Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord.

[Chrysostomos]

In 2 Chronicles 19:1–3, we find the account of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, rebuked by the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, for his alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. Jehoshaphat joined Ahab in a military campaign against Ramoth-Gilead (2 Chron. 18:1–3), despite Ahab’s idolatry, including his worship of Baal (1 Kings 16:31–33), which led Israel into apostasy. The prophet Jehu confronted Jehoshaphat directly:

“Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, returned safely to his house in Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani, the seer, went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. Nevertheless, there are good things found in you, for you have removed the idols from the land of Judah and have set your heart to seek God’” (2 Chron. 19:1–3, NKJV).

This episode reveals that supporting a wicked Israel, embodied by Ahab, who “hated the Lord” through idolatry, provoked God’s anger. Though righteous, Jehoshaphat erred by allying with God’s enemy. This scriptural example clearly shows that supporting those who oppose God is sinful, even if it appears politically justified.

The modern state of Israel, established in 1948, is a secular nation where most citizens do not adhere to strict religious traditions. However, ultra-Orthodox Jews, a significant minority, openly reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Numerous documented incidents show ultra-Orthodox Jews spitting on Christians in public, spitting as they pass Christian churches, or when they see crucifixes. These acts are captured in countless videos available online and corroborated by eyewitness accounts in Israeli and international media.

Moreover, some Israelis and religious groups actively push for the construction of a Third Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. According to Scripture, this Temple will become the seat of the Antichrist:

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thess. 2:3–4, NKJV).

Supporting the construction of a Third Temple, where the Antichrist will reign according to prophecy, directly contradicts Christian teaching, as it seeks to restore Old Testament rituals that deny Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

Questions for Christian Zionists: Why Support the Third Temple?

Christian Zionists, influenced by John Nelson Darby’s dispensationalism, fervently support the state of Israel and the idea of building a Third Temple. But why? Do they believe that Christ’s Second Coming will occur in the Third Temple, and that the Jews, who rejected Him as the Messiah, will suddenly recognize Jesus as the same Messiah they crucified, accepting Him this time instead of crucifying Him again? How can they reconcile their faith in Jesus as Savior with supporting a project tied to the Antichrist, who “sits as God in the temple of God” (2 Thess. 2:3–4)? Their actions raise serious questions: Are they following Christ or succumbing to manipulations disguised as prophecy?

 

[Chrysostomos]

Building a Third Temple is not merely a religious project—it is an outright blasphemous act that denies Jesus Christ and His redemptive sacrifice. Scripture clearly states that the Temple is no longer needed, as Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world:

“He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb. 9:26, NKJV).
“By that one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Heb. 10:14, NKJV).

Animal sacrifices, which the Third Temple would reinstate, are futile and blasphemous, as they reject Christ’s perfect sacrifice (John 1:29). Scripture emphasizes that salvation comes only through Christ:

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NKJV).
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18, NKJV).

Those who reject Jesus remain under God’s wrath (John 3:36). The Third Temple cannot change this, as forgiveness of sins comes only through faith in Christ, not through rituals or sacrifices. Supporting the Third Temple by Christian Zionists is complicity in blasphemy that denies Christ’s cross. If they truly believe in Jesus as Savior, why back a project where animals would be slaughtered for atonement, a practice that is not only meaningless but an affront to God? It contradicts both Scripture and the logic of faith.

 

[shepherdsword]

The Lord is not done with Israel yet:

Ro 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.


What's in store?

1)Israel will go through a series of successful judgements that will eradicate all non believing jews and restore faith in the Messiah to the elect jews.( Joel 2:32)

2)Two thirds of Israel will be destroyed by judgement.(Zech 13:8)

3)Half of Jerusalem will be destroyed.(Zech 14:2)

4)The remaining one third elect will cry "blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" and repent to have faith in Jesus Christ(Matt 23:39)

5)And so all Israel shall be saved (Rom11:26)

6) Jew and Gentile will be united into an everlasting Messianic Kingdom(Eph 2:15-22)

 

[HealthyShape]

a Third Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. According to Scripture, this Temple will become the seat of the Antichrist:

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thess. 2:3–4, NKJV).

I think this is quite a leap. Neither the quoted Scripture nor the rest of the New Testament support the existence of any third temple. The second one destroyed in 70 AD as Jesus foretold was the last one.

