Learn about Gath (Tel es-Safi) and the 5 cities of the Philistines. What all happened in Ashdod? What is its history? Who were the Philistines, where did they come from, and where did they live? They are mentioned in many places in the Old Testament and were the enemies of the Israelites. The Other Cities Were: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron. Biblical Gath: City of Giants Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gath Introduction Rising from the rolling hills of southern Israel lies Tel Gath, the ancient Philistine stronghold once known as the hometown of Goliath, the giant warrior who faced young David in the Bible. This sprawling archaeological site, one of the largest in the region, was a center of power, culture, and fierce battles more than 3,000 years ago. Legends of towering warriors and biblical clashes echo through its ruins, while excavations continue to uncover massive fortifications, pottery, and even inscriptions that point to its storied past. Visiting Tel Gath is like stepping into the pages of the Bible, where history and myth blend in the very soil beneath your feet. Location 1. Gath (Tel Es-Safi) is located about 17 miles (28 km) east of Ashkelon. The word Gath means “winepress.” Historical Background 1. Gath was one of the five main cities of the Philistines (Josh. 13:3; 1 Sam. 6:17). 2. The site is a large, multi-period site that is made up of many layers. Each layer represents a distinct phase in the site's history. 3. Tel Es-Safi has a long history of settlement. The site was first settled sometime around 5000 BC. It has been continually settled until modern times. The last settlement there was an Arab village that was abandoned during the Israeli War of Independence in 1948. 4. It was a well-fortified walled city (2 Chron. 26:6). 5. Joshua and the Israelites were unable to conquer Gath despite the numerous conflicts between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Gath. 6. It wasn’t until King David that the city was conquered and became part of the Israelite Kingdom (1 Chron. 18:1). 7. Its name is most remembered as the home of the giant, Goliath, whom David slew (1 Sam. 17:4). Giants in the Bible What do we know about them from the Bible? 1. In the lower excavations of this Tel, they have discovered rooms that are twice the size of what would be normal. Is this evidence that giants once inhabited this area? 2. The Bible describes several groups of giants, including the Nephilim, Anakim, Rephaim, Emim, and Zamzummin. 3. The Nephilim , mentioned in Genesis and Numbers, are a mysterious group often interpreted as the offspring of "sons of God" and human women. 4. The Anakim and Rephaim are powerful, tall people the Israelites encountered in Canaan, with Goliath being a famous example of a giant descended from this lineage. While some interpretations view these giants as the result of a supernatural union, others consider them to be exceptionally large and powerful humans. One account in the Bible that refers to the Rephaim speaks of Og, King of Bashan: Deuteronomy 3:11 describes his massive bed: "Only Og king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was an iron bed and was nine cubits long and four cubits wide [about 13.5 feet long, 4 meters, and 6 feet wide, 2 meters], according to the common cubit." This implies a man of truly enormous stature. The Emim , as found in Deuteronomy 2:10-11, are described as "a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakim," and Emim. These were also giants who formerly inhabited the land of Moab. The last set of giants, known as the Zamzummin , as found in Deuteronomy 2:20, were similar to the Emim. They were giants who lived in the land of Ammon before the Ammonites inhabited it. Gath in the Bible 1. It has archaeological remains that are unusual, revealing that giants once lived here. This is affirmed by the Bible. 1 Chronicles 20:8: These were descended from the giants in Gath , and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. It was also the hometown of the warrior Goliath, who appears in the Bible. 2. It was one of the Philistine cities where the Ark of the Covenant resided before being taken to Ekron. 1 Samuel 5:8: So they sent word and gathered all the governors of the Philistines to them, and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” And they said, “Have the ark of the God of Israel brought to Gath .” So they took the ark of the God of Israel away. 3. Goliath, the giant that young David slew, was from Gath. 1 Samuel 17:4: Then a champion came forward from the army encampment of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath . His height was six cubits and a span. 4. When King Saul was seeking to kill David, David went to Gath to hide from Saul and acted like a crazy person because he feared the king of Gath. 1 Samuel 21:10-15: Then David set out and fled that day from Saul, and went to Achish king of Gath . 11 But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 12 David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish king of Gath . 13 So he disguised his sanity while in their sight and acted insanely in their custody, and he scribbled on the doors of the gate, and drooled on his beard. 14 Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you see the man is behaving like an insane person. Why do you bring him to me? 15 Do I lack insane people, that you have brought this one to behave like an insane person in my presence? Shall this one come into my house?” 5. Later, when King Saul was again pursuing David to kill him, David fled and lived in Gath for a while. 1 Samuel 27:2-3: So David set out and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath . And David lived with Achish in Gath , he and his men, each with his own household—David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s widow. Faith Lesson from the Philistines 1. While Gath proved to be a safe haven for David to flee to in times of need, it was still an enemy territory of the Israelites. Do we fear things and seek refuge in the wrong places instead of fully trusting in God for our safety and protection? 2. Gath and its idolatry represented all that was opposed to the nation of Israel, just as the Bible presents this world’s system as all that is opposite to God’s will for us. Are we in danger of loving this world's system and all it has to offer instead of God's kingdom and what it has to offer? 1 John 2:15–17: Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever. 3. This present world is our home for now, but we are called to live in this world as sojourners and ambassadors, not participating in the world’s evil. We should understand that our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Are we living in the world but not participating in its evil? And do we realize that our true citizenship and home is in heaven?

Learn about Israel, the land of the Bible. See all the places, travel routes, cities, and geography of all the places and events in the Bible. Israel Geography Video Series

Tel Arad was founded by the Canaanites in around 3500 BC. It was conquered by the Israelites in the conquest of the Promised Land. A fortress was later built in the 9th century. It was destroyed by the Assyrians and later by the Babylonians. It has a well-preserved temple inside the fortress. Tel Arad Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tel Arad Location 1. Tel Arad is in the Negev about 16 miles (26 km.) east of Tel Beersheba, and 33 miles (54 km.) south of Jerusalem. 2. Tel Arad covers an area of about 100 acres (40 hectares) and is on the west side of Hwy 80. 3. Although this part of the Negev receives little rain, Arad is strategically situated on ancient trade routes. Historical Background 1. Tel Arad has two major settlement periods, a Canaanite and an Israelite period. The lower part of the tel is from the Canaanite period and the upper fortress part is from the Israelite period. 2. The Canaanites were the original settlers of Arad and established a large city here around 3500 BC. It had an estimated population of approximately 2,500 residents. 3. Israel captured Arad in the conquest under Joshua. Later, in around 940 BC, an Israelite settlement was established here. 4. Because Tel Arad is so strategically located and important, it was destroyed and rebuilt 6 times from the 9th to the 6th centuries. It was most likely destroyed in 701 BC by the Assyrians and again by the Babylonians in 587 BC. 5. Over 100 pottery shards (Ostraca) were discovered at Tel Arad dating to the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Two of these are of great value as they mention two people from priestly families in the Bible, “Pashhur” from Ezra 2:38, and Meremoth from Ezra 8:33. 6. Two other pottery shards found at Tel Arad have written on them the name Arad, which confirms the identification of the city. Places of Interest 1. Canaanite City City walls City gate Temple Palace City Well Homes 2. Entrance to Tel Arad 3. Upper parking – Easy access to the Fortress Mound 4. Israelite Fortress at Tel Arad Although there was a small settlement during the time of Solomon, it was during the divided kingdom period that a fortress was set up at Tel Arad. The fortress served to protect Judah’s southern border against its enemies. The southern area of Judah was dangerous, and the fortress at Arad was destroyed 6 times during the divided kingdom period. It is likely that one of the destructions of the fortress occurred during Hezekiah’s reign when he rebelled against the Assyrian King, Sennacherib, in 701 BC. Scripture recounts how all the fortified cities of Judah were destroyed at this time (2 Kings 18:13). The fortress was rebuilt but destroyed again as a result of Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Judah in 586 BC. During the Hellenistic period of the 3rd to 2nd centuries BC, a tower was built in the center of the fortress compound. During the Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, the tower was repaired and used as a military post. During the early Arab period, the structure served as an inn for caravans. The fortress was finally abandoned in the 10th century AD. Entrance Towers Outer Court 5. Israelite Temple at Tel Arad Arad had a functioning temple during the time of the divided kingdom that was somewhat similar to the temple in Jerusalem. The temple at Arad was forbidden by God because the Israelites were to worship at no other place but Jerusalem at this time (Deut. 12:5-6). Outer Court Altar Holy place – In Scripture, the holy place was a long rectangular room. At Arad, it is a wide rectangular room. Altars of Incense Holy of Holies Dimensions of the Holy of Holies – In the tabernacle God ordered Moses to erect, the required dimensions of the Holy of Holies were to be 10 cubits by 10 cubits (15 ft., 9 m.) (Ex. 26:31–33). In Solomon’s temple, the Holy of Holies measured 20 cubits by 20 cubits (30 ft., 9 m.) (1 Kings 6:16). When the second temple was rebuilt under Ezra, the measurements of the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s temple were kept. The Holy of Holies at Arad measures about 7 ft. by 7 ft. (2.13 m.), much smaller than the Tabernacle of Moses and the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Standing stones – There are two standing stones in the Holy of Holies. One represents Yahweh and the other, Asherah, a false female god. This shows the worship of false gods mixed with the worship of God. Clearly, this was strictly forbidden. According to archeological data, the temple in Arad was destroyed during King Josiah’s reign in about 630 BC (2 Kings 23:4–20). It’s possible, though, that the temple could have been removed by King Hezekiah under his reforms (2 Kings 18:22). Even though the worshipers at Arad were commanded to tear down the temple there, they refused to do so and covered it over with dirt instead. Arad in the Bible 1. The King of Arad attacked Israel while they were making their way toward the Promised Land. Numbers 21:1–3: When the Canaanite, the king of Arad , who lived in the Negeb, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive. 2 And Israel vowed a vow to the Lord and said, “If you will indeed give this people into my hand, then I will devote their cities to destruction.” 3 And the Lord heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction. So the name of the place was called Hormah. 2. After the confrontation with the king of Arad, the Israelites turned around and headed south toward the Red Sea instead of entering the Promised Land from the Negev region (Num. 21:4). 3. The area of Arad was given to the tribe of Simeon during the conquest of the land (Joshua 19:1–8). 4. The relatives of Moses’ father-in-law (Kenites) also settled in the area around Arad. Judges 1:16–17: And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negeb near Arad , and they went and settled with the people. 17 And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they defeated the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath and devoted it to destruction. So the name of the city was called Hormah. Josiah’s Reforms and destruction of the temple in Arad. 1. Josiah became king and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings 22:1–2: Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. 