John 2:19

λύσατε τ. ναὸν τ. The reply is “sudden as a flash of lightning;” (comp. [John 8:7]) and it leaves a lasting impression on all (Matthew 26:61; Matthew 27:40): but what it revealed was not comprehended until a fuller and more lasting light revealed it again. It is S. Matthew (Matthew 26:61) and S. Mark (Mark 14:58) who tell us that this saying was twisted into a charge against Christ, but they do not record the saying. S. John, who records the saying, does not mention the charge. Such coincidence can scarcely be designed, and therefore is evidence of the truth of both statements. See on John 18:11; John 12:8. Note that in these three verses ναός is used, not ἱερόν; the latter is never used figuratively: Destroy this sanctuary (see on John 2:14).

ἐγερῶ. His accusers turn this into ‘build’ (οἰκοδομῆσαι), which is not appropriate to raising a dead body. There is no contradiction between Christ’s declaration and the ordinary N.T. theology, that the Son was raised by the Father. The expression is figurative throughout; and ‘I and My Father are one.’ Comp. John 10:18. This throwing out seeds of thought for the future, which could not bear fruit at the time, is one of the characteristics of Christ’s teaching.