“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near.

Luke 21:20-22.

For three decades after Jesus’ death Jerusalem continued on as part of the Roman Empire. Then, in the year 66 C.E., the Jews revolted against the Roman yoke. Rome sent its imperial forces under Cestius Gallus against Jerusalem, and the city seemed doomed to fall. But, inexplicably, the Roman commander “suddenly called off his men . . . and flying in the face of all reason retired from the City,” as Jewish historian Josephus testifies. (Josephus, The Jewish War, The Penguin Classics, p. 163) Those who believed Jesus’ prophecy now fled the city. But the vast majority remained.