Caiaphas' Palace, King David's Tomb, and the Upper Room - January 30, part 3

The Church of Saint Peter in Galicantu was built in 1931 and is the traditional site of the Palace of Caiaphas who was the high priest in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Beneath the church is a cave thought to be where Jesus was detained by the chief priests. Jesus would have been lowered through the hole and then pulled back up through the hole. This is the first time I had ever heard this story. Due to the depth of the cave, it would have been excruciatingly painful.



Outside in the courtyard of the palace is where Peter denied knowing Jesus three times: "And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus: "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he want out and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:57-75). The statue includes the girl, the rooster, Peter and Jesus.



Other pictures from Caiaphas' place show the architecture and mosaics. From atop the palace you can see Jerusalem and the surrounding areas.







King David's Tomb is located on Mount Zion just outside the southwest corner of the present old city wall. This is another very sacred spot for the Jews who highly revered their king. The Upper Room is also located in this structure.



The steps to the Upper Room are somewhat steep. Upon entering the Upper Room you find yourself in a large hall. The ceiling is supported by three pillars which divide the room into three naves. The pillars and the arches, windows and other Gothic style architectural elements are a clear indication the room was built by the Crusaders in the early XIV century, on top of a much older structure most probably pre-dating the first churches erected in Palestine. This old structure, according to the archaeological research, was a church-synagogue of the early Christian community of Jerusalem.

The Upper Room brings to mind the scene of momentous events recounted in the Gospels: the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper, Jesus' appearance before the Apostles after his Resurrection and the descent of the Holy Spirit over the Apostles at Pentecost.




As we entered the Upper Room another group was present and actively involved in worship. They were a French speaking group from Africa and passionate about hearing the stories. There was preaching, raising of arms and hands, amens, and much rejoicing. After several minutes we climbed to the top of the building and heard the stories from Mark 14:12-25 (The passover with the disciples and the words of institution)and Acts 2:1-21 (the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and Peter's sermon).

Having started the day early, we ended earlier than usual. Many returned to their hotel room to take a nap. I knew better. had I taken a nap I would have been up all hours of the night.