EDIT: Forgot the links to the prior articles. Here they are: Part One  Part Two  Part Three  Part Four

The Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed in 70AD by the wrath of God. This destruction was indeed within that generation. These are the facts. Knowing this in hindsight, Jesus’ (along with others) repeated use of “this generation” is rather difficult to recon as some so-called Church Age. If the temple had been destroyed five generations later, or 500 years after Jesus spoke these increasingly vehement accusations, then we would have to consider what the text means. But, the text means just what Jesus said. These things did come upon that generation.

Jesus, again, declares the wickedness of that generation. Although sounding a little bit like the hewing down of the wicked fruit trees back in Chapter 7, this is a much more direct assault:

“34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” – Matthew 12:34-35

And Peter, full of the Holy Spirit of God, said in Acts 2:40: “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”

Bad things, terrible things were coming to that generation. Though persecution abounded, to be spared the wrath of God, one had to belong to Jesus Christ. This has been true since the Garden and remains true today. Peter is warning them that when the flood of judgment comes, don’t be taken away as they were in the days of Noah.

“But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.” – Jesus Christ in Matthew 12:6

Although not a direct reference to the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus’ point is very well taken, the necessity of the temple is ending. There is no further need for a temple. He is greater than any temple. To ensure proper worship by His church, He destroyed the temple during that generation in 70AD.

Referring to His crucifixion and resurrection: “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19

Any attempt to build another temple made with hands would be blasphemy.

Steven points out the end of the temple worship system in Acts. To see it all begin in Acts 6:8  through Acts 7:60. Steven, full of the Holy Spirit of God, lays out the history of his people’s temple worship system, concluding that the Christ of God has come; the days of the need of temple worship are over. For this, they killed Him. What great faith. (Note: the Jesus mentioned in Acts 7:45 is Joshua from the Old Testament.)

“48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?” – Acts 7:48-49. Steven is referring to Isaiah 66:1-2. Also, see Acts 17:24-25, which is Paul on mars hill.

Christ Jesus and all we in Christ are the temple under the New Covenant brought to fruition in the first century. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16)

So, we see the disciples and Paul saying that the temple was unnecessary. Also, read Hebrews 9. Only the blood of the Christ of God Almighty can save a man. And since He is come and shed His blood, no more sacrifice is required, therefore no more need of any temple other than the body of Christ.

The body of Christ, His church, is the temple of the living God. If you know people who promote the (re)building of some physical temple to re-institute animal sacrifice, steer clear of them; that spirit is not of Christ.