New Testament Geography

Resources

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Where did the Savior’s mortal ministry take place?

The authors of the New Testament reference geography, topography, and the names of places that may be unfamiliar to modern readers. Understanding the geographic setting can bring additional insight into the Savior’s life and the lives of His Apostles.

1. Galilee is the area north of Samaria, on the north and west of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was raised in the small Galilean village of Nazareth. He spent most of His mortal ministry teaching in Galilean towns and villages.

2. Judea is the area west of the Dead Sea and surrounding Jerusalem. The Savior was not as readily accepted here as He was in Galilee, particularly by the Jewish leaders, who were the chief priests, scribes, and elders.

3. Samaria is the area west of the Jordan River and between Judea and Galilee. The Samaritans were descendants of Israelites and foreigners who intermarried and lived in Samaria following the Assyrian conquest in the eighth century BC. Deep animosity developed between Samaritans and Jews because of religious and cultural differences. Jews traveling between Judea and Galilee often traveled a longer route near the Jordan River to avoid passing through Samaria.

4. Jerusalem became the capital city of Israel after King David captured it. King Solomon developed the city and built a temple. After the division of Israel, Jerusalem remained the capital city of Judah. At various times the city and temple were attacked and partially destroyed. King Herod rebuilt the temple and city walls. At the time of Jesus Christ, Jerusalem was the center of religious worship for the Jews.

My Father’s House, by Al Rounds

Learn More

• Matthew J. Grey, “Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus Christ” (digital-only article), Liahona, June 2023, Gospel Library

• Paul E. Dahl, “The Setting of the New Testament,” Ensign, July 1983, 68–75

• Bible Maps, no. 11, “The Holy Land in New Testament Times”

• Bible Maps, no. 12, “Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus”

• Life of Christ Map, VirtualTours.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/lifeofchristmap

• Virtual New Testament app

Notes

1. See George A. Pierce, “Understanding the Physical and Metaphysical Geography of the New Testament,” in Blumell, New Testament History, Culture, and Society, 485–96.

2. See Bible Maps, no. 11, “The Holy Land in New Testament Times.”

3. See 2 Kings 17:24–41; Holzapfel and others, Jesus Christ and the World of the New Testament, 119.

4. See Guide to the Scriptures, “Samaritans,” Gospel Library; Holzapfel and others, Jesus Christ and the World of the New Testament, 119.

5. See Guide to the Scriptures, “Jerusalem,” Gospel Library; Bible Dictionary, “Temple of Herod.”