 

[Chrysostomos]

The Lord is not done with Israel yet:

Ro 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.


What's in store?

1)Israel will go through a series of successful judgements that will eradicate all non believing jews and restore faith in the Messiah to the elect jews.( Joel 2:32)

2)Two thirds of Israel will be destroyed by judgement.(Zech 13:8)

3)Half of Jerusalem will be destroyed.(Zech 14:2)

4)The remaining one third elect will cry "blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" and repent to have faith in Jesus Christ(Matt 23:39)

5)And so all Israel shall be saved (Rom11:26)

6) Jew and Gentile will be united into an everlasting Messianic Kingdom(Eph 2:15-22)

Сould you clarify how you interpret these verses (Romans 11:28, Joel 2:32, Zechariah 13:8, Zechariah 14:2, Matthew 23:39, Romans 11:26, Ephesians 2:15-22) and how they relate to the original post about not helping the "wicked" or supporting the Third Temple? What exactly are you trying to say with these citations in the context of this discussion?

To connect back to the main questions: Why should Christians support the secular government of Israel led by Netanyahu? Why support building the Third Temple? What's your understanding of the "Jewish Messiah"? Do you believe Christ's Second Coming will happen in the Third Temple, and that Jews who rejected Him as Messiah will suddenly recognize Jesus—the same one their ancestors crucified—as their Messiah this time, instead of crucifying Him again? Do you think that by building the Temple and resuming sacrifices, Jews won't reject Christ?

Suppose the Third Temple is built and Jews announce their "Jewish Messiah" has come—who do you believe that Jewish Messiah will be: Jesus or the Antichrist?

 

[MatthewG]

What does the spirit of the resurrected Lord Yeshua the Messiah that lives in you suggest, what are the fruits he brings to the table.


What religion brings to the table is judgement and condmenation.

 

[MatthewG]

What does the spirit of the resurrected Lord Yeshua the Messiah that lives in you suggest, what are the fruits he brings to the table.


What religion brings to the table is judgement and condmenation.

I judge honesty if imma judge anything these days. I do still tend to look down on people by my flesh.

 

[Chrysostomos]

I think this is quite a leap. Neither the quoted Scripture nor the rest of the New Testament support the existence of any third temple. The second one destroyed in 70 AD as Jesus foretold was the last one.

To clarify, I didn't claim the Third Temple currently exists—my post was about the desire of some groups in Israel to build it and the support from Christian Zionists, which I see as conflicting with Christian teaching. You're right that the New Testament doesn't support the need for a physical temple or animal sacrifices anymore, as Christ's sacrifice replaced those rituals once and for all (Hebrews 9:26, 10:10–14; John 2:19–21). The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, as Jesus predicted (Matthew 24:1–2), indeed marked the end of that system, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through temple rituals (Acts 4:12; John 3:18).

However, the New Testament does mention a future temple in the context of the Antichrist sitting in it (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4), which suggests it could be built but not for God's purposes—rather, as a seat of blasphemy. Building a Third Temple to resume animal sacrifices would be absurd and blasphemous from a Christian perspective, as it denies the finality of Christ's redemptive work. Why would Christians support Jews in pursuing this, when it essentially rejects Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice?

 

[shepherdsword]

Сould you clarify how you interpret these verses (Romans 11:28, Joel 2:32, Zechariah 13:8, Zechariah 14:2, Matthew 23:39, Romans 11:26, Ephesians 2:15-22) and how they relate to the original post about not helping the "wicked" or supporting the Third Temple? What exactly are you trying to say with these citations in the context of this discussion?

To connect back to the main questions: Why should Christians support the secular government of Israel led by Netanyahu? Why support building the Third Temple?

Israel is not the one kidnapping hostages and murdering babies. It is a bastion of sanity in the midst of Islamic extremists. I guess i could ask you...why do you support Muslim nations that hate you and want to see you convert or die?

What's your understanding of the "Jewish Messiah"? Do you believe Christ's Second Coming will happen in the Third Temple, and that Jews who rejected Him as Messiah will suddenly recognize Jesus—the same one their ancestors crucified—as their Messiah this time, instead of crucifying Him again? Do you think that by building the Temple and resuming sacrifices, Jews won't reject Christ?

Did you even read my post?

Suppose the Third Temple is built and Jews announce their "Jewish Messiah" has come—who do you believe that Jewish Messiah will be: Jesus or the Antichrist?

