Synagogues and the Temple, We Are the Holy of Holies of the Living God

Jesus spent a lot of time teaching in the synagogues, especially in the northern parts of Israel.  There were many synagogues but only one temple.  The temple at Jerusalem in Jesus’ time was the only place sacrifices were made.  It was the place for ritual services preformed to God Almighty.  Jesus never went into the inner temple, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies,  the place of the priestly services.  Jesus did go into the outer courts of the temple complex however.  We should look at the differences between the temple and the synagogue, and the difference between the first temple and the second and third temple.

The first temple was built and dedicated by Solomon to God (2 Chr 7:1-ff).  Fire heaven consumed the offerings at the dedication of the temple.  Temple service included all the stations of the temple, the altar of sacrifice, the laver, the table of shew bread, the oil filled seven branch lamp stand, the altar of incense, the ark of the covenant.  Priests preformed these functions daily.  Zacharias, John the Baptist’s father, was in charge of the altar of incense during John’s gestation. In the first temple, judgments were performed by separating people into two groups and asking questions.  This process was called the urim and thummim judgment.  An example of this is in 1 Sam 14:41.  For this urim and thummim judgment, the priest wore an ephod (jeweled breastplate), separating people into two groups to find out who sinned, a light coming from the ephod would assist in the answer. 

1 Sam 14:41-45 Therefore Saul said unto the Lord God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.42 And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.44 And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.KJV

During the time of the second temple built by Nehemiah and Ezra, they did not perform the urim and thummin, nor did the temple contain the Ark of the Covenant.  As the second temple was partly destroyed, it was refurbished by Herod.  Some people in Jesus’ day disregarded the second temple, considering it profane because it was rebuilt by Herod who was unclean.  There were many contradictions and contentions regarding the second temple by the first century, an example being that the priestly services were not done by those of the house of Aaron.  Some thought since Solomon’s offering was accepted by God with a consuming fire, the second temple was not approved by God as there was never a consuming fire accepting the offerings. While clearly in the Old Testament the tabernacle/temple was the center of the nation, and thought to be the center of the universe, the first century people did not necessarily believe that regarding the second temple. 

No one knows exactly when synagogues started springing up all over the middle-east, but it was clear that synagogues were the center of learning and prayer in many communities.  Synagogues may have been inspired by the Greeks, as the Greeks met in the city center to discuss philosophy and politics. At some point when the Northern and Southern kingdoms went into captivity, synagogues were established abroad.  We see in the first century that the synagogue at Antioch was visited by the community of Jews as well as Gentiles. The synagogues provided a place of prayer, and learning.  Sometimes they were used as local schools for children to study the Torah. They also were places of judgment to settle community matters as well as the place to collect offerings for the poor.  This was also a place for the community of local people to mourn or celebrate life events.

Keep in mind that by the second century BCE the Septuagint was completed; synagogues had copies of the scrolls which were kept in large boxes inside the synagogue. By this time, the Hebrew language was almost lost, and the Septuagint was the answer to Jews who spoke and read Greek.  Today we seem to think that the first century Jews all spoke Hebrew, but that was not the case. They spoke Aramaic or Greek, which is why Ptolemy ll sponsored the translations from Hebrew to Greek. This was similar to Martin Luther translating the Latin Bible into German, the language of the common man. The early Christians used the Septuagint to study, but by the second century AD the Jews started a revival of the Hebrew language and used either Hebrew texts or Aramaic texts.  This is an interesting paragraph regarding the changing of the text of the Septuagint by Jewish translators in the second century AD.

In the Early Christian Church, the presumption that the Septuagint was translated by Jews before the era of Christ, and that the Septuagint at certain places gives itself more to a christological interpretation than 2nd-century Hebrew texts was taken as evidence that "Jews" had changed the Hebrew text in a way that made them less christological. For example, Irenaeus concerning Isaiah 7:14: The Septuagint clearly writes of a virgin that shall conceive. While the Hebrew text was, according to Irenaeus, at that time interpreted by Theodotion and Aquila (both proselytes of the Jewish faith) as a young woman that shall conceive. According to Irenaeus, the Ebionites used this to claim that Joseph was the (biological) father of Jesus. From Irenaeus' point of view that was pure heresy, facilitated by (late) anti-Christian alterations of the scripture in Hebrew, as evident by the older, pre-Christian, Septuagint.^[35]  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint

In the synagogue, people came for prayer at specific times. While Abraham loosely established hours of prayer; the first temple did not recognize hours of prayer for the common people.  Synagogues did establish hours of prayer for the community.  By the first century, the temple included hours of prayer in the outer complex to coincide with the daily sacrifices.