2. Josiah’s grandfather, Manasseh, was very wicked until God humbled him, and he repented. His father, Amon, was so wicked that his servants killed him (2 Kings 21). Josiah’s heritage was wicked and could have given him an excuse to live the same way. However, even at an extremely young age of 8, he loved the Lord and did what was right. Interestingly, the Book of the Law wasn’t found until Josiah was 26 years old (2 Kings 22:3). This meant Josiah did what was right from a young age, even without Scripture to guide him. 3. The Book of the Law (Bible) was found and read to Josiah. 2 Kings 22:8–11: And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9 And Shaphan the secretary came to the king, and reported to the king, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the Lord.” 10 Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law , he tore his clothes. 4. Josiah read the Bible to his whole kingdom and made a covenant with them to follow the Lord. 2 Kings 23: 1–3: Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. 2 And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. 3 And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant. 5. Josiah cleansed the temple and ordered that all the altars and shrines to the false gods all throughout the land be destroyed (2 Kings 23:4–20). It was most likely Josiah who ordered the temple removed at Tel Arad. 6. Josiah reinstitutes and celebrates the Passover. 2 Chronicles 35:18: No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as was kept by Josiah, and the priests and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 35:7: Then Josiah contributed to the lay people, as Passover offerings for all who were present, lambs and young goats from the flock to the number of 30,000, and 3,000 bulls; these were from the king's possessions . 7. There was no king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart. 2 Kings 23:25: Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him. 8. Unfortunately, Josiah’s two sons who reigned after him did not follow the Lord but acted wickedly (2 Kings 23:31–37). Faith Lesson from Arad 1. The Israelites in Arad set up their own temple and worshiped God their own way, which was forbidden to do. Do we realize that worshiping the right God in the wrong way is still wrong? 2. Josiah’s heritage was rooted in sin, yet he chose to follow the Lord at a very young age. Do we realize that God can still use us mightily regardless of our past if we turn to Him with all our hearts as Josiah did? 3. Even though Josiah followed God with all his heart, his children chose evil. Each person has a free will to do as they please regardless of the kind of parents they have.

Petra Trip Extension Info & Payments Petra Trip Info & Payments Petra, Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Extension Private, Custom Tour Because of all the Jordanian requirements, we have booked this trip via a trusted tour company in Israel called "Keshet Journeys." We have used their services before and were extremely pleased. They are a Christian-based travel agency. This is a unique extension trip that is only being offered for this Holy Land Tour Trip. We want to do Bible teaching videos on Petra, Mt. Nebo, and Madaba, so this is the m ain reason for this trip. For this reason, Holy Land Site is paying its own trip expenses . We are happy to invite you to join our ministry family for this venture . PETRA TRIP INFO Dates November 4-5 Cost $485 per person (double occupancy per hotel room) $525 per person (single occupancy per hotel room) Cost Includes 4 -Star Hotel Room in Petra Dinner & Breakfast at the Hotel in Petra All border crossing fees to and from Jordan Entry Pass to Petra Horseback ride in Petra Transportation via AC Deluxe bus with free Wifi Professional Tour Guide to accompany us. Jordan requires this (Todd Fink will still do all the Bible teachings and guiding) Cost Does Not Include Breakfast and lunch - November 4 (we will pack our own lunch) L unch and dinner - November 5 (we will pack our own lunch) Tips (because Holy Land Site is not charging any extra costs, each participant will need to tip the bus driver and tour guide $15.00 USD each) Other tips, etc. How to Confirm Your Spot for This Trip ~ Payment Link Below Pay a deposit of $150.00 (non-refundable) Final Payment Due by August 1, 2023 ~ Payment Link Below $335 balance (double hotel occupancy, non-refundable) $375 balance (single hotel occupancy, non-refundable) ITINERARY DAY 1: NOV 4 - MT. NEBO & MADABA 7:00 – Depart Prima Hotel Jerusalem 8:00 – Cross border at Allenby Bridge 10:00 – Visit Mt. Nebo 1:00 – Visit Madaba 2:30 – Drive to Petra 5:30 – Arrive at Petra DAY 2: NOV 5 - PETRA 7:30 – 1 :30 Visit Petra 1:30 – Depart Petra 5:00 – Cross border at Allenby Bridge 6:30 – Arrive in Jerusalem REMINDER Hotel in Jerusalem: Don't forget to include lodging in Jerusalem for this extension trip if needed. To register for this trip, please fill out the registration form below. Most of the info is for the travel agency in Israel that will need the info for the border crossing into Jordan. After filling out the form, please pay your deposit. Secure Payment Link Registration Deposit Payment To confirm your trip to Petra, please send your registration deposit of $150 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. The payment is set up for single and double payments. Just select the one that applies to you. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to cover fees charged by credit cards and PayPal. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. Single Person Payment $150 Double Person Payment $300 If you would like to avoid the Credit Card fees, then you can send your check to the following address if you live in the U.S.A. or Canada. Holy Land Site (make check payable to this name, please) 196 Hambrick Ave. Sutherlin, OR 97479 Secure Payment Link Final Payment Due by August 1, 2023 To pay the balance of your trip to Petra, please pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. The payment is set up for single and double payments. Just select the one that applies to you. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to cover fees charged by credit cards and PayPal. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. Single Person Payment $375 Double Person Payment $670 If you would like to avoid the Credit Card fees, then you can send your check to the following address if you live in the U.S.A. or Canada. Holy Land Site (make check payable to this name, please) 196 Hambrick Ave. Sutherlin, OR 97479

There are two main sites that have their own Shepherds’ Field, where the angels appeared to the shepherds announcing Christ’s birth. There is the Franciscan Shepherds’ Field and the Greek Orthodox Shepherds' Field. Both sites have substantial archaeological evidence and tradition supporting them. Shepherds' Field Bethlehem Photo Gallery Places of Interest Shepherds’ Field Bethlehem Location 1. There are two main sites that have their own Shepherds’ Field, where the angels appeared to the shepherds announcing Christ’s birth. Less than a half-mile (1 km.) separates them from one another. Franciscan Shepherds’ Field (the most visited as it’s more easily accessed and is set up for tourists). The Greek Orthodox Shepherds’ Field. 2. Both sites have substantial archaeological evidence and tradition supporting them. However, the Greek Orthodox site has more ruins and longer continuous usage. 3. Both places are located about a mile (2 km.) east of Bethlehem in the Beit Sahour village. The Church of the Nativity can be seen from each site. 4. Because the sites are so close to one another, it’s very possible that the angels’ appearance was seen from both places as there could have easily been numerous shepherds in close proximity. There are also various other ruins, churches, and monasteries in the area, which testify to the fact that this event happened here. Historical Background General Evidence 1. At the end of the 4th century, Jerome, who was translating the Hebrew and Greek Bible manuscripts into Latin at the Church of the Nativity, mentioned that the church in Jerusalem celebrated a feast-day at the Church of the Shepherds’ in this area on Christmas Eve. 2. In 384 AD, the pilgrim Egeria was shown the church called "At the Shepherds" in a valley near Bethlehem. She reported, "A big garden is there now, protected by a neat wall all around, and also there is a very splendid cave with an altar." 3. In the 7th century, Bishop Archulph spoke of a burial place of three shepherds in the church at the Shepherds' Field. 4. In the 12th century, Peter the Deacon, a Benedictine monk, quoted an anonymous pilgrim who said, "Not far from there, there is a church called of the Shepherds, where a large garden is fully enclosed by a wall, and there, there is a very luminous grotto which has an altar where an angel, appearing to the shepherds in a vigil, announced the birth of Christ." Franciscan Shepherds’ Field 1. It has a cave with a soot-blackened roof that has been partly enclosed to make a modern chapel. 2. A church built in the 4th century was erected by the cave. 3. The church was destroyed by the time the Crusaders arrived, but pilgrims continued to visit and commemorate this site. 4. It has ruins of a monastery dating from the 4th century to the 7th century. 5. A large complex of caves containing Mikvahs, tunnels, and rooms can be found here. 6. Today, above the cave is a modern church shaped like a tent and decorated with a bronze angel that was built near the ruins of an ancient monastery in 1953. Greek Orthodox Shepherds’ Field 1. The original church was in a cave located on the site. 2. Helena, the mother of Constantine, modified the cave into a church in 325 AD. It is the only original church Helena built that has survived to this day. 3. In the 5th century, a barrel-vaulted roof was built on the cave-church, and a monastery was built on the site later. 4. Above the 5th-century cave-church, a Byzantine chapel was built that was replaced by a larger church, which was destroyed in 614 AD. The Byzantine church and monastery were rebuilt in the 7th century and survived until the 10th century. 5. In 1972, in order to build a new church above the cave-church, excavations verified the remains of three different churches dating to the 5th, 6th, and 7th centuries. 6. The cave-church Helena built served the Orthodox community from the 4th century to 1955. 7. Today, a new large church has been built, the 4th-century cave-church has been restored, and the remains of the upper church and monastery have been preserved. 8. According to tradition dating from the 4th century, this site was associated with the place where Jacob pastured his flock and built Mignal Eder (Tower of the Flocks), referred to in Genesis 35:16. The remains of the base of this tower are still visible today. 9. If Mignal Eder is the site where Jacob erected a tower in Rachel’s memory, this would also be the biblical location of Rachel’s Tomb, and Jacob would have lived in this area for some time. Places of Interest 1. Rachel’s Tomb 2. Church of the Nativity 3. Franciscan Shepherds’ Field 4. Greek Orthodox Shepherds’ Field Mignal Eder Tower 5. Fields of Boaz Shepherds’ Fields in the Bible 1. The Greek Orthodox Church site is associated with Mignal Eder, the place Jacob erected a tower of memorial to Rachel after her death. Genesis 35:16–21: Then they journeyed from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath [Bethlehem], Rachel went into labor, and she had hard labor. 17 And when her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, "Do not fear, for you have another son." 18 And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. 19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem), 20 and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb. It is the pillar of Rachel's tomb, which is there to this day. 21 Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder . 2. Ruth gleaned in the grain fields of Boaz and then married him (Boaz was the Great Grandfather of King David). Ruth 2:1–2: Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3. Angels appeared to shepherds out in the field, watching their flocks by night. Luke 2:8–14: And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field , keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 4. The shepherds went in haste to see Jesus. Luke 2:15–16: When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 5. The shepherds spread the good news of Jesus’ birth and returned, glorifying and praising God. Luke 2:17–20: And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Faith Lesson from the Shepherds’ Fields 1. The shepherds were the first to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth. 2. Shepherds were considered among the lowliest people. To be a shepherd was to be a nobody. It was a boring, lonely, despised job no one wanted. 3. Because Christ came to save all people and show his humility, the angels appeared to the shepherds as a sign that the “Good News” was available for all, from the lowliest shepherds to the noblest kings (the Magi). 4. Do we believe salvation is for everyone? 5. Are we humble like the shepherds were? 6. The shepherds went in haste to see Jesus. Do we show zeal and fervor in our desire to be with Jesus? 7. The shepherds spread the good news about Jesus. Do we share the good news (gospel) with others as well?