I expect Jesus to return in this way:

Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Mt 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Rv 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

How do you expect him to return?

 

[Lizbeth]

In 2 Chronicles 19:1–3, we find the account of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, rebuked by the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani, for his alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. Jehoshaphat joined Ahab in a military campaign against Ramoth-Gilead (2 Chron. 18:1–3), despite Ahab’s idolatry, including his worship of Baal (1 Kings 16:31–33), which led Israel into apostasy. The prophet Jehu confronted Jehoshaphat directly:

“Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, returned safely to his house in Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani, the seer, went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. Nevertheless, there are good things found in you, for you have removed the idols from the land of Judah and have set your heart to seek God’” (2 Chron. 19:1–3, NKJV).

This episode reveals that supporting a wicked Israel, embodied by Ahab, who “hated the Lord” through idolatry, provoked God’s anger. Though righteous, Jehoshaphat erred by allying with God’s enemy. This scriptural example clearly shows that supporting those who oppose God is sinful, even if it appears politically justified.

The modern state of Israel, established in 1948, is a secular nation where most citizens do not adhere to strict religious traditions. However, ultra-Orthodox Jews, a significant minority, openly reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Numerous documented incidents show ultra-Orthodox Jews spitting on Christians in public, spitting as they pass Christian churches, or when they see crucifixes. These acts are captured in countless videos available online and corroborated by eyewitness accounts in Israeli and international media.

Moreover, some Israelis and religious groups actively push for the construction of a Third Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. According to Scripture, this Temple will become the seat of the Antichrist:

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thess. 2:3–4, NKJV).

Supporting the construction of a Third Temple, where the Antichrist will reign according to prophecy, directly contradicts Christian teaching, as it seeks to restore Old Testament rituals that deny Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

Questions for Christian Zionists: Why Support the Third Temple?

Christian Zionists, influenced by John Nelson Darby’s dispensationalism, fervently support the state of Israel and the idea of building a Third Temple. But why? Do they believe that Christ’s Second Coming will occur in the Third Temple, and that the Jews, who rejected Him as the Messiah, will suddenly recognize Jesus as the same Messiah they crucified, accepting Him this time instead of crucifying Him again? How can they reconcile their faith in Jesus as Savior with supporting a project tied to the Antichrist, who “sits as God in the temple of God” (2 Thess. 2:3–4)? Their actions raise serious questions: Are they following Christ or succumbing to manipulations disguised as prophecy?

The admonition to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers applies here with unbelieving Jews/Israel. And people are not getting what Jesus said about His kingdom not coming with observation that we may say lo here it is or there. Their eyes are on earthly Jerusalem, which is likened to the slave woman Hagar, instead of being on heavenly Zion and the new Jerusalem. His kingdom is not of this world and we are to have our eyes fixed not on what is seen but on what is unseen.....having all our hopes and affections above, not on anything on this earth. That doesnt' mean we aren't to love and show kindness to the Jews or other unbelievers etc, but it means as believers we are to be separate/holy to the Lord, not linking arms with them.

 

[Lizbeth]

Israel is not the one kidnapping hostages and murdering babies. It is a bastion of sanity in the midst of Islamic extremists. I guess i could ask you...why do you support Muslim nations that hate you and want to see you convert or die?

Did you even read my post?

I expect Jesus to return in this way:

Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Mt 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Rv 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

How do you expect him to return?

Keep in mind that Jesus said, "if they say to you lo here he is, or there, do not follow them".

 

[shepherdsword]

Keep in mind that Jesus said, "if they say to you lo here he is, or there, do not follow them".

When Jesus returns I expect this to happen:

1 Co 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 

[Chrysostomos]

What does the spirit of the resurrected Lord Yeshua the Messiah that lives in you suggest, what are the fruits he brings to the table.


What religion brings to the table is judgement and condmenation.

I think you’re spot on with the contrast between the fruits of the Spirit of the resurrected Lord Yeshua (Galatians 5:22–23) and the judgment and condemnation that religion, rooted in legalism, often brings. The New Testament is clear that no one is justified by the works of the law—salvation comes only through faith in Jesus as the Messiah (Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:20). The idea of building a Third Temple to resume animal sacrifices is absurd and blasphemous from a Christian perspective, as it rejects Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10–14). Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17), something no one in Old Testament times could do, and returning to animal sacrifices now would be a denial of His redemptive work.

