The
Mysteries of Damascus
Let us take a look at early Damascus.
We will find this area to be an interesting and dynamic place before and during
the time of Jesus Christ. This is the capital city of Syria. It is famous for
its orchards and numerous gardens. These were irrigated by the ancient Abana
(Barada) rivers. Its name comes from an ancient Egyptian word. According to the
Ancient Antiochene Church the meaning of this word (Damascus) is said to be a
secret.
The area of Damascus has been inhabited sense
ancient, prehistoric times. The ancient Assyrians fought for this land and
eventually took it over at one time. Syrian deities were once worshiped there.
From 64 B.C. to A.D. 33 it was a Roman city. By the time of Apostle Paul, the
city had many synagogues. We must understand that many religious movements
developed in Damascus and rested there during the beginning of the Christian
time (30 A.D.), this included those from the early Nazorean sects and Essenian
sects. Damascus became a subsidiary of Ancient Antioch and was a melting pot of
Hellenized Jews, mixed Gentile Jews, Pagans, and the theology of these groups
mixed with Greek philosophy and Egyptian theology. It was a location of radical
intellectualism and political debate.
Early Christians felt safe in Damascus because of its
ecumenical and liberal (allowed free-thinking) reputation. Less persecution was
practiced in its rural regions. These regions were ruffly about 70 miles or so
from the Sea of Galilee. Most of Jesus’s ministry occurred in Galilee. There
were strong trading roads from Antioch and Galilee to Damascus. There were many
poor communities in Damascus. For almost two centuries some of the Essenes,
from the outer initiates group, lived and hung out there. The famous “Damascus
Document” found in the Dead Sea Scrolls shows proof of the early Essenian
movement.
Before Apostle Paul’s conversion he began to
persecute the Christians. This is recorded in the Book of Acts. After the
stoning of Stephen, he was on his way to Damascus to persecute even more
Christians. While on his way to do so, Jesus Christ appeared to him in vision.
This caused the conversion of Apostle Paul to true Christianity.
We need to give out some very interesting information
regarding the Nazorean sect, which also hung out in Galilee and Damascus. The
Hebrew title “Nazorean” comes from the Hebrew root word, Netser – pronounced;
nay-tser. It means “shoot” or “branch”. The early Messianic sect was called
this because of the “Branch” prophecies regarding the coming Messiah found in
the prophets. The Messiah is referred to as “the Branch”. They also taught the
coming of the restored Davidic Kingdom, in this sense they were the first
“Branch Davidians”.
There are more mysteries regarding the title
“Nazorean” which we shall reveal very soon. The point of this short study was
to reveal the territory of Damascus and show just what was going on in this
region during the time of Jesus Christ. The world has changed and many new
issues have arisen. If you are reading this and struggling with Christianity, we
invite you to study here with us, you may find new ways of looking at things
and understanding things as a true Christian.
We are learning about Christian history. Continue
with us here at “The Shepherds Way & Nugget of Truth”. Watch all of
Presbyter King’s talks and remain in the Word.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
AACG (September 9th 2024)
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