Most rabbinic scholars discount the New Testament, therefore their historical view of the temple and synagogue ends at Malachi and their future view picks up again in Revelation 21.  However, we know that Jesus taught in many synagogues and in the temple.  Also the synagogues were not exclusive to Jews only, as we see that in Antioch there were Jews and Gentiles when Paul visited after Jesus’ death.

In Antioch, Pisidia, Paul was invited to speak some words of exhortation, and when he did, the Jews got mad but the Gentiles and the Messiah believing Jews wanted to hear more. This split the congregation and the Gentiles invited Paul and company back the next week.   

Acts 13:14-16 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.KJV

Paul goes on to recount Hebraic history including Jesus’ death and resurrection. Adding Jesus into Judaic history made some of the Jews at Antioch mad.  Yet the Gentiles wanted to know more.  Remembering our place in time, Peter had already been to Cornelius’ house and the apostles recognized the Gentiles were fellow heirs and of the same body.

Acts 13:38-45 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Wow, that is a strong statement. Paul says that they/we are justified from all things from which they/we could not be justified by the Law of Moses. Then Paul warns those listening in the synagogue.

Acts 13:40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

The Gentiles wanted to hear more and invited Paul and Barnabas to come back next week.

Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Messiah believing Jews, and Gentile converts, told Paul and Barnabas to keep preaching.  Here are the Amplified and the Message translations which sound a little smoother.

Acts 13:43 And when the congregation of the synagogue dispersed, many of the Jews and the devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked to them and urged them to continue [to trust themselves to and to stand fast] in the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God. AMP

Acts 13:43 As the meeting broke up, a good many Jews and converts to Judaism went along with Paul and Barnabas, who urged them in long conversations to stick with what they'd started, this living in and by God's grace. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Now look at what happens. The Jews who did not believe in Jesus as Messiah chose to contradict and blaspheme.

Acts 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.KJV

The whole city came to hear the word of God. The whole city came, not just a few, but the whole city at Antioch. Strategically speaking, synagogues were the life of the unsaved world at this time.  The Apostles could teach all about the things that happened with Jesus in synagogues all over the region.  The synagogues were already established, and they were the center of the community.  A perfect way to move the word of God was via the synagogues.  This is why (the big picture) synagogues were established, even if they were a Greek model, so that Jesus’ fame could be announced abroad. 

Antioch was known as the cradle of Christianity, located in Turkey, near Lystra, not far from Ephesus, it was a trade route and many travelers carried the stories of Jesus to other parts of the world. Antioch, Pisidia was about 525 miles from Jerusalem and became the center of ministry for Paul and Barnabas.   

Acts 13:46-49 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.KJV

Something we should look at in regard to Jesus preaching in the synagogues, and the difference between the synagogue and the temple, is the heavy religious traditions that developed in Jerusalem. While some might think these works were a good thing, Jesus didn’t seem to think that way. One thing is certain; God must like contradictions, as Jesus completely blasted the traditions of the Pharisees with David’s example of eating the shew bread.  Also, priests still perform temple service on the Sabbath, which has priority over the weekly Sabbath, so technically they break the weekly Sabbath laws. While the Pharisees ignored the law on their own behalf, they used it as a hammer on others. While he was preaching in Galilee the Pharisees tried to entrap Jesus.

Matt 12:1-14 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple [2411] profane the sabbath, and are blameless?6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple [2411].7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.KJV

NT:2411 hieron (hee-er-on'); neuter of NT:2413; a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas NT:3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere): KJV - temple.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

This word for temple, 2411, is referencing the entire complex.  Compare that to Strong’s #3485, which is the “Holy of Holies”. Greek is a very precise language; we lose some understanding in English because we are not as specific with our words. The biggest contention between synagogues and the temple was that the synagogue allowed for personal relationship and personal growth in God.  The temple was different. A few people in the hierarchy made sacrifices for the masses.  Notice verse 7, the debate was alive as to whether God would rather have sacrifices or humble servants.  Jesus and his disciples then went into the synagogue and caused a further commotion there. Jesus again blasting religious tradition in favor of doing well on the Sabbath healed the man with the withered hand.  

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled through the midst of Samaria, then at some point heads to Jericho. On the road somewhere, Jesus taught about humility. When there is one central location, with a hierarchy of religious people, there will be distortions.  The simplicity of the synagogue was that they read the scrolls and prayed, but the temple caused a public rivalry between religious groups, all trying to “one up” each other. The contrast Jesus shows us is symptomatic of a large religious place.   

Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple [2411] to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.KJV

Again, at the time of Jesus there were prayers made in the temple, not the Holy of Holies, the outer complex. Jesus’ words here again show what God is looking for in his people.  Is it possible that the second temple sacrifice was not consumed by fire attesting the approval of God because God preferred not to have a temple? Is it also possible that a large religious edifice detracts from the personal relationship one can have with God? Yet another interesting twist to this study is that “we” are now the temple.  Jesus taught this in Jerusalem but people didn’t understand it.  He used a different word for temple, meaning the Holy of Holies, and the people thought he ment the physical Holy of Holies. 

John 2:19-21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple [3485], and in three days I will raise it up.20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple[3485]in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?21 But he spake of the temple [3485]of his body.KJV

NT:3485 naos, naou, housed of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sacred edifice (or sanctuary) itself, consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of holies Matt 23:16 f,35 (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The inner, secret chamber, holding the Holy of Holies, is now inside of you and me. Steven testified that God does not dwell in temples made with hands. Did somehow people’s thinking become twisted to believe that God could only dwell in a building?  (Acts 7:48) Paul says the same thing in Athens (Acts 17:24), and then pursues this teaching in Corinthians.

1 Cor 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple [3485] of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?17 If any man defile the temple [3485] of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple [3485] of God is holy, which temple [3485] ye are.KJV

Read this through using the words Holy of Holies for the word temple, it is deeper that way. Once we get this we can see the importance of every human becoming a believer in Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Human value is much higher than the world would have us think.  Yet the devil has made humans believe that they are simply dust and of no real value.  Trying to have the conversation about sexual promiscuity, Paul explains it again.

1 Cor 6:17-2017 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple [3485]of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.KJV

Paul understood how important it is to be the temple of the Living God. When the veil of the Holy of Holies was ripped from the top to the bottom, the way was opened for whosoever believed on Jesus to become a temple of the Living God.

2 Cor 6:16-18 What agreement [can there be between] a temple [3485] of God and idols? For we are the temple [3485] of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [Ex 25:8; 29:45; Lev 26:12; Jer 31:1; Ezek 37:27.] 17 So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor, [Isa 52:11.] 18 And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. [Isa 43:6; Hos 1:10.] AMP

Remember Paul and Barnabas’ teaching at Antioch? Jew’s who believe in the Messiah and Gentile converts all make up one large building for the habitation of God. 

Eph 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple [3485] in the Lord:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.KJV

While we understand that the physical temple is not necessary, after the church is gathered a physical temple will be built again in Jerusalem. This will most likely take place after the Psalm 83 war when Israel has a physical dominance in the mid-east.  We have to remember that the Jews don’t believe Jesus is the Messiah, they believe that they need a temple built so that they can correctly worship God.  They long for and desire a physical temple in Jerusalem so that they can become right with God.  Midway through the seven year tribulation, someone who will come forward as a world leader will be revealed as an anti Christ when he sits in the Holy of Holies.  This is how the Jews will recognize their mistake in trusting this leader.  No one but the high priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies, once per year, with a blood sacrifice for the people, while wearing a rope around his ankle, and bells on his garment, just in case he had sin and died in the Holy of Holies, the other priests could pull him out.  We know that the daily sacrifices will resume and then people will be killed under the altar of the temple. But here, people on earth will know for certain, that this leader is bad, when this man sits in the Holy of Holies.

2 Thess 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple [3485] of God, shewing himself that he is God.KJV

2 Thess 2:4 Who opposes and exalts himself so proudly and insolently against and over all that is called God or that is worshiped, [even to his actually] taking his seat in the temple [3485] of God, proclaiming that he himself is God. [Ezek 28:2; Dan 11:36,37.] AMP

One of the rewards of the overcomer (written to the Philadelphian church), besides not going through the tribulation, is that they will become a pillar, or support, in the Holy of Holies. This is like becoming the supporting members who minister in the Holy of Holies of the Living God, not just in the millennial kingdom, but in the New Jerusalem.

Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple [3485] of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.KJV

The Holy of Holies in the New Jerusalem will be the Father and the Son, so the people who are overcomers will be serving the Father and the Son and they won’t have to leave their service. Typically Priests rotated their responsibilities in the earthly temple.