So why do Christian Zionists support the Jewish push to build a Third Temple and restore sacrifices? It seems to contradict the Gospel’s core message that salvation is through Christ alone (Acts 4:12). The law condemns, but Jesus justifies (Romans 5:1).

 

[shepherdsword]

So why do Christian Zionists support the Jewish push to build a Third Temple and restore sacrifices? It seems to contradict the Gospel’s core message that salvation is through Christ alone (Acts 4:12). The law condemns, but Jesus justifies (Romans 5:1).

Temple sacrifices continued for almost 40 years after the crucifixion. Paul himself participated in them.

Ac 21:23-24 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Not all of the sacrifices were for sin atonement.

 

[MatthewG]

People do what they want.

 

[Chrysostomos]

Israel is not the one kidnapping hostages and murdering babies. It is a bastion of sanity in the midst of Islamic extremists. I guess i could ask you...why do you support Muslim nations that hate you and want to see you convert or die?

Let's draw a clear line between politics and religion here, as the original post focuses on the religious motivations behind Christian Zionist support for Israel, not geopolitical alliances. For instance, figures like Ted Cruz have publicly stated that they support Israel because, as Genesis says, "those who bless Abraham will be blessed by God" (Genesis 12:3). However, this often ignores or overlooks the biblical account in 2 Chronicles 19:1–3, where God rebukes King Jehoshaphat of Judah for allying with the wicked King Ahab of Israel, asking, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?" Even in the Old Testament, supporting the state of Israel wasn't always God-pleasing—in fact, at times, it was the opposite, as seen when Israel's idolatry provoked divine judgment.

Now, in the New Testament era, after Jesus offered Himself as the one and only perfect sacrifice for the sins of those who believe in Him as Messiah (Hebrews 9:26, 10:14), why support a secular state of Israel from a Christian perspective? More pointedly, why back Jews who reject Jesus as Messiah in their desire to build a Third Temple and resume animal sacrifices? Such actions would reinstate rituals that deny Christ's redemptive work, as salvation comes solely through faith in Him, not through temple offerings (John 1:29; Acts 4:12). Supporting this isn't just unnecessary—it's potentially blasphemous, as it regresses to a system Christ fulfilled and transcended (Matthew 5:17).

If I don't support Israel, the Third Temple, or resuming animal sacrifices based on religious convictions, that doesn't mean I support Muslim nations. Professing Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation—"there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12)—doesn't equate to endorsing Islam or any other faith. You're making a false equivalence here, conflating fidelity to Jesus Christ as the sole Savior with support for Muslims. That's absurd. Loyalty to Christ doesn't make me a defender of Muslims; it simply means I adhere to core Christian doctrine that salvation is through Him alone, for Jews and Gentiles alike (Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:28). Politically, one could critique actions on both sides without religious bias, but religiously, the focus is on Christ, not national alliances.

Regarding the political side of things, you either lack information—which would be odd—or are deliberately misleading. António Guterres (UN Secretary-General): In October 2023, he stated: "Gaza has become a graveyard for children" (Gaza has become a graveyard for children). This was said amid bombings when child casualties exceeded 7,000. The phrase evolved into "largest" in subsequent discussions to emphasize the scale. Guterres repeated similar formulations in 2024–2025, citing UN data. This highlights the humanitarian crisis, not support for any side.

International Criminal Court (ICC): Issued on November 21, 2024, for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel's jurisdictional challenges were rejected.

International Court of Justice (ICJ): Recognized plausible genocide in preliminary rulings (Jan/May 2024) in South Africa's case; ongoing

Amnesty International: Accused Israel of genocide in Gaza (Dec 2024, reaffirmed Jul 2025).

UN report (Sep 2025): Blunt indictment of genocide in Gaza

 

[Chrysostomos]

Did you even read my post?

Please show some understanding and patience with me. The thing is, I was born and raised not in the US, but in Ukraine, where Orthodox Christianity dominates, along with Greek and Roman Catholics. I grew up in an Orthodox family. So, all that Zionist propaganda, funded by Israel to influence American Christians, completely bypassed me. That's why I can't grasp what you American Christians mean with just a half-word or implication—our traditions and information environments are worlds apart.

I did read your post carefully, but honestly, I didn't understand it at all. I can't follow your logic; in fact, I don't even see a clear logic there from my perspective. Could you please answer my questions with the awareness that I come from a completely different religious tradition and informational field? What seems obvious or self-evident to you might not be to me at all.

