Dake Bible Discussion Board ⇒ Paul & the Third Temple?

[Spiritblade Disciple]

In 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3, Paul the Apostle mentions that the Man of Sin sitting in the Temple of God.

When Paul wrote this, the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem was still standing.

Is there any evidence that Paul thought that the temple in which the Man of Sin would sit would be the Third Temple, rather than the Second Temple?

[Hill Top]

In 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3, Paul the Apostle mentions that the Man of Sin sitting in the Temple of God.

When Paul wrote this, the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem was still standing.

Is there any evidence that Paul thought that the temple in which the Man of Sin would sit would be the Third Temple, rather than the Second Temple?

I don't think scripture will prove either way.

[Spiritblade Disciple]

Hill Top wrote: "I don't think scripture will prove either way."

I think you're probably right.

Best I can likely prove is that Paul seemed to think it was possible, even probable, that he would be among those that were alive and remained until the coming of the Lord. At least until he was sure that he was to die for the faith. See 1st Thessalonians 4:15-17.

And, if I'm right about that, Paul didn't think that the 2nd Temple had to be destroyed before the Rapture of the Church. Nor, did he think that a 3rd Temple had to be built prior to the Rapture of the Church.

Thoughts?

[Hill Top]

Hill Top wrote: "I don't think scripture will prove either way."

I think you're probably right.

Best I can likely prove is that Paul seemed to think it was possible, even probable, that he would be among those that were alive and remained until the coming of the Lord. At least until he was sure that he was to die for the faith. See 1st Thessalonians 4:15-17.

And, if I'm right about that, Paul didn't think that the 2nd Temple had to be destroyed before the Rapture of the Church. Nor, did he think that a 3rd Temple had to be built prior to the Rapture of the Church.
Thoughts?

You are probably right about Pau's expectations of being alive at the Lord's return.
Though I bet his hope of that occurring, may have faded as life went on.

[Spiritblade Disciple]

You are probably right about Pau's expectations of being alive at the Lord's return.
Though I bet his hope of that occurring, may have faded as life went on.

At a certain point, I am pretty sure Paul came to understand that he had the option of either departing early and being with Christ or of remaining on Earth for the benefit of earthly believers. See Philippians 1.

So, I agree, his understanding may have shifted over time.