Rev 21:22 And I saw no temple [3485] therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple [3485] of it.KJV

Now we see the conclusion of the temple, there won’t be a physical Holy of Holies in the New Jerusalem because the Almighty God and the Lamb are the Holy of Holies.  Today, the Holy of Holies is in believers, and in the new heaven and earth the Holy of Holies is the Father and the Son.  Therefore, people who overcome are the ministers of God the Father and the Lamb.  Yet what an honor it is for us to be the Holy of Holies today, on earth. That puts immense value on humans, and even more emphasis on evangelizing.  While Jews are set on building a brick and mortar temple on earth, Christians are the Holy of Holies.  It’s ironic that the Holy of Holies is on earth, in many places today; whosoever believes on Jesus.  One does not have to look far to find the temple.  This also speaks to why the rapture is a pre-tribulation forceful snatching away, because those who believe on Jesus as Lord and Savior are the holiest place of the dwelling of God Almighty on the earth. While our earthly bodies are simply the shell, the Holy Spirit lives within us. There was a physical temple which Solomon built and the offering was consumed by fire.  On the day of Pentecost and thereafter, the one who believes Jesus is Lord becomes the Holy of Holies, filled with the Holy Spirit, consumed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus was the once for all blood sacrifice for all human kind who believe.  That is the significance of the temple, not the building for rituals of service.

The synagogue was for teaching and the developing of a personal relationship with God.  That should bring people to the knowledge of God.  The temple is the dwelling of God, which is in us, God’s Holy of Holies.  The synagogues helped move the knowledge of Jesus as Messiah throughout the world.  Paul wrote letters to the churches, the called out, who may have been meeting in homes, and then the knowledge of the temple being within us moved throughout the world.

Jesus of Nazareth, Uniting Gentiles and Jews

Changing our mindset about a subject takes some work on our part. We hear that Jesus was from Nazareth, but rarely do we recognize where that is and the implication of that.  Jesus was not from Jerusalem; he was born in Bethlehem, but resided in Nazareth while growing up after moving back to Israel from Egypt. If we take a look at Nazareth, which is in the Galilee area north of Samaria, we will find some interesting things that might change our old mindset. Nazareth is about 94 miles from Jerusalem.  That is about a three to four day journey by foot.  One would have to travel through Samaria or over the mountains to the east or by sea on the west to get to the south.   We looked at Samaria previously and learned that the Jews hated Samarians.  The Jews from Judea didn’t like the people from the Galilee region either.  To picture Israel, think of the Southern third of the nation as the region of Judah, the middle third of the nation as Samaria, and the Northern third of the nation as the Galilee region.    

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/05/friend-of-sinners-and-samarians.html

Nazareth is the place that Joseph and Mary come from.  The Angel announced to Mary that she would birth the Messiah.  Yet Nazareth was not a holy place with an abundance of Godly Jews.  Mary and Joseph and their families were among the minority in Nazareth.  This is interesting as we seem to think that Jesus was surrounded by a Torah observant community.  Mary and Joseph were living among a predominantly Gentile community.  Something else we do not understand is that there were synagogues in lots of communities, and just one temple, in Jerusalem. So there were observant Jews in many communities but living among a majority of Gentiles.  When Assyria conquered the Northern kingdom the area became mixed with people from Assyria.  Typically, when the Assyrians conquered a nation they would integrate the people into their own society, not keep them separate.  When those individuals wanted to move throughout the Assyrian kingdom they could.  If we remember, after Judah was conquered by the Babylonians, and then Assyria conquered Babylon, the Assyrian king let Ezra and Nehemiah rebuild the temple in Jerusalem because Assyria owned the land. Eventually the Greeks and then the Romans came in as the political leaders.

The fact that Jesus came out of Nazareth was an attestation of His ministry to call all redeemed, not simply Jews.  While Jesus was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, he came out of the Gentile regions and many there believed in Him.  Jesus ministered in the synagogues, healed, and set captives free. Jesus never told the Galileans’ or the Samarians to change what they were doing.  He never said they should do something different.  Instead he ministered and they believed.  This tells us that the religious traditions that were different among the northern two thirds of the nation of Israel, compared to the southern third, were not at issue with Jesus. He wasn’t concerned about religious tradition.  The synagogues were places of assemblies, and were also used as judgment halls, and schools. There, people prayed, and listened to scripture reading.  There wasn’t a Holy of Holies, or animal sacrifices in the synagogues. Synagogues were the meeting place of the Jews of the region, the place of assembly.     

Zacharias and Elisabeth were living in Judea when Elisabeth was six months pregnant.  Mary lived in Nazareth.  Mary conceived and went to visit Elisabeth. That was around a 100 mile journey.    

