Was the temple still operating and central when Acts 5 happened?
Yes, at the time of Acts 5 the temple remained fully operational and held its place as the center of Jewish life. The early believers continued daily in the temple, and the council's opposition did not change that reality. The temple had not yet been replaced by home congregations.
Les teaches that in Acts 5, after the apostles were commanded not to teach in the name of Jesus, they departed from the council rejoicing and continued daily in the temple. He emphasizes that the temple was still operating and still the center of Jewish life; that had not changed. He contrasts this with Paul's later ministry, noting that Paul did not tell his new converts in Asia Minor to get to the temple, but instead set up small congregations of believers in homes. Les also shares that he is not against the church and has never told anyone to quit going to their church, though he has taught small groups outside the church environment for over twenty years.
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.