The Jewish revolt begins; Christians flee Jerusalem
Luke 21:20–24; Matthew 24:15–20; Mark 13:14–18
Provoked by the governor Florus, Judea rose against Rome. Remembering Jesus' warning to flee when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies, the Christians of Jerusalem left the city.
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the middle of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein.”
Luke 21:20–21 (World English Bible)
Eusebius records that the church of Jerusalem, warned by a revelation, moved to Pella, east of the Jordan, before the siege. The Roman general Vespasian subdued Galilee in AD 67 (the historian Josephus, then a Jewish commander, surrendered to him) before becoming emperor in AD 69.
Places
Ancient witnesses outside the Bible
Historical sources, not Scripture.
- War 2.14.4 — the war begins, in Nero's twelfth year
- War 2.17.2 — the sacrifices for the emperor are stopped
- War 2.19.7 — Cestius withdraws from Jerusalem; the Christians' flight is told by Eusebius, not Josephus
Dating notes
AD 66, the conventional date and Ussher's as well.