Luke 1:24-27 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.KJV

Luke 1:39-45And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.KJV

When Mary came to the door and said “Hello”, Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and then Elisabeth prophesied. Doesn’t that seem strange?  Elisabeth knew that Mary believed and conceived.  Mary went back to Nazareth then, and just before she was to give birth she and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem.  Three to four days on a donkey.  

Luke 2:1-6 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.KJV

Another interesting thing happened to Mary of Nazareth, two people prophesied about Jesus after his birth. 

Luke 2:25-40 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.KJV

Simeon said Jesus was a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people. Anna talked about Jesus to people looking for redemption.  Something we have to realize is that Luke was not an eyewitness to these events.  Luke was a Gentile from Syria who was a physician, and had a good knowledge of the Greek language. He recorded these events in detail, but left out the coming of the Magi. The order of some of the gospel’s events is questionable as we shall see, yet he gives a very detailed account of historical events. Mary and Joseph lived in Bethlehem until the Magi came and left.  They took Jesus into Egypt for a while and then returned to Nazareth.

Matt 2:13-23 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.KJV

The family moves back to Nazareth from Egypt.  They had friends and relatives there. I would guess that moving back there was an easy choice.  Let’s keep this in mind.  While they lived in Egypt, and lived in Nazareth, they were living among more Gentiles than if they had been in Judah. This is the cause of discrimination from the people of Judah towards the people of Samaria and Galilee.  Even though the entire region of Israel was run by Rome, there seemed to be a higher concentration of observant Jews in Judah.  

Luke 2:42-52 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.KJV

It is interesting that Jesus, at 12 yrs old, living in a predominantly Gentile area, could eloquently converse with the religious leaders of Jerusalem.  Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents, but when it was time to start his ministry he gathered his disciples from the Galilee region, not Jerusalem.  This is where the story gets interesting.  He did not go south to Jerusalem to the knowledgeable leaders; he went to his region, to those who had a heart for God. This is a point we have to focus on for a bit.  Anyone can have a heart for God without an “office” in the synagogue or church. One might think that Jesus would build a team from among people living in Judah, yet that is not what Jesus did.  People living in the north believed Jesus was the Messiah, while leaders in the south parts of Israel did not.

John 1:35-51 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.KJV

John the Baptist had just announced that Jesus is the Son of God; therefore there were people who heard what John said. Jesus gathered disciples from the Galilee region, and those who would minister with him seemed to have known a little about him.  After calling his disciples, they were all attending a wedding in Cana, about six miles from Nazareth.  Jesus turned water into wine, and while this seems to be his first public miracle, Mary his mother acts as if miracles are normal for Jesus.  When Jesus came out of the wilderness being tempted by the devil he went into Galilee.  Luke says there went out a fame of him throughout the region.  Jesus started teaching in the regions synagogues (more than one synagogue).

Luke 4:13-21 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.KJV

I once heard someone teaching that Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem to declare his ministry, reading from Isaiah.  That is not true.  Jesus was in Nazareth in a synagogue, not in Jerusalem in the temple.  This is a huge blunder.  I think it is what most Jews would want one to believe, but the fact is that Jesus declared his ministry in Nazareth.  This was his hometown. 

Luke 4:22-30 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? 23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

What Happened in Capernaum? We have to remember that Luke was not an eyewitness, not a disciple while Jesus was on earth. Therefore, Luke records what happened at Capernaum after this account, but it probably occurred before. If not these specific events, then similar events took place. Let’s explore. Mark tells us:

Mark 1:21-39 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.29 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.KJV

Jesus had been causing a stir in the Galilee region.  This is why Jesus said to the people in the synagogue of Nazareth that they would say to him “Physician heal thyself”. In other words “Jesus you have a demon, cast it out of yourself” which seems like a harsh thing to say.  Yet this is because he grew up in the region, among the people.  Sometimes when we live in an area most of our lives, our friends and family don’t think much of us.  They see us as the kid next door, not the next super hadron collider inventor.  Jesus’ reply was to the point.  He says even though lots of widows had needs, Elijah stayed with only one and their meal and oil lasted through the famine. Also, lots of lepers had needs, but Elisha healed only one.

Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,KJV

Matthew 13 tells us of Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth.  Recognize that Matthew was an eyewitness, therefore all the teachings Jesus did from Matthew 4, after the temptations, up to chapter 13, were all done in the Galilee region. 

Matt 13:53-58 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.KJV

Mark says this:

Mark 6:4-6 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.KJV

It must have been strange for those people of Nazareth to hear that the people of Capernaum were getting healed and having demons cast out, but that Jesus could not help them because they thought of him as the kid next door.  Yet Jesus chose his hometown to read his ordination prophecy.  Now there are some interesting treasures in his reading from Isaiah. 

To get a running start, Isaiah tells us that Gentiles are in the house of God.  Remember the people from Judah, at the time of Isaiah, thought they were better than the northern regions of Israel. The Northern Kingdom had been captured at this time and the Southern Kingdom was on shaky ground. Isaiah “saw” the messiah and preached about Him.  Isaiah saw the Gentiles being taught, worshipping and being redeemed by the Messiah.  From this time period, people of the Southern Kingdom should have realized the bigger picture, which was that the Gentiles would be fellow heirs and of the same body.  Yet 730 years later the religious leaders still didn’t believe the words of Isaiah.   

Isa 2:1-4 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations [1471 Gentiles] shall flow unto it.3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.4 And he shall judge among the nations [1471 Gentiles], and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.KJV

During the millennial kingdom, foreign nations, Gentiles, will fill the house of the Lord and learn from him. Next the Gentiles come to pay tribute to the Lord.   

Isa 60:1-5 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.3 And the Gentiles [1471] shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles [1471] shall come unto thee.KJV

And here we see again attesting to the Millennial Kingdom.

Isa 60:11-13 Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles [1471], and that their kings may be brought.12 For the nation [1471] and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations [1471] shall be utterly wasted.13 The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.KJV

What we see Isaiah saying for the millennial kingdom is that salvation is for the Gentile as well as the Jew; anyone who believes Jesus is the Messiah.  Then Chapter 61 of Isaiah is what Jesus recited in Nazareth. 

Isa 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord KJV

Jesus stopped here and told the people in the synagogue at Nazareth that that scripture was fulfilled in their ears.  As the kid next door, it seems like a stretch for people to conceive.  The bigger picture is that Jesus came to a predominately Gentile region, gathered others, did miracles, and then declared his ministry.  The rest of the verse goes on to describe the coming millennial reign.   

Isa 61:2-11  , and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles [1471], and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.8 For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles [1471], and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations [1471].KJV

The stigma of the title “of Nazareth” carried the picture of a people less religious than their neighbors to the south.  These people were not as “spiritual” as those in Jerusalem.  But Jesus announced his ministry in Nazareth, collected his disciples from Galilee, spent time being tempted by the devil in the region, did his first public miracle in Cana, was announced by John the Baptist, cast out demons and healed the sick in Capernaum; all in the northern region of Israel.  Was God trying to tell us something?

Assuming that people knew the previous chapters of Isaiah, they would have been reminded of the Gentiles being in the Millennial Kingdom. This was not completely understood until the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, an unlikely way to tear material.  If I were to tear my curtains I would start at the bottom and tear upwards, rather than get on a ladder and tear from top down.  The way this veil was torn probably left a bit of the curtain un-torn at the bottom of the veil, while the top was torn in two. Later, the Apostle Paul clarified this idea and explained it to everyone. The mission of Israel was to bring the Gentiles to Yahweh, but instead Israel succumbed to the ways of the Gentiles. Once the religious leaders rejected Jesus as the Messiah, they had no other option but to kill him, because he was speaking against their pious ways.  While Jesus was born in Bethlehem as prophesied, he was from Nazareth, and killed in Jerusalem.  When he was crucified, Pilate announced him as Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews, in three languages. 

John 19:18-20 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.KJV

This is what the religious leaders of Jerusalem didn’t want.  They didn’t want history to record that the Messiah came from the northern region of Israel.  They argued with Pilate, but he refused to change his sign.  Every time the phrase Jesus Christ of Nazareth is used it was understood by the Israelites as Jesus the Anointed One from the land of the Gentiles, or Jesus the Anointed One who is out of land of the Gentiles.  Jesus coming from “out of” the land of the Gentiles or mixed peoples, is another attestation that he was erasing the separation between Jew and Gentile.  Again this is why after Pentecost when healings were done in Jesus’ name, the religious leaders did not want the disciples to use his name.

Acts 2:21-24 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.KJV

Peter says whosoever here.  It is not just the Jews that get the special relationship with God any longer; whosoever calls on Jesus shall be saved.  Then Peter says Jesus, the one who came out of the Gentiles, was raised up from the dead. Another bold message spoken by Peter about Jesus of the Gentiles is in the healing of the lame man at the temple gate.

