|
Notice From the Temple at
Jerusalem
The sharp distinction
between Jew and Gentile in matters of worship was based upon the law given
through Moses. In the temple at Jerusalem there was an area which was
strictly 'out of bounds' to all but Jews, and one of the accusations made
against the Apostle Paul was that he had brought Greeks into the temple. We
are told that:-
"...the
Jews...stirred up the people...crying out, Men of Israel. help: This is
the man, that teacheth all men everywhere against the people and the law
and this place and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath
polluted this holy place."
(Acts 21:27-28)
The Bible record is
illustrated by a white limestone notice found in Jerusalem, and dating from
about 30 A.D. The inscription reads:-
'whoever is
caught doing so (i.e. entering the forbidden area) will have himself to
blame that his death ensues.'
This find gives point to
the Apostle's teaching that
"In Christ Jesus ye
who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he
is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle
wall of partition between us."
[Ephesians 2.13,14]
That is, in
Christ the barrier that separates Jew and Gentile has been removed -
"For ye are all one
in Christ Jesus."
(Galatians
3:28) |
Contact
Bible Basics: