,[3] and, at the
death of Jesus, we shall find him tending with pious care the corpse of the ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xiii first attempts on.htm

Particulars
... with all the tokens of a corpse buried by ... imposture, if any could be had Jesus comes
publickly to Jerusalem, enters into the temple, teaches there ...
/.../section ii particulars.htm