Acts 3:6-8 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.KJV

Using the phrase “Jesus Christ of Nazareth”, the lame man, who was lame from birth, was healed. That is incredible.  The power in the name of the Anointed one from Nazareth is miraculous. Isaiah told everyone about the Gentiles coming to God but at that time the Judeans had not yet rejected God.  They thought they were still the world leaders to bring salvation to the nations.  But when they rejected God, their country collapsed, and later the religious leaders rejected the Messiah.  Isaiah was clear that the wall of separation would be gone and everyone could be redeemed and enter into the Millennial Kingdom.  The context in Isaiah is interesting as God takes the time to also correct the errors that crept in regarding fasting.  The people were fasting, making it a show and a ritual to twist the arm of God.  However, God refused to listen and reminded them the way they were supposed to fast.  By the time Jesus was teaching in Jerusalem, the religious leaders forgot what Isaiah said regarding fasting and were still making a big show of it.  These same people then forbid the disciples to use the name Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Acts 4:9-12 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.KJV

Peter reiterates that salvation only comes by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Stephen was martyred attesting to Jesus of Nazareth.

Acts 6:8-15 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen…..10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.KJV

Again the religious leaders tried to stop the movement of salvation through Jesus Christ by accusing Stephen, and bribing people to speak against Stephen. These people were being bribed to commit a crime, to bear false witness against Stephen; yet those religious leaders didn’t seem worried about breaking the commandments when it suited them. Jesus the Anointed One from among the Gentile Land did actually change the customs of Moses and did rise again on the third day.  Peter speaks at the house of Cornelius.

Acts 10:34-43 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.KJV

Peter says Jesus’ words were published throughout all of Judaea and started in Galilee. Now at this time, after Pentecost, the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, just like those on the day of Pentecost did.  Paul recounts his trip on the road to Damascus.  Damascus is in Syria, and at that time the disciples had gone out all over the region preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.  Paul was on his way to imprison those people when Jesus stopped him. In Acts 9, Luke records Jesus’ words, then in Acts 22 Luke records Paul’s words to the mob when he was arrested in the temple.  Paul’s words clearly recount Jesus of Nazareth the phrase Jesus used to identify himself. 

Acts 22:5-11 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.KJV

In this account to King Agrippa, Paul is recorded as using the phrase from Acts 9, but prior to that he himself testifies that he thought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 

Acts 26:1-19 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:KJV

Jesus came to bring a uniting of Jew and Gentile, not to separate them.  He came to a predominately Assyrian mixed people, called his disciples, and did miracles.  Once he was known in Judea, people believed there as well, yet contentions came from the religious leaders.  His name has power to heal but was an insult to the pride of the religious leaders every time it was used and testified to in public.  The religious leaders believed they were “right” in stopping Jesus’ name, in as much as they bribed people to lie and stone Stephen.  It is interesting that God chose Nazareth for Jesus to grow up and start his ministry on earth, a place looked down upon and poorly thought of.  But Jesus was a friend to sinners and Samarians and a resident of Galilee, the very places the pious religious people hated.  Jesus spent a lot of time in synagogues.  Why? We will explore that next week. 

End Notes:

Nazareth’s post Messiah history

Islamic era

In 1099, the Crusader Tancred captured Galilee and established his capital in Nazareth. The ancient diocese of Scythopolis was also relocated under theArchbishop of Nazareth, one of the four archdioceses in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The town returned to Muslim control in 1187 following the victory ofSaladin in the Battle of Hattin. The remaining Crusaders and European clergy were forced to leave town.^[62] Frederick II managed to negotiate safe passage for pilgrims from Acre in 1229, and in 1251, Louis IX, the king of France, attended mass in the grotto, accompanied by his wife.^[62]

In 1263, Baybars, the Mamluk Sultan, destroyed the Christian buildings in Nazareth and declared the site off-limits to Latin clergy, as part of his bid to drive out the remaining Crusaders from Palestine.^[62] While Arab Christian families continued to live in Nazareth, its status was reduced to that of a poor village. Pilgrims who visited the site in 1294 reported only a small church protecting the grotto.^[62]

In the 14th century, Franciscan monks were permitted to return and live within the ruins of the Basilica, but they were evicted again in 1584.^[62] In 1620,Fakhr-al-Din II, a Druze emir who controlled this part of Ottoman Syria rule, permitted them to build a small church at the Grotto of the Annunciation. Pilgrimage tours to surrounding sacred sites were organized by the Franciscans, but the monks suffered harassment from surrounding Bedouin tribes who often kidnapped them for ransom.^[62] Stability returned with the rule of Daher el-Omar, a powerful Bedouin sheikh who ruled over much of the Galilee and who authorized the Franciscans to build a church in 1730. That structure stood until 1955, when it was demolished to make way for a larger building completed in 1967.^[62]

