A Silent Witness to Accurate Prophecy

IN CENTRAL ROME, ITALY, STANDS A TRIUMPHAL ARCH THAT ATTRACTS VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.  THE ARCH HONORS ONE OF ROME'S FAVORITE EMPERORS-TITUS.

The Arch of Titus has two large reliefs depicting a well-known historical event.  Less well-known, though, is the fascinating link between the arch and the Bible-The Arch if Titus bears silent witness to the remarkable accuracy of the Bible prophecy. 

A CITY CONDEMNED

Early in the first century C.E., the Roman Empire stretched from Britain and Gaul (now France) to Egypt, and the region enjoyed unprecedented stability and prosperity.  But on remote area was a source of constant frustration for Rome-the restless province of Judea.

The Encyclopedia of Ancient Rome states: "Few territories under Rome's control were marked by such intense dislike, on both sides, as Judea.  The Jews resented foreign masters who cared nothing for their traditions, and the Romans found Jewish stubbornness cause for severe intolerance."  Many Jews hoped that a political messiah would expel the hated Romans and restore a golden era to Israel.  But in 33 C.E., Jesus Christ declared that Jerusalem faced a coming catastrophe.

Jesus said: "The days will come upon you when your enemies will build among you a fortification of pointed stakes and will encircle you and besiege you from every side.  They will dash you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave a stone upon a stone in you." -Luke 19:43, 44.

Jesus' worlds evidently puzzled his disciples. Two days later, on viewing Jerusalem's temple, one them exclaimed:  "Teacher, see! what wonderful stones and buildings!"  Indeed, some temples were reportedly over 35 feet (11 m) long, 15 feet (5 m) wide, and 10 feet (3 m) high!  Yet, Jesus replied:  "As for these things that you now see, the days will come when not a stone will be left upon a stone and not be thrown down." -Mark 13:1; Luke 21:6.

Jesus further told them: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near.  Then let those in  the midst of her leave, and let those in the countryside not enter into her." (Luke 21:20, 21)  Did Jesus' words come true?

Next time: A Silent Witness to Accurate Prophecy  - DEATH OF A CITY

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