The Temple in Jersualem

The Jerusalem Temple in the first century was the spiritual, cultural, and architectural heart of Jewish life, rebuilt by Herod into a magnificent complex that symbolized God’s presence, united a dispersed people, and ultimately became a focal point of both worship and conflict until its destruction in AD 70.

People, Places, and Things

The Temple in Jersualem

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People, Places, and Things

Pharisees

The Pharisees in the first century were a respected Jewish religious group known for their strict adherence to the full Hebrew scriptures, oral traditions, belief in resurrection, and influence among the common people, yet they faced criticism from Jesus for elevating human traditions over God’s commandments.

Scribes

In the first century, Jewish scribes were respected experts in the Law whose devotion to Scripture preserved Israel’s faith, yet in Luke’s Gospel they often clash with Jesus, revealing the tension between knowing the Law and recognizing the One who fulfills it.

Theophilus

Theophilus, likely a wealthy patron or high-ranking believer, is the person to whom Luke dedicates his Gospel and Acts, addressing him as “most excellent” and aiming to provide a well-ordered account to strengthen his faith.

Judean Wilderness

n Luke’s Gospel, the wilderness symbolizes a place of testing and preparation where Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, overcomes temptation and begins his mission to proclaim God’s kingdom, highlighting reliance on God and spiritual authority.

Mary (Mother of Jesus)

Mary, a humble Jewish woman from Nazareth, was divinely chosen to bear Jesus through the Holy Spirit, embodying faith and obedience within the cultural and religious context of first-century Judaism.

Herod Philip

Herod Philip the Tetrarch (4 BC–AD 34), son of Herod the Great, ruled peacefully over Ituraea and Trachonitis, is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke for historical context, and must be distinguished from his half-brother Philip I, the first husband of Herodias and father of Salome.