Nazareth was captured by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799, during his Syrian campaign. Napoleon visited the holy sites and considered appointing his general Junot as the duke of Nazareth.^[62]During the rule of Ibrahim Pasha (1830–1840), the Egyptian general, over much of Ottoman Syria, Nazareth was open to European missionaries and traders. After the Ottomans regained control, European money continued to flow into Nazareth and new institutions were established. The Christians of Nazareth were protected during the pogroms of 1860s by Aghil Agha, the Bedouin leader who exercised control over the Galilee between 1845 and 1870.^[62]

Kaloost Vartan, an Armenian from Istanbul, arrived in 1864 and established the first medical missionary in Nazareth, the Scottish "hospital on the hill", or the Nazareth Hospital as it is known today, with sponsorship from the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society. The Ottoman Sultan, who favored the French, allowed them to establish an orphanage, the Society of Saint Francis de Sale. By the late 19th century, Nazareth was a town with a strong Arab Christian presence and a growing European community, where a number of communal projects were undertaken and new religious buildings were erected.^[62] In 1871 Christ Church, the city's only Anglican church, was completed under the leadership of the Rev John Zeller and consecrated by Bp Samuel Gobat.^[63]

British Mandate

In 1918, Nazareth had a population of 8,000, two-thirds Christian. Over the next thirty years, the population rose to 18,000.^[64]

State of Israel

Nazareth was in the territory allotted to the Arab state under the 1947 UN Partition Plan. The town was not a field of battle during 1948 Arab-Israeli Warbefore the first truce on 11 June, although some of the villagers had joined the loosely organized peasant military and paramilitary forces, and troops from the Arab Liberation Army had entered Nazareth. During the ten days of fighting which occurred between the first and second truce, Nazareth capitulated to Israeli troops during Operation Dekel on 16 July, after little more than token resistance. The surrender was formalized in a written agreement, where the town leaders agreed to cease hostilities in return for promises from the Israeli officers, including brigade commander Ben Dunkelman (the leader of the operation), that no harm would come to the civilians of the town.

The town remained under Martial Law until 1966.

The Israeli government has designated a Nazareth metropolitan area that includes the local councils of Yafa an-Naseriyye to the south, Reineh,Mashhad and Kafr Kanna to the north, Iksal and Nazareth Illit to the east and Migdal HaEmek to the west.

Preparations for the Pope's visit to Nazareth in 2000 triggered highly publicized tensions related to the Basilica of the Annunciation. In 1997, permission was granted to construct a paved plaza to handle the thousands of Christian pilgrims expected to arrive. The Muslims protested and occupied the site, where a nephew of Saladin is believed to be buried. A school, al-Harbyeh, had been built on the site by the Ottomans, and the Shihab-Eddin shrine, along with several shops owned by the waqf, were located there. Government approval of plans for a large mosque on the property triggered protests from Christian leaders around the world. In 2002, a special government commission permanently halted construction of the mosque.^[65]

In March 2006, public protests followed the disruption of a prayer service by an Israeli Jew and his Christian wife and daughter, who detonated firecrackers inside the church. The family said it wanted to draw attention to their problems with the welfare authorities.^[66]

In July 2006 a rocket fired by Hezbollah as part of the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict killed two children in Nazareth.^[67]

In March 2010, the Israeli government approved a $3 million dollar plan to develop Nazareth's tourism industry. New businesses receive start-up grants of up to 30 percent of their initial investment from the Ministry of Tourism.^[68]

Demography

Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel.^[71] Until the beginning of the British Mandate in Palestine (1922–1948), the population was predominantly Arab Christian (majority Orthodox Christians), with an Arab Muslim minority. Nazareth today still has a significant Christianpopulation, made up of Maronites, Orthodox Christians, Roman Catholic, Melkite Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Evangelicals and Copts, among others. The Muslim population has grown, for a number of historical factors, that include the city having served as administrative center under British rule, and the influx of internally displaced Palestinians absorbed into the city from neighbouring towns during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.^[4]

In 2009, the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics reported that Nazareth's population was 69% Muslim and 30.9% Christian.^[72] The current mayor is a Christian.^[4] The greater Nazareth metropolis area had a population of 210,000, including 125,000 (59%) Israeli Arabs and 85,000 Jews (41%). It is the only urban area with over 50,000 residents in Israel where the majority of the population is Arab.^[73]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth