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)