Shechem is the place where Moses and the Israelites brought the bones of Joseph out of Egypt and buried them here. Shechem is also the location of Jacob's Well, which he built almost 4,000 years ago. During the time of Jesus, Jesus met a Samaritan woman here and spoke words of eternal life to her. Joseph's Tomb, Shechem Photo Gallery Places of Interest Joseph's Tomb, Shechem Introduction Welcome to Joseph's Tomb in Shechem (Known as Nablus today). Many significant events from the Bible took place in this area. These are the highlights. 1. The book of Genesis says that before Joseph died, he made his brothers promise to carry his bones from Egypt to Canaan. He was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. 2. Later, in Exodus, we are told that Moses kept this promise by taking Joseph’s bones when the Israelites left Egypt. 3. Finally, in the book of Joshua, it says that Joseph’s bones were buried in Shechem. 4. This is the place it's believed they were buried. Location 1. Joseph's Tomb is located in biblical Shechem, also known as Sychar in the New Testament and as Tel Balata and Nablus today. 2. Shechem is located about 30 miles (48 km) north of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Tel Aviv. 3. It was in the Samaria region of Israel in the territory of Ephraim during Bible times. 4. It was on a main north-south travel route that linked the northern and southern parts of Israel. 5. It was also on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley. 6. Shechem lies between the two famous mountains of Gerizim and Ebal. Historical Background 1. In the sixth century, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527–565 AD), Joseph’s tomb was depicted on the Madaba Mosaic Map, indicating that the shrine existed before the Islamic era. This is also supported by a description of the tomb by the sixth-century AD Christian pilgrim and archdeacon Theodosius. Who mentions in his De situ Terrae Sanctae, “Close to Jacob’s Well are the remains of Joseph the Holy” (Golden 2004: 187). 2. The late Dr. Zvi Ilan, one of Israel's foremost archeologists, described Joseph's Tomb as: "...one of the tombs whose location is known with the utmost degree of certainty and is based on continuous documentation since biblical times." 3. At different times in history, Joseph’s Tomb has been the center of religious conflict. In the early Byzantine period, Samaritans and Christians fought violently over who controlled it. 4. After Israel took the West Bank in 1967, Palestinians were no longer allowed to worship here, and the place slowly became a Jewish prayer site. 5. Disputes between Jews and Muslims over the tomb grew common. Even after the Oslo Accords placed it under the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), it stayed guarded by Israeli soldiers, and Muslims were not allowed to pray here. 6. In 2000, at the start of the Al-Aqsa Intifada, Palestinians rioted, destroyed, and burned the tomb right after it was handed to the PNA. 7. When Israel reoccupied Nablus (biblical Shechem) during Operation Defensive Shield in 2002, Jewish worshippers began returning occasionally. 8. Between 2009 and 2010, the tomb was repaired, a new dome was added, and Jewish visits resumed. 9. In 2011, Palestinian police killed an Israeli worshipper at the site. The tomb was vandalized again by Palestinian rioters in 2015 and 2022. Places of Interest 1. Courtyard and Walls The building is in the Ottoman style and features a northern courtyard with a central water basin, as well as a domed inner room containing a stone memorial. The courtyard measures approximately 18 feet (5.5 meters) in width. Its white, plastered walls are approximately 1 foot (0.3 m) thick, 10 feet (3 m) high, and well-preserved. The entrance is located on the north side, through the remains of a small, square-domed building. On the south wall, there are two Hebrew inscriptions. 2. Burial Chamber The current “burial chamber” is a small rectangular room with a stone memorial, built in 1868. It contains no ancient building materials. Joseph's Bones and Tomb In the Bible 1. Joseph made an oath with his sons that when he died, his bones would be carried out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Genesis 50:24-26: Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will assuredly take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear , saying, “God will assuredly take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here .” 26 So Joseph died at the age of 110 years; and they embalmed him and placed him in a coffin in Egypt. 2. Moses took the bones of Joseph with him when he left Egypt in the Exodus. Exodus 13:19: And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him , for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will certainly take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.” 3. Joseph's bones were buried in Shechem. Joshua 24:32: Now they buried the bones of Joseph , which the sons of Israel brought up from Egypt, at Shechem , in the plot of land which Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money; and they became the inheritance of Joseph’s sons. 4. The bones of Joseph, being buried here in Shechem, fulfill God's promises and covenants. Hebrews 11:22: By faith Joseph , when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. Faith Lesson from Shechem 1. By faith, Joseph wanted to dwell in the Promised Land. Joseph instructed the nation to take his bones with them when they departed from Egypt. He wanted to dwell in the Promised Land. What about us? Do we have the faith to trust God that He will lead us to the Promised Land, which symbolizes His best for us, and ultimately, heaven? 2. It took a long time for the promise to be fulfilled. From the time Joseph ordered that his bones were to be carried to the Promised Land to their fulfillment was about 400 years. What about us? Are we learning to be patient in waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled in our own lives? 3. This hope for burial in the Promised Land foreshadowed the hope of resurrection. Joseph knew that God is Lord of the living and that the only way to dwell with God would be to dwell in His holy land. Thus, Joseph’s desire to be buried in Israel reflects hope that God would visit His people there and raise him from the dead. This hope is ours as well. What about us? Is our hope firm that we will be given glorified bodies to live with God and one another in paradise for all eternity?

This site has a treasure trove of things to see: Roman crushed street, Trumpeter's Stone, Temple Mount Walls, ancient stones, Mikvahs, Pilgrims' Round, the Southern Stairs (also known as the Rabbis' Stairs), the Ophel, and many ancient ruins. Discover fascinating facts about how discipleship took place during Jesus' time. Jerusalem Archaeological Park Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jerusalem Archaeological Park Introduction Welcome to Jerusalem Archaeological Park. This site has a treasure trove of amazing things to see. Here are the highlights. Model of ancient Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. Ancient building stones. Roman Street, which was crushed by Roman destruction in 70 AD. Trumpeter's Stone Robinson's Arch Southern Stairs (Rabbis' Stairs) Mikvahs Ophel (space between the City of David and Temple Mount) Ruins dating to the time of Solomon. Hulda Gates Excavations in this area began in 1968 and have yielded breathtaking discoveries. Location The Jerusalem Archaeological Park is located on the southwest corner of the Temple Mount. Historical Background 1. The Southern Stairs were one of the main entrances from the south to the Temple Mount during Christ's time. Two main gate entrances led from these stairs up to the Temple Mount Platform. These gates are commonly known as the Hulda Gates. The gate for entering the Temple Mount Platform was on the right (east side), and the gate for leaving the Temple Mount was on the left (western side). In the Mishna, there is a simple and beautiful regulation regarding how to enter the Hulda gates. "All who enter the Temple Mount shall enter from the eastern side of the gate (right side) and then exit through the western side of the gate (left side), except those who lost a loved one and are in mourning or have a sick person at home or lost a valuable object." All those who entered from the western side gate and exited via the eastern side gate (in the opposite direction) would know that something bad had happened to them and could offer words of comfort. This was a custom that demonstrated sensitivity and care to others. 2. King Herod had them redone and made them stagger so no one could enter or depart the presence of God (signified by entering or leaving the temple area) without being thoughtful in the process. 3. The stairs were hundreds of feet wide, providing plenty of space for congregating and teaching. 4. They were the main access to the temple from the City of David and the western area of the city, where most of the population lived. 5. Multitudes arrived at the stairs by using the Pilgrim's Road (Herodian St.), which connected the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount. As they ascended this road, they sang the songs of ascent found in Psalms 120-134. 6. The Pool of Siloam was a massive mikveh at the lower part of the City of David that the Jews used for purification purposes before entering the Temple Mount. 7. There were also many purification mikvehs at the base of the Southern Stairs as well (around 48 total). 8. The Southern Stairs were also called “The Rabbis’ Stairs” or the “Teaching Stairs” as rabbis taught their disciples on them. 9. There is no doubt Jesus would have walked on these stairs and taught His disciples here. It’s also likely that the young Apostle Paul sat here under the teaching of Gamaliel as well (Acts 22:3). 10. The stairs were cut out of the mountain's bedrock, and part of them can still be seen today. This staircase consisted of 30 steps. The steps alternate in width, with narrow, wide, narrow, and wide sections. These uneven steps have led some to speculate that the stairs were built to correspond to the rhythm of the fifteen Psalms known as the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). In other words, the fifteen wide steps were built to represent each of these fifteen Psalms of Ascent. Psalm 122:1,2 (one of the Psalms of ascent) says, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord. Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.’” 11. It’s very likely that part of Pentecost took place here or ended up here. The Royal Stoa was located just above us on the southern end of the Temple Mount. It was a huge covered portico that ran the whole length of the Temple Mount at the southern part. The Hebrew word for "house" refers to a dwelling, such as a temple or a covered structure. It doesn't really refer to a home. Just think that you are in the area where the Pentecost event took place. And, of course, around here are all these Mikvehs where the 3,000 who received Christ on Pentecost would be baptized. 12. The other main entrance to the Temple Mount from the south was Robinson's Arch Stairway. The southern stairs and Robinson's Arch Stairway served pilgrims who accessed the Temple Mount from Pilgrim's Road. This road led from the Pool of Siloam up to the Temple Mount. 13. The City of David lies just to the south of this area. This is where a significant portion of Jerusalem's population resided. Later, Hezekiah expanded Jerusalem to the south and west and built what is known today as Hezekiah's Broad Wall. As a result, this southern part of the Temple Mount was highly used. Places of Interest 1. Model of Archaeological Site at Entrance 2. Different Kinds of Stones Herodian Hasmonean Solomon/Hezekiah 3. Herod's Temple Mount Expansion Section 4. Temple Mount Wall Time Periods Herod Period Umayyad Period Suleiman the Magnificent Period 5. Trumpeter's Cornerstone (House of the Trumpeter). The original top part is in the Israel Museum. This one is an exact replica. The Jewish historian Josephus writes about this in his writings. Three blowings of the trumpet took place: (1) for the farmers to stop their work, (2) for the shopkeepers to close down, and (3) for the Sabbath to officially begin (or other holy feasts). 6. Shops on both sides of the street. Before the 1860 excavation, this street lay buried under approximately 57 feet of debris. 7. Broken Pavement from the stones that fell during the Roman destruction in 70 AD. 8. Burnt layers in the Western Wall from the Roman destruction. 9. Robinson's Arch There was a series of bridges and arches on the west side of the Temple Mount that allowed people access to the Temple platform. One of these arches, located close to the southern end of the Western Wall, is known as Robinson's Arch. The arch was discovered in 1838 AD and named after its discoverer, American researcher Edward Robinson. It was destroyed during the Great Jewish Revolt, only a few decades after its completion. 10. Isaiah Stone Right under Robinson's Arch, we can see the so-called "Isaiah Stone." It has a carved inscription in Hebrew, a partial quote or paraphrase of Isaiah 66:14. The carving reads: "And they will see, and rejoice your heart, and your bones like grass shall flourish." The verse they are quoting goes like this: When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants, and His indignation to His enemies. The inscription, dated to around 300-700 AD, tells us that the Jews of that time venerated the Temple Mount as the location of the temple. It's just another piece of evidence revealing the Temple Mount as the authentic place where the temple once stood. 11. Pilgrim's Road (Herodian St.) led from the Pool of Siloam to the Southern Stairs and Robinson's Arch Stairway area. 12. Mikvehs by the Western Wall Area 13. Umayyad Palace Constructed around 700 AD. Eastern wall of the palace. 14. Hulda Gates The right side (eastern side) was the entrance to the Temple Mount. The left side (western side) was for departing the Temple Mount. Southern Stairs They were also referred to as the Rabbis' Stairs. Jesus undoubtedly would have walked these stairs and taught His disciples on them. They consisted of 30 unevenly spaced steps. These uneven steps have led some to speculate that the stairs were built to correspond to the rhythm of the fifteen Psalms known as the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). Psalm 122:1-2: I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord. Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem ." The fact that the stairs are uneven in width prevented worshippers from running up them, thus maintaining a stately decorum as they entered the Temple. 14. Mikvehs by the Southern Stairs. 15. Royal Stoa - Large public meeting building on the south side of the Temple Mount just above the Southern Stairs. Pentecost Area 16. Crusader Tower 17. Temple Mount 28. City of David Discipleship in the Time Of Jesus 1. Discipleship in the Time of Jesus To understand biblical discipleship in its fullness, we must examine how it functioned during the time of Christ. Ray Vander Laan provides a rich understanding of this area. He notes, “Discipleship was a very common practice in Christ’s day and especially in the Galilee area. The people of Galilee were the most religious Jews in the world in the time of Jesus. This is quite contrary to the common view that the Galileans were simple, uneducated peasants from an isolated area. This perspective is probably due to the comments made in the Bible, which appear to belittle people from this area .” Vander Laan continues, “The Galilean people were actually more educated in the Bible and its application than most Jews were. More famous Jewish teachers come from Galilee than anywhere else in the world. They were known for their great reverence for Scripture and their passionate desire to be faithful to it .” 2. Discipleship Training Began Early in Life Discipleship training, as we know it today, actually began very early in a Jewish child's life. They would enter grade school (called Beth Sefer) at around 4–5 years of age, which was generally held at the local synagogue. The teacher at the synagogue was referred to as a rabbi. At this level, they would mainly be instructed in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament), learning to read, write, and memorize it. The rest of the Old Testament was referred to as well. Much of the Torah was committed to memory, and it’s likely that by the time this level of education was completed (around age 13), they had memorized a significant portion of it. After grade school, the best students continued to middle school (called Beth Midrash). They would continue to learn and memorize the Torah, but also branch out to learn the rest of the Old Testament, committing much of it to memory. After the Beth Midrash level, those who wanted to continue in discipleship would then seek out a rabbi who would accept them as disciples. They would often leave home to travel with him for extended periods of time. These students were called talmidim (talmids) in Hebrew, which translates to "disciple." 3. Memorization Was a Key Factor in Discipleship Memorization was important during Jesus’ day because most people didn’t have their own copy of the Scriptures; they either had to memorize it or go to the synagogue to consult the local village scroll. As mentioned, by the time a child finished the Beth Midrash level of education, they had memorized most of the Torah and much of the Old Testament. The common memorization technique involved rote, constant repetition, a practice still used to this day. 4. A Disciple Imitated His Rabbi Discipleship in Christ’s day involved a heavy dose of imitation. A talmid (disciple) emulated his rabbi in all facets of life. His goal was to be like his rabbi. Vander Laan adds, “There is much more to a talmid than simply calling one a student. A student wants to know what the teacher knows to complete the class or degree, or even out of respect for the teacher. A talmid wants to be like the teacher, that is, to become what the teacher is.” That meant that students were passionately devoted to their rabbi and took note of everything he did or said. Vander Laan continues, “The rabbi-talmid relationship was a very intense and personal system of education. As the rabbi lived and taught his understanding of the Scripture to his students, they listened, watched, and imitated him to become like him. Eventually, they would become teachers themselves, passing on a lifestyle to their own talmidim.” 