Is it literal or figurative? See here.
By the way, another problem I have is why the Jerusalem Church and Paul were still offering sacrifices ...
Well, first of all there is no indication the "Jerusalem church" was still offering temple sacrifices "thirty years" after the resurrection.
Do you suppose they didn't get the letter to the Hebrews?
No, they just didn't read more into Paul actions than was there.
We know very well why Paul was found in the temple at time, though it was not recorded as being "thirty years". He did it in limited cases in order to win his brothers Jews to Christ. Paul testifies himself:
"and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;" (1 Cor. 9:20).
We know that Paul placed no faith in the sacrifices themselves.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." (Rom. 12:1)
As the writer of Hebrews said:
For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. (Heb. 9:1-6)Paul knew that the earthly temple is Jerusalem was no more of interest in the kingdom of Christ. That what matters was the "third temple" which was the body of Christ being raised up even in that and continuting until He returns.But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, (Heb. 10:12)
"If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." (1 Cor. 3:17)
Besides, it would be dispensationally inconsistent for Paul to still be offering sacrifices after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. He was now in the "church age", the dispensation of grace. The kingdom ordinances of Israel were put on hold and the clock had stopped ticking. Paul knew that, right?
"If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." (1 Cor. 3:17)
AMEN!