Bible Word of the Day
The Beautiful Gate (A Gate of the Jewish Temple)
Meaning
The Beautiful Gate is one of the many gates which led into the ancient Jewish Temple. Some of the other gates were named the Golden Gate and Nicanor Gate. There were twelve gates in all that led onto the Temple grounds. Moreover, the Bible tells us that the Temple will once again be rebuilt in end-times. The Beautiful Gate is the entrance where the Apostle John and the Apostle Peter healed the lame man who was later questioned by the Sanhedrin. We can read the account of this historical event in the New Testament book of Acts.
The gate was located beyond the “Court of the Gentiles”, and was a magnificent 60 feet wide. It was identified by some scholars as the “Gate Shusan” because it contained a beautifully sculptured relief of the city of Susa which was reminiscent of the Babylonian exile. During the time of the morning and evening sacrifices this great entrance was the place of public worship. The biggest controversy is in regards to its exact location. Some Bible scholars think it was located near the women’s court on the east side of the Temple, or that it may have separated the court of the men. And still other Bible scholars think it was beyond the court of the Gentiles.
“And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them-walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.” (Acts 3:2-9)