5. Discipleship Entailed Learning Much Scripture The very few talmids that reached the status of a rabbi were highly respected and sought after. Those who became rabbis were incredibly knowledgeable in Scripture, and many had memorized much, if not all, of the Old Testament. As mentioned, during Christ’s day, they didn’t have their own personal Bibles like we do today, so they had to memorize it to reference and discuss it. As a result of memorizing so much Scripture, the rabbis were extremely knowledgeable in God’s Word. Those who wanted to learn from a rabbi also committed much, if not all, of the Old Testament to memory. This was a requirement for being a disciple, as their discussions about Scripture didn’t focus mainly on what the Scriptures said, but on what they meant. Rabbis in the time of Christ would be equivalent to theologians today who hold at least one Ph.D. in theology. To reach the status of a rabbi was a great accomplishment. They were the ones who decided on the country's biblical doctrines, practices, and customs. Their words were exceptionally authoritative and valued. Doug Greenwold says, “In the world of Pharisaism, rabbis were the teachers who had been given the authoritative role to interpret God’s Word for the living of a righteous life—defining what behavior would or would not please God.” Rabbis were affiliated with various groups, including the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, and others. For example, John the Baptist was a rabbi who had his own disciples (Luke 5:33), and the Apostle Paul was a disciple of Gamaliel before eventually becoming a disciple of Christ at his conversion to Christianity. Some rabbis attained notable status and had a significant influence on both religious and governmental affairs. 6. Strict Devotion Was Expected The rabbis expected strict, complete devotion and adherence to their teachings. They expected loyalty and obedience even beyond that given to their families. Greenwold states, “If a rabbi ultimately agreed to a would-be disciple’s request and allowed him to become a disciple, the disciple-to-be agreed to submit totally to the rabbi’s authority in all areas of interpreting the Scriptures for his life. This was a cultural given for all observant Jewish young men—something each truly wanted to do. As a result, each disciple came to a rabbinic relationship with a desire and a willingness to do just that—surrender to the authority of God’s Word as interpreted by his rabbi’s view of Scripture.” Different rabbis held varying views of Scripture, so students would choose their rabbis based on their recognition in the country and their theological positions. Today, it would be similar to choosing a seminary for a student's graduate-level theological training. These rabbis would occasionally take their students on training trips that could last from several days to several weeks. These were intense training times, when all distractions from the busyness of life were set aside and the students focused entirely on their rabbi's teachings. The example of Paul and why he refused to take Mark on a missionary trip. Acts 15:36-40: And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. The rabbis also had favorite teaching places, one of which was on the Southern Steps, which led up to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Tradition holds that even Christ taught His disciples on these steps. 7. Theological Discussions Were a Part of Discipleship It was common for the rabbi and his disciples (a group known as Yeshivas) to wrestle deeply with the Word of God. These yeshivas would engage in intense dialogue and debate over various aspects of life and what Scripture said about them. “It was a standard part of rabbinic teaching methodology.” Greenwold adds, “Studying their rabbi’s view of Scripture and wrestling with the text to comprehend God’s way for the conduct of their life was the main priority of a disciple and the yeshiva experience. Since all disciples had memorized most, if not all, of their Hebrew Scriptures in preparation for their Bar Mitzvahs at age 13, the issue was not what God’s Word said but rather what it meant and how it was to be lived out.” During their periods of intense dialogue and debate, these yeshivas arrived at their theological convictions and doctrinal positions. 8. Tr ansparency and Accountability Were the Norms There was remarkable transparency among these yeshivas, as they spent significant time together during their teaching sessions and discipleship training trips. Doug Greenwold says it well: “Unlike many of our contemporary discipleship programs, there was no curriculum or agenda for this multi-year discipling experience. Rather, it was a continual daily relational living experience where either the rabbi would ask questions of the disciple as he closely observed the disciple’s life, or the disciple would initiate a discussion by raising an issue or asking a question based on some aspect of his daily life .” In this discipleship format, not only was theology passed on, but character, attitudes, and behavior. 9. The Meaning of “Believe” As a disciple learned from their rabbi, they were placing their entire trust and belief in him. This process was called “believing.” Unlike today, the term “believe” has a very different meaning in Hebrew culture. Once again, Greenwold states it well: “The Semitic understanding of ‘believe’ was not based on an intellectual assent to a creed, doctrinal statement, or series of faith propositions. Rather, to a first-century disciple, ‘believe’ is a verb in which you willingly submit to your rabbi’s interpretive authority regarding God’s Word in every area of your life. Thus, to say you were a disciple in the name of Gamaliel meant that you totally surrendered your life to Gamaliel’s way of interpreting Scripture. As a result, you conformed all of your life’s behavior to his interpretations .” In Hebrew culture, the word “believe” meant taking action, applying knowledge to daily life, and changing some attitude or perspective on life, not just mentally knowing something and remaining unchanged. Today, the word “believe” is often used as a noun and tends to imply mere intellectual agreement or mental assent, which is a significantly different meaning from its usage in Christ’s day. Faith Lesson 1. Discipleship Meant Commitment Considering the historical significance of discipleship, we can now gain a deeper understanding of the discipleship process Christ employed with His disciples. He called them to follow Him, be with Him, learn from Him, practice what they learned, surrender completely to Him, and love Him more than their families, friends, and culture. It meant even being willing to die for Him if needed. Therefore, a disciple can be summed up as a disciplined learner or student who chooses to follow Christ, their rabbi, to such a degree that they submit their entire life, will, time, plans, desires, dreams, character, and efforts entirely to Him and His teachings. They are willing to deny themself, take up their cross, and obey all His commands with total abandonment. A biblical disciple is a person who gives complete devotion and loyalty to Christ, above all human relationships and influences. It’s a person who is willing to die for the cause of Christ daily, and once and for all if needed. 2. The discipleship process during Christ's time placed a strong emphasis on knowing God’s Word, relational mentoring, character, discipline, commitment, and devotion. 3. Discipleship in Christ’s Day Versus Discipleship Today How are Christians and the church performing today in terms of biblical discipleship? The contrast between discipleship in Christ’s time and discipleship today is quite staggering. Unlike Christ’s disciples, who knew Scripture exceedingly well and had much of it memorized, 81% of Christians today don’t read their Bibles regularly and are largely biblically illiterate. Unlike Christ’s disciples, who were fishers of men and took the gospel to the ends of the earth, 61% of Christians today haven’t even shared their faith in the last six months. Unlike Christ’s disciples, who prayed extensively, the average Christian today spends only 1–7 minutes a day in prayer. And unlike Christ and the Apostles, who made discipleship a core part of their ministries, 81% of pastors have no regular discipleship program for mentoring their people. It’s clear that the value Christ and the Apostles gave to discipleship is vastly different from the value the average Evangelical church and Christian give it today.

What are the differences between Christianity and Islam? Which one is true? There are huge differences that you need to know. Learn all about them in this comprehensive discussion of this important topic. The Differences Between Islam & Christianity What Are the Differences Between Islam and Christianity? Which One Is True? Introduction What are the differences between Islam and Christianity? Which one is true? You will be amazed at the differences! Islam and Christianity are the world's two largest religions. We will explore and show you things you probably don't know about this important topic, so let's explore it and see what we can learn. God Loves All P eople The religion of Islam is primarily made up of Arabs. However, this discussion is not about all Arabs and is not intended to be anti-Arab. I have several Arab friends and have met many Arab people while in the Holy Land who are wonderful folks. God loves all people, and every person is equal and created in the image of God. The Differences Bet ween the Bible and the Quran Details About the Bible 1. It has 1,189 chapters with about 783,000 words. 2. The Bible was written over a period of 1500 years, beginning in 1400 BC and ending in 100 AD. However, it reveals everything from the details of creation at the beginning of time and goes all the way to the end of the world and the creation of the new heavens and earth and eternity future. 3. It was written by around 40 different authors. This is a miracle in and of itself and gives the Bible incredible credibility. The fact that all the accounts harmonize is amazing. 4. It was w ritten on 3 different continents. 5. It is generally chronological in nature and has many different genres. 6. It claims to be inspired by God and is His word to humanity. 7. Jesus affirmed the Bible as God's Word. 8. The Bible contains many, many detailed prophecies. Many of which have come to pass. Details A bout the Quran 1. The Quran consists of 114 chapters, with around 78,000 words in all. It’s about one-tenth the size of the Bible. 2. The Quran was supposedly revealed to Muhammad by an angel (Muslims say it was Gabriel) over a period of around 22 years, beginning in around 61 0 AD and ending in 632 AD. 3. It is not chronologically written. It has the longer chapters at the beginning and the shorter chapters towards the end. 4. Muhammad, who received the so-called revelations, was illiterate and did not write any of the Quran. It was written after Muhammad died from accounts he shared with others. 5. It appears the Quran used other sources known at the time that are included in it. 6. It has some of the same characters as the Bible but changes many things about them. 7. It claims to be inspired by Allah and is his word to humanity. 8. The Quran contains just a few general prophecies . 9. Muslims claim the Quran has been unchanged during the past 1400 years of its existence. However, this is not true at all. There have been many different versions of the Quran, with thousands of differences among them. It's only since 1985 that there has been a universal Quran that is used worldwide by Muslims. Observation About the Quran Logically, why would God wait until 610 AD to reveal His will to mankind? What about the thousands of years of history before this time? How were people supposed to relate to their Creator? This fact about the Quran is very problematic and makes God out to be extremely irresponsible. The Roots of Christianity and Islam Both Christianity and Islam have their roots in Abraham and his offspring. Therefore, it's vital that we carefully look at this issue. While both faiths share the same roots, they have totally different beliefs regarding the Abrahamic Covenant and its meaning. We'll mainly be looking at the Bible's account of this covenant because this is where it's mainly found. The Abrahamic Covenant consists of three promises God established with Abraham. 1. A Land 2. A Nation or People 3. A Lineage – Through the lineage of Isaac would come Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The Abrahamic Covenant The Abrahamic Covenant is given numerous times in Genesis chapters 12-17 and continually reaffirmed throughout both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. You will notice that the Bible uses the name Abram before it is later changed to Abraham, which means father of many nations. God promises a land and a people: Genesis 13:14-17 The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever . 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. 17 Arise, walk throug h the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” God promises Abraham a son: Genesis 15:18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates. After waiting a long time without Abraham and Sarah having a child, Sarah tries to fulfill this promise through her handmaid, Hagar. The birth of Ishmael: Genesis16:11-12 After Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, there arose bitterness between Sarah and Hagar. Then God describes the kind of person Ishmael would be. “Behold, you [Hagar] are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” What do we see here? 1. The bitterness between Sarah and Hagar begins the conflict we see today. Later, this bitterness would include Ishmael and Isaac. 