FIRST-CENTURY JERUSALEM

THE Jerusalem that exists today has changed greatly from what it was in the first century. Nevertheless, on the basis of archaeological research, it has been possible to reconstruct in a tentative way some of the key parts of the city. This can help students to visualize the events that took place there in connection with the ministry of Jesus and that of his apostles.

When in Jerusalem at festival times, Jesus taught in the temple area where the crowds were. (Joh 7:14, 28; 18:20) Following his death and resurrection, his disciples ‘filled Jerusalem with their teaching.’ (Ac 5:28) From Jerusalem, their witnessing eventually spread to “the most distant part of the earth.”​—Ac 1:8.

The activity of Jesus and his disciples confronted the nation with an important issue: Would they accept the one whom Jehovah sent as Messiah? Would they recognize their need of the Kingdom of God? Though some put faith in Jesus, most were unresponsive. The nation’s faithless actions were climaxed by the impalement of Jesus, which took place with popular support at Jerusalem. As a result, destruction befell the city in 70 C.E., just as Jesus had foretold.​—Lu 19:41-44.

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PRINCIPAL LOCATIONS With Related Scriptures

Court of the Gentiles (?)

Joh 2:13-17; Mt 21:12, 13

Solomon’s Colonnade

Joh 10:22-39; Ac 3:11–4:3; 5:12

Soreg

Eph 2:14, ftn

Tower (Fortress) of Antonia

Ac 21:34–22:29; 23:10, 11, 16-30

Governor’s Palace

Joh 18:28–19:16

Sanhedrin Hall

Lu 22:66-71; Ac 4:5-22; 5:27-41; 6:12–7:57; 22:30–23:10

Pool of Bethzatha

Joh 5:1-9

Pool of Siloam

Joh 9:6-11

Valley of Hinnom

Mr 9:47, 48; Jas 3:6

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This outer north wall was started by Herod Agrippa I, who ruled c. 41-44 C.E.

Pool of Bethzatha

HOUSES

Tower of Antonia

Temple

Soreg

Court of the Gentiles

Solomon’s Colonnade

Royal Colonnade

Sanhedrin Hall (?)

Governor’s Palace

HOUSES

Aqueduct

Tyropoeon Valley

Pool of Siloam

Spring of Gihon

T.V. of Kidron

Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna)

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TEMPLE FEATURES

1 Most Holy

2 Holy

3 Altar of Burnt Offering

4 Sea of Cast Metal (Molten Sea)

5 Court of Priests

6 Court of Israel

7 Court of Women

8 Court of the Gentiles

9 Barrier (Soreg)

10 Royal Colonnade

11 Solomon’s Colonnade

12 Tower (Fortress) of Antonia

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The temple in Jerusalem as it may have appeared in the first century

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The Pharisees hired men to trap Jesus on the issue of paying tax to Rome

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A denarius bearing the image of Tiberius Caesar