After-thought

The Jerusalem economy was the temple economy. The temple employed hundreds if not thousands of people–priests and Levites who were butchers, leather tanners, singers, tailors, etc. And there were all of the auxiliary industries surrounding the temple from the farmers who raised the grain for the grain offerings to the shepherds who raised the sheep and goats for the burnt offerings. The skin of the animals most likely went to leather tanners and parchment makers. Meat offered to God for vows and peace offerings was also butchered and eaten in the temple courts.

If Jesus was a threat to that economy, then he could have put thousands of people out of work. James, the apostles, and Paul continued to worship at the temple throughout their “church” ministries, however. In this in-between, the reality of the temple economy alongside the temple worship raises many questions.