What does the New Testament say about the Temple of God?
There are two main words that the NT authors use from which we get our English word temple. The BDAG (probably the most highly recognized Greek lexicon) gives us these definitions: 1) naos is used 45 times in the NT and is defined as: a place or structure specifically associated with or set apart for a deity, who is frequently perceived to be using it as a dwelling, temple. 2) hieron is used 71 times and is defined as: sanctuary, temple. (In every instance both the NASB and the ESV translate it only as temple.) Though it might be a little overly simplistic to say it this way, the general difference between the two is that hieron is used to speak of the temple as a structure, whereas naos carries with it the additional connotation of dwelling place of God. With this foundation laid fist we will look at how Paul uses these two words in the New Testament. Only in 1 Corinthians 9:13 does Paul use hieron saying, "13 Do you not know that those who are employed in th