I expect Jesus to return in this way:

Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Mt 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Rv 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Thanks for clarifying your expectations of Jesus' return with those verses (Acts 1:11, Matthew 24:27, Revelation 1:7)—they describe it as a visible, global event, coming with clouds like lightning from east to west, where every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him. Notably, there's no mention of the Third Temple in Jerusalem as the site of His return.

From this, it follows that Christ's Second Coming won't occur in the Third Temple in Jerusalem.

If so, why do Christian Zionists support the secular state of Israel? Why support building the Third Temple? Why endorse resuming animal sacrifices, especially when Scripture teaches that Christ's sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 10:10–14), making such rituals obsolete and potentially blasphemous? These actions seem to contradict the New Testament's emphasis on faith in Christ alone for salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), not a return to Old Testament shadows that He fulfilled (Colossians 2:16–17).

How do you expect him to return?

I expect Jesus’ Second Coming as described in the same verses you cited (Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:27; Revelation 1:7)—visibly, with clouds, like lightning from east to west, seen by all, not confined to a Third Temple. This aligns with Scripture’s emphasis on His glorious, universal return (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

 

[HealthyShape]

However, the New Testament does mention a future temple in the context of the Antichrist sitting in it (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4), which suggests it could be built

Paul was talking about the second temple. Because that one was still standing. If he meant some other one, he would say so, IMO. Or else it would be very confusing for Thessalonians.

 

[Chrysostomos]

The admonition to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers applies here with unbelieving Jews/Israel. And people are not getting what Jesus said about His kingdom not coming with observation that we may say lo here it is or there. Their eyes are on earthly Jerusalem, which is likened to the slave woman Hagar, instead of being on heavenly Zion and the new Jerusalem. His kingdom is not of this world and we are to have our eyes fixed not on what is seen but on what is unseen.....having all our hopes and affections above, not on anything on this earth. That doesnt' mean we aren't to love and show kindness to the Jews or other unbelievers etc, but it means as believers we are to be separate/holy to the Lord, not linking arms with them.

I completely agree with your points—well said! The focus for Christians should be the Heavenly Kingdom, not some earthly nation or agenda (John 18:36; Hebrews 11:16). I’m especially puzzled by Christians, particularly dispensationalist Protestants, who wholeheartedly support the secular state of Israel and even back the Jewish desire to build a Third Temple and resume animal sacrifices. This contradict the New Testament’s teaching that Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, making such rituals obsolete (Hebrews 10:10–14; Colossians 2:16–17).

What’s even stranger is how some of these same dispensationalist Protestants harshly criticize Orthodox and Catholic Christians, often painting them as misguided or worse, yet treat secular Israelis and Orthodox Jews with reverence. If we applied their critical standards to Israel and Orthodox Jews—who openly reject Jesus as Messiah—they could be portrayed as utterly opposed to Christian truth. Yet Catholics and Orthodox Christians affirm Jesus as Savior, while secular and Orthodox Jews do not (John 3:18; Acts 4:12). This double standard is baffling. Why the selective outrage? Why venerate a secular state and a temple project that denies Christ’s redemptive work?

 

[Chrysostomos]

Temple sacrifices continued for almost 40 years after the crucifixion. Paul himself participated in them.

Ac 21:23-24 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Not all of the sacrifices were for sin atonement.

Jesus Himself predicted the destruction of the Second Temple (Matthew 24:1–2; Mark 13:1–2; Luke 21:5–6), stating that "not one stone will be left upon another." By foretelling this, Jesus clearly signaled that the temple system and its sacrifices were no longer needed or pleasing to God—His own body is the true temple (John 2:19–21), and His death was the final, perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26). The temple's destruction in 70 AD was a divine judgment and confirmation of the New Covenant, ending the old order forever (Hebrews 8:13). Ignoring this prophecy to support a Third Temple is not just misguided; it's a direct contradiction to Christ's words and a regression to a system God Himself allowed to be dismantled.

So, if even the first Christians moved away from temple rituals, why do Christian Zionists support building a Third Temple and resuming animal sacrifices? Doesn’t this contradict the Gospel’s teaching that Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all? How do you reconcile their support with the clear New Testament rejection of returning to Old Testament shadows (Hebrews 8:13)?