2. Ishmael will be a wild donkey of a man and will be against everyone and everyone against him. We certainly see this throughout history. The fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant would come through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, not through Ishmael. Genesis 17:15-22: And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” 22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. What do we see here? 1. The Abrahamic Covenant, an everlasting covenant, would be through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. God’s covenant would not be through Ishmael. 2. Ishmael would be the father of a great multitude, which are the Arab people. 3. Through the Abrahamic Covenant, fulfilled in Isaac, would come Jesus Christ, the prophesied Savior. Galatians 3:13-14, 16: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles , so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed . He does not say, “And to seeds,” as one would in referring to many, but rather as in referring to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. Galatians 3:29: And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring , heirs according to promise. What do we see here? 1. The genealogies of the Bible, which oftentimes we think are boring, are so important. They prove that Jesus Christ fulfills the lineage aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant that dates back to around 4,000 years. 2. P rophecy is what sets the Bible apart from any other writing. It contains very specific, detailed prophecies. So, in summary, the Abrahamic Covenant, which is the major storyline of the Bible, includes three major aspects: 1. A Land through Abraham’s son, Isaac, and his offspring, which today is known as the Holy Land. 2. A Nation or people through Abraham’s son, Isaac, and his offspring, which today are called the Jews or Israelis. 3. A Lineage – Through the lineage of Isaac would come Christ, the Savior of the world. The Ro ots of Islam The religion of Islam, which came into being in around 610 AD, completely denies the Bible’s storyline and radically changes it. Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mohamad and gave him a number of revelations from around 610-632 AD. The Quran and Muslim theology believe the following: 1. The Abrahamic Covenant was intended for Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 2. The Holy Land is for Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 3. The promise of a nation or people is through Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 4. Jesus Christ is not the Savior but just a prophet, and Mohamad is greater than Jesus and is the last prophet. 5. I t denies the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 6. It believes the Bible is corrupted and that the Quran is the true revelation from God. Note: This Muslim belief cannot be true because the Dead Sea Scrolls, written around 100 BC, 700 years before Mohamad, verify that the Old Testament we have today is the same as what was written in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Also, Islam does more than just claim the Bible has been corrupted. It denies about 95% of the Bible is even true. For example, the New Testament's main theme is that salvation is through Jesus Christ and how to live and serve Him as a result. Islam denies all this. So, saying the Bible has been corrupted is not an accurate statement. The truth is that Islam rejects virtually all of the Bible and what it teaches. 6. Mohamad is the main example of how we should live. This even includes marrying children, as Mohamad married a 6-year-old girl when he was 51 and then consummated the marriage (had sex with her) when she was 10 years old. Marrying children is extremely common among Muslims. The Difference Between Jesus and Muhammad 1. Jesus performed every kind of miracle to show He was Lord of every aspect of creation. Muhammad performed no miracles. Here are the kinds of miracles Christ performed: He healed all kinds of sickness. He had power over the demons and the demonic world. He had power over the weather and calmed the sea. He had power over nature and cursed a fig tree, and it died. He had power over animals – He cast demons into a herd of swine, performed miraculous catches of fish, and rode into Jerusalem on an untamed donkey. He had power over food – He fed 5,000 and 4,000 people. He had power over death – He raised a number of people from the dead and rose from the dead Himself. He had the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:10). Only God can forgive sins. 2. Jesus fulfilled countless detailed prophecies spoken of in the Old Testament. Muhammad fulfilled no prophecies spoken of in the Old Testament. In fact, his name is not even mentioned. 3. Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh. Muhammad made no such claim. 4. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. Muham mad was sinful and had a very troubling life. 5. Jesus died for the sins of all mankind. Muhammad did not. 6. Jesus was never married. Mohammed had eleven wives. 7. Jesus had a supernatural birth through Mary, a virgin. Muhammad's birth was natural. 8. The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are historical facts that can be proven by history, eyewitness accounts, many extra-biblical sources, and archaeology. Muhammad denied all these facts and said they were lies. 9. Jesus rose from His grave and ascended back to heaven. Muhammad did no such thing. What Does the Quran Teach About Jesus? Now, because Jesus is the center of the entire storyline of the Bible, performed countless miracles, fulfilled countless prophecies, fulfilled the Abrahamic Covenant lineage, was crucified for our sins, rose from the dead, claimed to be God in the flesh, and that salvation from our sins only comes through Jesus, the Savior of the world, let’s look at what the Quran says about Jesus. This is what the Quran says about Jesus: Jesus is not the Son of God. Quran 19:88-92: And they (Christians) say, “The Most Merciful has begotten son ?” 89. You (Christians) have come up with something monstrous. 90. At which the heavens almost rupture, and the earth splits, and the mountains fall and crumble. 91. Because they (Christians) attribute a son to the Most Merciful. 92. It is not fitting for the Most Merciful to have a son. Jesus did not die on the Cross for our sins. Quran 4:157: And for their saying, “We have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of God.” In fact, they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them as if they did. Indeed, those who differ about him are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it, except the following of assumptions. Certainly, they did not kill him. Unbelievers are those who believe Jesus was the Messiah. Quran 5:17. They disbelieve those who say, “God is the Christ, the son of Mary .” Those who believe Jesus is the Messiah are cursed by Allah. Quran 9:30. The Jews said, “Ezra is the son of God (which is not true),” and the Christians said, “The Messiah is the son of God.” These are their statements, out of their mouths. They emulate the statements of those who blasphemed before. May Allah assail them! How deceived they are! 31. They have taken their rabbis and their priests as lords instead of Allah, as well as the Messiah son of Mary. According to Muslims, the Angel Gabriel revealed the Quran to Mohamad. Interestingly, what the Angel Gabriel said in the Bible about Jesus is totally opposite of what Muslims believe he said to Mohamad. Luke 1:26-33 says: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David [who is the descendant of Isaac]; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and was pondering what kind of greeting this was. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High ; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob [son of Isaac] forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Islam teaches that salvation is not through Jesus Christ. Islam denies that salvation is attained through believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and that Jesus did all this to be a sacrifice for our sins. That salvation is a free gift given when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. In Islam, salvation comes through keeping the five pillars of Islam. Salvation in Islam is through works. Salvation in the Bible is a free gift offered by Jesus Christ, our sacrifice for sins. What Does the Bible Say About Those Who deny the Bible’s Claims about Jesus Christ? 1 John 2:22-23: Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist , the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also. 2 John 1:7: For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Jude 1:3: Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints. Galatians 1:6-9: I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the Gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! The Bible claims you can only tr uly know God and be saved by believing and embracing Jesus. 1 John 5:11-13: And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. The Bible claims there is only one way to salvation. Acts 4:12: And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.” What do we see here? 1. According to the Bible, the religion of Islam is cursed because an angel revealed a different gospel to Mohamad than what was already revealed in the Bible. 2. The Bible claims that there is no other truth and Gospel but that found in the Bible and that it was given once and for all. Islam states just the opposite and contradicts the Bible. 3. Someone who is anti-Christ denies Jesus is the Savior, denies God is His Father, and denies Jesus came in the flesh. The religion of the Antichrist will do the same. 4. As you can see, what the Quran says about Jesus is entirely different than what the Bible says. Therefore, it could not be the Angel Gabriel who revealed any revelation to Mohamad. The problem with believing Jesus was a prophet or great teacher. Bible prophesies claim Jesus was God in the flesh. Also, Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh. Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child [Jesus Christ] is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father , Prince of Peace. John 8:56-59: Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am [same Hebrew word God said to Moses when Moses asked Him who he should tell the Egyptians sent him].” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 10:31-33: The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” T here are three options about who Jesus said He was: 1. He was a liar. 2. He was a lunatic. 3. He was who He claimed to be. We can’t believe Jesus was just a prophet because a prophet wouldn’t be a liar or lunatic. The only logical conclusion is that Jesus Christ is indeed who He and the Bible claim Him to be. The Bible’s Claim About Islam According to the Bible, Islam is completely opposite to what the Bible teaches and is an antichrist religion. This explains why they hate Christians and Jews so much. The Jews believe in the Old Testament, and Christians believe in both the Old and New Testaments. Will the coming Antichrist be a Muslim? Many believe that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. This makes sense as Islam theology believes in a coming world leader called Mahdi. He will make a peace treaty for seven years, rule from the temple in Jerusalem, intend to kill all Jews and Christians and force all people to worship Allah. This Mahdi is exactly what the Bible describes as the Antichrist. Also, there is no other religion that is so against Christians and Jews like Islam. Additionally, Muslims believe Jesus will return to earth from heaven. But in their version of Jesus, he returns as a Muslim and will tell all the Christians that what the Bible says about him is wrong. He will destroy Christianity and demand that everyone convert to Islam and set up Islam as the one world faith. As you can see, Islam is anti-Bible and totally changes what the Bible teaches about the Abrahamic Covenant, which includes a land, a people, and a lineage. And most importantly, it teaches that Jesus was not who the Bible claims He is. Jesus warned about this when He was on earth. In Matthew 24:3-5, when Jesus was talking about the end times it says: “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you . 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. What Islam teaches is the very thing Jesus warned believers to be on the lookout for and not to be deceived by it. Islamic World Conquest Through Jihad Explains the Conflicts in Israel The theology of Musli ms is to conquer the world for Allah and institute Muslim rule over the entire world. This rule is also known as Sharia Law. After this is done, they say, then peace will finally come to the world. This is why, since the inception of Islam, Muslims have been engaged in conquering land for Allah. This can be clearly seen in its nearly 1500-year-old history. Therefore, Islam is a violent faith that conquers lands and peoples for Allah by whatever means necessary, as taught in the Quran. We can see this in the following quotes and teachings of Islam. 