JERUSALEM OF THE APOSTLES

Before Jesus was taken up to heaven from the Mount of Olives He reminded his disciples that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit and then be his witnesses in Jerusalem. Later on they would proceed to Judaea and Samaria and other parts of the world.

The eleven remaining disciples, now called Apostles, then went back to the room where they stayed. They gathered frequently to pray as a group. They were joined by several women, Mary, the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Peter preached on these steps, just south of the Southern Temple Wall,

On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came, as promised by Jesus, and filled the Apostles and other followers of Jesus.

Then Peter stood up and delivered a powerful sermon to Jews and all prepared to listen. According to the Book of Acts more than three thousand joined the church on that day. Members of the church regularly met in the temple, were taught by the Apostles through whom many miracles were being done.

It was also in Jerusalem where the first Council of the Christian Church was held. The Apostles as well as Paul attended the Council. Although all of them were busy proclaiming the Good News all over the world they often visited Jerusalem, especially in support of the Christians who did not flee from the Jewish persecution.