The National tribune., 1894-08-23
SUNDAY MEDITATION.
A Study of The International Sunday
School Lesson Appointed for Sept.
2, 1894 st5'

Subject: Christ's First Expulsion from the
Temple of Money-selIers and Changers.
St. John, 2:13-22.
lone reading these notes should first carefully
study the paragraph from the Holy Scriptures as
indicated above.I
INTRODUCTION.
A good way to consider the paragraph
assigned for Sunday to wit, ST. John, 2: 12-
%, would be as follows:
q. The trip to Jerusalem. V. IL.
b. The expulsion. vs.. 1917.
c. The Jews demand for sign. VS.. IS
d. Effects of Christ's miracles. VS. 1926
I. TRIP TO JERUSALEM. VIZ.
We notice from V. IL that Christ went to
Capernaum after the miracle at Cana water
into wine). A goodly number accompanied
him. Thereafter Christ made Capernaum
his headquarters instead of Nazareth. Some
of those specified in V. IL probably accom-
panied him to Jerusalem, as stated in V. 10.
Capernaum was 6S miles northeast of Jeru-
salem. The travelling was probably all
afoot. "Down," Y. IL. The city of Caper-
naum was on the seashore (Gallee), and
hence lower than the hill country to the
west.
II. THE EXPULSION. VS.. 1917.
1. Data.
We have only one account of this incl
dent that of st. John. There were two
miracles of the same nature-one in the
early part Of ChIists ministry, the other at
its close. Though st. John wrote latest, he
reports the earlier clearing out of the Tenn
pie of the dealers in money and cattle, and
omits any account of the second expulsion.
The later expelling took place March ID,
%. For data see st. Mt, 81 IL, 10; St.
Mark, Ii: 14-17; st. Luke, 1915, So.
2. Time.
The first expulsion occurred Friday, March
%, g.
8. Place
The Temple was built on Mt. Moriah, in
the city of Jerusalem. The buying and
selling were done in the Court OF the Gen
tiles. 1t was 912 feet square inside. twas
surrounded by a mere wall no roof. There
was one gate on each side except the west
side, which had four gates. All around the
walls was covered sort of porch with
mosaic floors. Gentles were admitted so
far within the Temple Enclosure. Christ
and his Apostles did much of their work in
this Court. Afford says: "Tbe temple here
spoken of was the Court of the Gentiles.
We have no traces of this market in the Old
Testament 1t appears to have first arisen
after the captivity, when many would come
from foreign lands to Jerusalem. This
would also account for the money-changers,
as it was unlawful (from Exod., I3 30) to
bring foreign money for the Offering of atone
ment."
1t seems the business carried on was right
in itself but wrong as TO place and wrong as
to method, for we infer the dealers were not
honest. Instead of being fair they were
thievish. The Temple service required oxen,
sheep doves, etc. Then, the worshipeIs came
from different Nations, and it was necessary
their money be changed. Only Jewish coin
was allowable in Temple financial offerings
After the captivity the Jews became much
scattered, and were obliged to pass over
great distances to reach Jerusalem.
One says "All these were offered in sacri-
flee upon the Temple altar. (Ex., 20: "a;
Lew, ID: % So many Jews came from a
distance to the feasts, that there was large
demand for sacrificial victims. 1t is probable
that traffic in these animals, which was once
carried on outside the Temple Enclosure, had
been gradually allowed to enter the Court of
the Genties, partly on the plea of conven-
fence and partly from the cupidity of the
stalls than for the sanetiiy of Gods house.
So the clamor Of avaricious traders rose on
every side, disturbing the service of the In
ner Court and distracting tue minds of the
worshipers."
1t is said that in the time of James /. gold
smiths, hucksters, etc, were found pushing
their respective businesses in St. PauPs
London.
There is question whether trade should
ever be carried on within Church walls One
is surprised in Europe to find so many arti-
cles i'll vestibules or at doors of churches.
1t was well of Christ to set out with All
act which magnifcd the reverence due to the
sanctuary. The publication of the Temple |
meant much in the way of general reform.
1t is noticeable that when men get mOnop- |
olies on any article they find it hard to deal
honestly. We do not suppose that the mer-
chants in the Temple made all the money. |
They probably paid the priests goodly |
sum in return for the privilege of using the
building in such traffic.
The act of Christ was not irregular from
the standpoint of Jewish Prophet. 1t was
his business to come to the rescue of Gods |
honor; certainly he could not tolerate sec
ular use of Gods house
a. Vas IL Mirdclee
The question has been raised as to |
whether Christ's act in expelling the buyers
and sellers was miracle.
Views:
q. 1t was a miracle. So say Origin
Jerome, Beugel, B shop Hall, Comprehen-
sive Commentary, Whedon, Bishop j. II.
Vincent, Fleetwood.
b. 1t was moral miracle. So says
Lange.
C. 1t was not miracle. Kitto in his list |
of the miracles omits both Temple clearings. |
French does not consider it among the
miracles.
On the theory the deed was miracle we |
can better account for the tremendous effect
iveness of the act. The question has been |
raised, Why were the money changers so
awed? Different answers have been given:
a. Christ's authoritative manner.
b. The smitten cOnsciences of the evil |
doors.
C. The people were on Christ's side, and |
opponents feared to resist him.
d. The prophets had authority to proceed |
to severe measures when religion was being |
compromised. Christ was regarded by |
many even so early in his ministry as a
real prophet; second, if not, indeed,
resurrected, Elijah.
e. Then, tradition says, his face shone and |
beams of light darted from his eyes. prov,
20:8.) Starry ray flames leaped from his
eyes and his face was radient with the |
majesty of Deity. A luster bright and
glorious, dazzling, darted forth, and glory |