1. World conquest and Jihad is taught in the Quran and Islamic theology. Quran 8:60: And prepare against them all the power you can muster, and all the cavalry you can mobilize , to thereby Allah’s enemies and your enemies. By using terrorism, governments and people yield to Muslims because of fear. They see the horrifying acts of terrorism and don’t want to make the devoted Muslims angry so they won’t be terrorized. Quran 8:39: Fight them until there is no more persecution, and religion becomes exclusively for Allah. But if they desist—Allah is Seeing of what they do. Quran 47:4: When you encounter those who disbelieve, strike at their necks. Then, when you have routed them, bind them firmly. Then, either release them by grace, or by ransom, until war lays down its burdens. Had Allah willed, He could have defeated them Himself, but He thus tests some of you by means of others. As for those who are killed in the way of Allah, He will not let their deeds go to waste. Quran 9:14: Fight them. Allah will punish them at your hands, and humiliate them, and help you against them , and heal the hearts of a believing people. Quran 9:29: Fight those who do not believe in Allah. The theology of Islam promotes the raping and sexual slavery of women if it’s done in connection with Jihad. That’s why the men are generally killed, and the women taken into slavery. 2. Jihad groups, like Hamas, use as part of their warfare, placing their rockets and military operations behind women, children, schools, hospitals, mosques, and so forth. This way, when these places are targeted and destroyed, they can cry out that horrific abuses have been done to their innocent places and people. 3. According to the current leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Mahmoud Abbas, no Jews would be allowed to live in the land of Israel unless they converted to Muslim if a State of Palestine was created. This is completely opposite to what the state of Israel allows. Israel has many Arab citizens, has Arabs in their government leadership, and allows for complete freedom of religion. 4. According to a Muslim statement, Muslims should not submit to any form of government that is not Muslim, and no non-Muslim government has the right to rule Muslims. And if they do, Muslims have the duty to dislodge non-Muslim governments from power by any means possible. 5. Under Muslim-run countries, there is no separation of church and state. The government rules as a theocracy for Allah. This is also known as Sharia Law. 6. When Muslims conquer countries, they persecute and pressure non-Muslims to convert, or life will become unbearable for them, even to the point of execution. 7. They also destroy all religious sites like churches, synagogues, and so forth. They do this to show dominance and conquest. This is why they built the Dome of the Rock exactly over where the temple once stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. 8. In Islamic Jihad, it is okay to lie to defeat non-Muslims. This is partly what happened with the recent Hamas invasion of Israel at the time of this filming in 2023, where they killed around 1,400 people and kidnapped around 220 people. They told Israel they wanted peace. Therefore, Israel let their guard down and were deceived. 9. It is also commonly promoted that Islam is a peaceful religion. This is done to deceive the ignorant. History and Muslim theology clearly state that Islam’s purpose is to conquer the world for Allah through Jihad, which is war by all means necessary. 10. There are also terrorism and death sentences in Islam for those who leave Islam or convert to another religion. This includes honor killings, imprisonment, and persecution within Muslim-run countries. I have personal Arabic friends living in Israel who have left Islam and are under threat from family members and other Muslims who want to kill them. 11. Many Arabs and Arab Muslims just want to live in peace and live their lives. However, the devoted Islamic Jihadists are the ones causing most of the trouble. That’s why when peace agreements are made between Israel and Arabs, the Jihadists increase their terrorism. This was clearly evidenced by the OSLO agreement that President Bill Clinton oversaw. The peaceful Muslims don’t do or say anything contrary to the Jihadists out of fear for their lives. So, it’s the devoted Jihadists who control most of the Arab countries. Again, the goal of the devoted Jihadists is to conquer the world for Allah. 12. The devoted Jihadists reject peace because, in their view, peace is losing ground and yielding power. According to them, it stops the progress of conquering the world for Allah. 13. The Islamic Resistance Movement, also known as Hamas, is a Palestinian Islamist militant group founded in 1987. The group’s primary objective is to establish an independent Islamic state in all the Holy Land. To accomplish their purpose, they want to eliminate Israel from the Holy Land. Hamas is known for its armed resistance against Israel and has been designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. 14. The group’s charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic society in what they call “historic Palestine.” Hamas has been governing more than two million Arabs in the Gaza Strip since 2007. 15. In summary, the Quran, Muslim theology, Mohamad’s life, and Muslim history all call for Jihad to punish and fight for Allah in the conquest of the world. Quran 9:14: Fight them. Allah will punish them at your hands, and humiliate them, and help you against them , and heal the hearts of a believing people. This is what the Bible says about Islamic Jihad. John 16:2-3: They will ban you from the synagogue, yet an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering a service to God . 3 These things they will do because they have not known the Father nor Me. Faith Lesson 1. Islam is totally contrary to the Bible and denies about 95% of it. 2. Islam denies the main themes of both the Old and New Testaments. 3. Islam denies Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be and did not die on the Cross for our sins. Therefore, according to the Bible, Islam is an antichrist religion. 4. Islam teaches salvation by works, and Christianity teaches salvation by grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 5. While oftentimes Islam is claimed to be a peaceful religion, this is really not the case. The Quran teaches violence and conquest of the world for Allah and Islam. 6. The main source of the conflicts moving forward will come from Islamic-run countries. Their goal is to conquer the world for Allah by whatever means necessary. This includes every kind of terror imaginable. Therefore, they will be the main players in events moving forward. 7 . It’s very logical a nd probable that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. As we have seen, in Muslim theology, a prophesied future Muslim leader will rule from the Temple Mount over the entire world for seven years. 8. God loves both the Jews and Muslims, and for that matter, all people and desires that everyone comes to salvation through Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish , but that all should reach repentance.

The Church of Pater Noster is located on the top of the Mount of Olives, just below the Chapel of the Ascension. Pater Noster Church, originally called "Eleona," is where Jesus taught about the Lord's Prayer, end time events, and where it's believed He ascended back to heaven. Take a tour of this place and learn how to pray and walk with God in this video. Sites of interest include: Mount of Olives, Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), Garden of Gethsemane. Pater Noster (Eleona) Church Photo Gallery Places of Interest Pater Noster (Eleona) Church Introduction Welcome to Pater Noster Church. Pater Noster means "Our Father" in Latin. 1. This church was built over the cave where it's believed Jesus taught His disciples the Lord's Prayer, as found in Luke 11:1–4. The Crusaders discovered marble plaques on this site, on which the Lord’s Prayer was inscribed in both Greek and Hebrew. Modern archeologists have also uncovered a third plaque inscribed in Latin. 3. It's also the place where it's believed Jesus gave the famous Olivet Discourse about the end times, as found in Matthew 24. 4. We're going to enter the very cave where Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer, and even recite it there. 5. We're going to take a special walk to a place where few tour groups go, overlooking Old City Jerusalem, just like Jesus did with His disciples as He spoke the words of Matthew 24. 6. We'll be in the very footsteps of Jesus as we explore and experience this site. Location 1. The Church of Pater Noster is located on the top of the Mount of Olives, just below the Chapel of the Ascension. 2. It was first named the Church of Eleona, which means "olive grove." Then, later, in around 1100 AD, its name was changed by the Crusaders to Pater Noster Church, which means "Our Father" because it refers to the beginning of the Lord's Prayer. 3. It is part of a Carmelite Monastery, also known as the Sanctuary of the Eleona (Greek for olive grove). 4. It's believed to be the place where Christ taught about the Lord's Prayer, gave the Olivet Discourse as found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, and ascended back to heaven as found in Acts 1:9-11. 5. The location of the ascension of Christ to heaven was moved to the top of the Mount of Olives (where the Chapel of Ascension is located today) around 350 AD, as it was believed to be the actual site where it actually took place. Historical Background 1. Pater Noster means “Our Father” in Latin. 2. Soon after Christ ascended back to heaven, early Christians venerated this site because of its significance. 3. Writing around 318 AD, Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea, who was an eyewitness to this site, writes: "According to the common and received account, the feet of our Lord and Savior, himself the Word of God, truly understood . . . upon the Mount of Olives at the cave that is shown there. On the ridge of the Mount of Olives, he prayed and handed on to his disciples the mysteries of the end, and after this, he made his ascension into heaven as Luke teaches in the Acts of the Apostles." 4. Around 330 AD, a church was commissioned and built by Constantine on this site, marked by Helena, the mother of Constantine. It was one of the numerous churches constructed by Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor. Some of these churches include the Church of the Nativity, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of Pater Noster (formerly known as the Church of Eleona), a Church at Mamre in Hebron, a church at the Shepherds' Fields in Bethlehem, and others. The church was built in three levels on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, with stairs connecting each level. The church was built on the highest level and resembled a long, rectangular hall with two rows of columns. Its apse was on the east side, facing the rising sun. The remains of the apse can still be seen today by taking a set of stairs down into the grotto. The center level was an atrium, a colonnaded forecourt, and the lowest level was on the west side, consisting of a portico (porch) erected on six columns. Only its foundations were discovered during the excavations in the 19th century, including the crypt (cave), located under the eastern edge of the church. 5. The Byzantine church was built over a cave, which, according to tradition, was the place where Jesus taught his disciples how to pray. 6. The Persians destroyed the church in 614 AD, but the memory of Jesus’ teaching continued to be associated with it. Some of the Byzantine church remains can be seen in the backyard outside the present courtyard. 7. When the Crusaders arrived, the site was explicitly associated with the Lord's Prayer, so the Crusaders rebuilt part of the church in 1099. 8. In 1851, the remaining stones of the 4th-century church were sold for tombstones in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Kidron Valley). 9. The site was acquired by Princess Aurelia Bossi de la Tour d'Auvergne (1809–1889) in the second half of the 19th century, and a search for the cave mentioned by early pilgrims began. In 1868, she built a cloister and founded a Carmelite convent in 1872. A convent church was erected in the 1870s. Aurélie, who had a special love for the Lord’s Prayer, decided to purchase all of these ruins, and it is here that she built a convent with a European-style cloister. Aurelie apparently heard about the plaques with the Lord’s Prayer inscribed in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, and it seems that this inspired her to continue the tradition by building 39 more plaques, all in different languages, to be displayed on the walls of the church. Today, there are almost four times as many plaques all over the walls of this church, each one reciting the Lord’s Prayer. 10. In 1910, the foundations of the ancient church that once stood over the venerated cave were finally found, partly stretching beneath the modern cloister. The convent was moved nearby, and reconstruction of the Byzantine church began in 1915. The half-restored church has the exact dimensions as the original, and the garden outside the three doors outlines the open-air area. 11. The reconstruction was stopped in 1927 when funds ran out, and the renewed Church of Eleona remains unfinished. The French architect Marcel Favier, who was appointed to oversee the reconstruction of the ancient church, arrived in Jerusalem in September 1926. 12. The tomb Princess Aurelia Bossi prepared for herself during her lifetime stands at the entrance of the modern church. She died in Florence in 1889, and her remains were brought to the church in 1957, according to her last wish. 13. The Carmelite Cloistered Sisters oversee the current church. 14. It is very likely that Jesus prayed in this vicinity because He had just visited Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ house in Bethany, a short distance away. 15. Jesus also regularly prayed on mountaintops, so the top of the Mount of Olives would be a natural fit. Places of Interest 1. The church has 140 large ceramic plaques containing the Lord’s Prayer in many languages. 2. The cave where it is believed Jesus taught about prayer is in an enclosed courtyard in front of the church and down a few stairs. The cave was partially collapsed when it was discovered in 1910. 3. To the left of the church's south door is an area paved with mosaics and identified as a baptistery. 4. The backyard of the church is where the original Byzantine church was located. 5. The apse of the Byzantine Church can be seen today. 6. The sarcophagus of Princess Aurelie In the year 1856 AD, an aristocratic widow named Aurélie de la Tour d'Auvergne, who had a special affection for the Lord’s Prayer, decided to purchase all of these ruins. It is here that she built a convent with a European-style cloister. She also intended to rebuild the church that once stood here, but it was never completed. 7. Bethany, the town of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. 8. Top of the Mount of Olives 9. Old City Jerusalem The Lord’s Prayer in the Bible In the New Testament, the Lord’s Prayer is mentioned two times. The first and longer form is found in Matthew 6 and is part of the Sermon on the Mount. The shorter form is found in Luke 11 and is a response given by Jesus to a request from one of his disciples to teach them to pray as John had taught his disciples. Apparently, according to Luke 10:38-42, Jesus came to this place to pray while staying at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, who lived in Bethany, located nearby to the southeast. 1. Jesus was asked to teach His disciples how to pray. Luke 11:1–4: It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 And He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” 2. Christ gave examples of how we should pray. Luke 11:5–13: Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9 So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. 11 Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” 3. Jesus also taught about how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:5–15: And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Olivet Discourse in the Bible The Olivet Discourse, as found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, is believed to have occurred here. In these passages, Jesus discusses the events leading up to His second coming and what we can expect. Matthew 24:1-31 Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. 2 But He responded and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” 3 And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. 6 And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 And at that time many will fall away, and they will [g]betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. 12 And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. 14 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Difficult Times Will Come 15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place—let the reader understand— 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. 17 Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get things out of his house. 18 And whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 19 But woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 Moreover, pray that when you flee, it will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no [q]life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘He is over here,’ do not believe him. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 25 Behold, I have told you in advance. 26 So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. 27 For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. Christ's Glorious Return 29 “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Christ's Ascension to Heaven Acts 1:9-11 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, 11 and they said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Faith Lesson from the Lord’s Prayer 1. Jesus prayed regularly and was in constant communion with the Father. Do we do the same? 2. We should not pray repetitious phrases but should pray in a sincere and heartfelt manner. 3. The Lord’s Prayer is not an exact phrase we must pray, but it gives us principles of how to pray. 4. Jesus taught that we should be persistent in prayer. 5. Jesus taught that He is a good, loving Father who delights in answering prayer when it is best for us and His sovereign will. 6. Jesus taught that if we expect God to forgive us, we should forgive others as well. Do we have people in our lives we need to forgive? 7. Do we realize Christ's return will be a real event, and are we ready for His return?

Right beside the Garden of Gethsemane and the Tomb of Mary is an amazing cave where Jesus stayed while in Jerusalem. It was also where Jesus was arrested and taken to be condemned to crucifixion. Gethsemane Cave Grotto Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gethsemane Cave Grotto Introduction 1. This is the most likely place Jesus and His disciples stayed while ministering in Jerusalem. Therefore, you are in the footsteps of Jesus and His disciples right here. 2. This is the most likely place Jesus spent His last moments with the disciples before being arrested and crucified. 3. It was likely from here that Jesus went to pray. 4. In this area, Christ’s sweat became like great drops of blood. 5. In this vicinity, Christ was arrested and taken captive by the Jews. 6. It was a large cave complex used as an olive press. 7. When it wasn't olive season, it was used for lodging. 8. Many believe it was in this cave that Nicodemas came to Jesus at night, as found in John chapter 3. 9. In this place, you are literally in the same place Jesus was. Location 1. Gethsemane Cave is just north of the Garden of Gethsemane and beside the Tomb of Mary. Both are in the Kidron Valley, just east of the Temple Mount platform. 2. Access to the cave is along a narrow-walled passageway leading to the right from the open courtyard in front of the Tomb of Mary. 3. When people hear the word Gethsemane, they usually think of a garden. But Gethsemane wasn’t a garden. The word actually means olive press, not olive grove. It seems that everyone in Jesus’ time understood that Gethsemane was a cave—a location where olive oil was produced. In fact, the first time that we are aware of anyone using the term “Garden of Gethsemane” was around 1100 AD. Historical Background 1. Early Christians set this site apart and venerated it shortly after Jesus ascended back to heaven. 2. Since around 350 AD, this cave has been sanctified by the Christian faith as the place where the disciples waited for Jesus and later witnessed his arrest. A cistern, a fragment of a Greek inscription, and ceiling decorations attest to the site's use in both Byzantine and Crusader times. 3. In the Byzantine period, Christians recorded seeing some of the “Round Stone Beds” on which the disciples fell asleep while waiting for Jesus. 4. Parts of an ancient olive press prove the site is indeed Gethsemane (Gat Shmanim, in Hebrew, means oil press). 5. The natural grotto, which is about 200 sq. yards (190 sq. meters) in area, has essentially been unchanged since Jesus's time. 6. It is believed to be where the disciples slept while Jesus prayed, and where Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested. 7. It may also be the location of Jesus’ nighttime meeting with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). The Catholic Church is the custodian of this cave, and it teaches that Jesus met the Jewish ruler Nicodemus in this cave. In the third chapter of the Gospel of John, it says that in this room there was a conversation between Jesus and one of the leaders of the Jews – a man named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a secret follower of Jesus. And because this cave was outside the city limits, it would have been very easy for him to meet Jesus in secret at night. 8. The grotto is also known as the Cave of the Olive Press. 9. Around 350 AD, the grotto became a chapel. The floor was paved with white mosaic, through which graves were dug. More than 40 graves have been discovered, mainly from the 5th to 8th centuries. 10. The inscriptions on the wall have been interpreted in various ways. The line around the sanctuary seems to mean: “Here [in these representations]: The King sweated blood. Christ the Saviour frequented [this place with his apostles]. My Father, if it is your wish, let this chalice pass from me.” Places of Interest 1. Eyewitnesses from the fourth and sixth centuries attest to the remains of original artifacts, revealing this was the authentic place where the Gethsemane press was and where Jesus was arrested the night before being crucified. 2. Evidence of an olive press was found where the altar is now located. There was a hole in the wall that supported the arm used to hold the lever that pressed the olives. 3. Over the main altar is a representation of Jesus praying among the Apostles. 4. Paintings over the side altars depict the Assumption of the Virgin and the Kiss of Judas. 5. Bronze figures beneath the main altar depict two sleeping disciples. 6. To the right of the right-hand altar is a hole in the wall. It is just at the right height to hold one end of a wooden beam, which, when weighted at the other end, pressed crushed olives piled in loosely woven baskets. 7. Carved cross to the left of the altar. 8. Seven layers of writings on the ceiling toward the back of the cave, dating to shortly after the time of Christ. 9. Cistern toward the back of the cave. 10. Around 80 tombs, some dating to as early as 325 AD. 11. The stars on the ceiling were painted here during the Crusader era, about 900 years ago. These stars are reminiscent of the night when Jesus was arrested. 12. Garden of Gethsemane 13. Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat) 14. Temple Mount Gethsemane Cave in the Bible 1. This is the most likely place Jesus and His disciples stayed while ministering in Jerusalem. Luke 21:37-38: Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives , 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple. 2. Many believe it was in this cave that Nicodemas came to Jesus at night, as found in John chapter 3. John 3:1-3: Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus , a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. 3. This is the most likely place Jesus spent His last moments with the disciples before being arrested and crucified. Matthew 26:30-31: And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives . 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 4. It was likely from here that Jesus went to pray. Matthew 26:36: Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane , and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 5. Christ’s sweat became like great drops of blood nearby. Luke 22:43-44: And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” 6. Christ was arrested and taken captive by the Jews nearby. Matthew 26:45-50: Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand." 47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. Faith Lesson from Gethsemane Cave 1. Jesus willingly went to the cross to pay for our sins and show His great love for us. What about us? Do we truly appreciate what Christ did for us? 2. Jesus was the perfect example of willingly submitting to God and resisting sin and temptation, even sweating drops of blood. What about us? Do we submit to God regardless of the cost? 3. It was here that the disciples fled and abandoned Jesus. What about us? Do we stand firm during trials and persecution?